Heritage

Described as a 'master milliner' and an 'ambassador for hat-making' Yvette has always been passionate about the materials she uses and the community she sources from. She specialises in hand blocking and hat making, and uses all British-produced materials (much of it from Yorkshire and Scotland), creating unique hats, with the fabrics moulded by steam and all the trimmings made by hand.

"All of my hats and headpieces are made using old fashioned millinery techniques and natural materials. Hats are hand-blocked at my Melrose workrooms giving me ultimate design control and quality over every piece. Although some machining is necessary many of the pieces are hand-sewn and I find all of the trimmings myself from a wide range of natural and sustainable sources; such as friends with exotic birds, gamekeepers, fishing shops etc, the list is endless. I also try to avoid manmade materials as I find they date very quickly and do not have the same character as natural pieces."

Yvette was winner of Maker of the Year for the Heritage Crafts Association and now promotes all makers and crafts through her work and passing on details to clients. Yvette is a huge admirer of The Kings foundation and School of Traditional Arts which works globally to create sustainable communities through placemaking projects and transforms lives through practical education programmes. Though a legacy of HM the King visiting Newmarket in 2025 we hope to build a Makers home for all faiths where anyone can come and try a skill in crafting and share skills. We hope to have rooms for people to stay for week long courses to learn from makers who will visit from all over the world.

Some Felt and cashmere felted hoods blocked into hats

We will have course updates shortly with weekly and monthly residential stays when possible. This will be for those who wish to learn the art and mystery of hat making in order to continue a business for your self. All blocks and materials will be included with the possibility of buying equipment for home use.

Please do get in touch if you have a party to celebrate with a friend or friends hen parties birthday parties and such

Hat/ headpiece making 1/2 days can be booked from October 1 2025 for 6 or more £80.00 per person with all materials included. on events@nhrm.co.uk