For the past thirty years, From the Neck Up: An Illustrated Guide to Hatmaking has been the bible of hatmaking for milliners working in theater, film and entertainment. It is the most complete and unique book on millinery to date. It can be used as a method of self instruction, as a classroom textbook or as a reference guide. All of the hatmaking techniques are explained step-by-step and clearly illustrated by more than four hundred photographs and drawings. Professional millinery supplies, methods, materials and equipment are described and illustrated in detail with substitutes and improvised methods included for milliners with limited resources and budgets. No prior knowledge of hatmaking has been assumed. Even if you have never held a needle and thread before, you can, through careful application of the lessons in this book, make your own handmade hats either with or without the aid of a sewing machine. You will learn how to make a well-fitting hat pattern, construct and cover a foundation, make your own trim, and insert a lining. You will be introduced to the more advanced millinery methods of hat design, manipulating felt, sewing straw and draping fabric. In addition, you will learn valuable professional tricks used to make hats that will amaze you with their simplicity and effective results. From the Neck Up will teach you not only how to make new hats, but also how to restore and remodel vintage old ones. It is an invaluable guide for experienced and amateur milliners interested in designing, making or wearing hats, whether for theater, film, formal or street wear. It is especially useful for fashion design, bridal wear, theatrical costumes, historical reenactment, science fiction, fantasy costumes and fancy dress headwear. Included in the book are sixty quarter-inch scale historical and modern hat patterns for men and women including Ancient Greek, Byzantine, Medieval, Renaissance, Elizabethan, Baroque, Restoration, Edwardian, Victorian and Modern.
