Fiona Dixon Designs

25/02/2020

Same same but different . Prototyping first shoe.

28/02/2019

For those that haven't done Louise's class

26/03/2018

03/09/2017

I have just had a fantastic exchange with an American lady who contacted me after purchasing some of my hats. She wanted to know a little of their history. After sending me a photo of the hats I realised that they were possibly from my 2nd or 3rd year of my millinery career (early 1990s) and I was amazed at how well cared for they were. The reason for this became clear when she said that she had purchased them from the Lear Estate Auction (Lear Jet people). You never know where you hats may end up in their lifetime. I now have my little brush with fame.

03/09/2017

It's a wrap.. Millinery classes for 2017 now completed. Thank you all for making teaching millinery so much fun.
Canada here I come....

03/09/2017

So hope this exhibit extends so I can see it when I go to the MElbourne cup

24/08/2017

03/08/2017

Fully recovered from my horrible flu and now getting ready for the next round of classes. The millinery classes for Aug/Sept are now full (and some overflowing) and this will most likely be the last round of classes for 2017.

I have started to get some questions regarding the materials list sent out. If one person asks the question, it generally means that someone else is in the class could be unsure too. Below is the question and my answer .
Just looking at the wire needed does it have to be exactly the same colour as your sinamay?

"It seems to be in limited colours in the size you suggested.
Also I don't really mind what hat design I do as I just want to learn as many techniques as possible.
With that in mind should I consider a conventional hat with a brim?
Many thanks
Sue."

There are only white and black generally offered. We will discuss ways to colour match during the class. If you Have a light colour – go white- dark colour go black.
For ease of sewing, I would choose a light colour for your first one so that you can see what you a doing on the sinamay.

Not knowing what you want to do is a great way to come to class. It is very rare that students do what they planned once they know what can be achieved. I can help on the day to ensure that you choose a piece that teaches you the skills required. Think small on the day so you can achieve more but buy enough sinamay for you to play with after the class.

Hope that helps.

Fiona

17/07/2017

I have arrived safely back from the Hats Off to Adelaide millinery convention. What a week.... I am planning very carefully 2 days of binge netflix watching so that I can recover from what has been probably the most lingering virus I have had in years.
Thank you to all the delegates that were able to look past my voice coming and going and waiting while the dizzy spells past.

I thoroughly enjoyed teaching the classes and the best bit of teaching is when you see "lightbulb" moments in your students' faces. Something you have said makes sense to someone else.
Off to the couch....