The French Room is Open for Business and I'm Excited Because I'm Taking a Millinery Class There on 28th!

The French Room Grand Opening Celebration

OK, I'm excited because I'm taking a millinery class, more specifically, a
Kentucky derby/fascinator class.  I love taking classes; I've taken some sort of class since forever.  But there is something special about the class I'm taking on Saturday, April 28.  I will be at the The French Room, not only to take the class, but to also support a group of wonderful women.  Although there are other partners, Colleen and Austin are the ladies I know best, friends.

I love to be around passionate, caring people like Austin and Colleen.  Plus, we share a special bond from the past.  Although I've been in California for decades (I'm a Southerner forever!), I still love "good old down to earth, front porch people."  The type of people that are warm and supportive.  Thanks for supporting me ladies, and here is a little bit of support back to you!

The ladies have created the type of business I've been looking for for years, one that offers a variety of classes to satisfy those like myself that not only love millinery, but also many other arts and crafts.  The French Room is located at 3195 Glendale Boulevard in Los Angeles, California.

Please visit the Room on Facebook and click on the "Like" button to keep up with all of the wonderful things that will be happening around the Room. To view the list of upcoming classes, visit the Room's Events page also located on Facebook.   Plus, visit Colleen's and Austin's blogs to follow these ladies' and their escapades around town and abroad to get a glimpse of how they live their life.  They have too much fun!  I'm sure The French Room will be a place where you will love to hang out. These ladies love life, and they will bring this love of life to their new venture.

Note:  Over 99.99% of search engine statistics on my site are questions concerning making fascinators and fascinator classes.  Here is your opportunity to sign up for the the April 28th class.  Book your class here, (on Facebook) immediately!

Fascinator Class October 15, 2011, Los Angeles, California, Area

First, forgive me for staying away for so long.  I've been extremely busy with Ms. E', updating my Hatstruck Web site, making hats, buying hat supplies I'll never use, you name it!

The Hatstruck site contains what I refer to as my "Portfolio of Skills."  I haven't added  descriptions to the backs of the majority of the images yet, plus I need to add additional images.  However, I've decided to launch the site as is to support the announcement of the my upcoming fascinator class.  

I attended the fair and I took pictures, but I'll post those in a week or so.  I did win two first awards, and a most innovative award, including lower awards on all of my other entries.  I'll go into more detail later.

Yes, I finally decided to give a group class again.  I wanted a place close to where I live, somewhere serene, somewhere artsy.  After looking for an appropriate location, I decided on a place within walking distance from where I live here in Torrance, California.  For those traveling from out of town, Torrance is packed full of  wonderful restaurants, hotels, and shopping.  The weather in this beach city is to kill for!  Just a little bit of enticement to encourage you to travel here.

The class will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2011.  Here is a description of the class as given here in the sidebar.  For time and location, please see the sidebar to your right:

More than a simple fascinator class, this class will teach frame making and covering; millinery trim, including feather work, and more. Various demonstrations using popular millinery materials (jinsin, crinoline, sinamay, etc.) will be given in class. Learn skills that apply to all areas of couture millinery. All fascinator supplies are included in the class fee. Please bring scissors, stick pins, measuring tape, and needles.  Although you will complete a buckram frame (wiring, stitching, etc.), finished frames will be provided so that you may cover and trim an additional hat(s), depending on your skill level and time. A class fee discount applies to Hatstruck blog members--$180 members, $225 non-members). Registration fee now due. A non-refundable fee of $40 will apply should you cancel the class within eight (8) days of class start date.  For those registering from 1 to 8 days of the class and decide to cancel, the $40 non-refundable fee will also apply. Please contact me at lduncan@hatstruck.com for additional information.  Feel free to make payment through PayPal.

There is a lot packed into this class.  I was not interested in conducting a fascinator class where you just trim a fascinator base and call it a day.   So, if you want to work hard, but still have lots of fun, please join me.  Although I will demonstrate a shortlist of hand stitches in class, I suggest that you view the stitch videos suggested on links in the sidebar to your right.  Snacks will be provided.

Below is a fun, vintage millinery video; enjoy!
BIRTH OF HAT