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Ryan
- Rate $112
- Response 1h

$112/h
1st lesson free
- Fashion Design
- Sewing
- Sewing machine
- Embroidery
- Weaving
Learn the Art of Traditional Hatmaking from a Master Milliner Using Professional Techniques from Couture, Theater, and Bespoke Hatmaking.
- Fashion Design
- Sewing
- Sewing machine
- Embroidery
- Weaving
Lesson location
Recommended
Ryan is a respected tutor in our community. They are highly recommended for their commitment and the quality of their lessons. An excellent choice to progress with confidence.
About Ryan
I am a master milliner, sculptor, painter, and educator with more than 20 years of experience designing and creating hats for luxury fashion, theater, film, and contemporary art. My work has appeared on Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Beyoncé, and at the Metropolitan Opera, and has been featured in publications including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, W Magazine, Playboy, and Forbes. I hold a Certificate in Millinery from the Fashion Institute of Technology, a BFA from Syracuse University, and an MFA in Studio Art from Queens College, bringing together technical precision with a strong foundation in design and sculpture.
About the lesson
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- +2
levels :
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
Proficient
Children
- English
All languages in which the lesson is available :
English
Learn the Art of Traditional Hatmaking from a Master Milliner
Whether you're a complete beginner, a fashion student, a costume designer, or an experienced maker looking to refine your skills, I offer personalized millinery instruction rooted in traditional craftsmanship and over two decades of professional experience.
My lessons are individually tailored to your interests and goals. Whether you want to make your first felt fedora, create an elaborate couture headpiece, restore a vintage hat, or build a collection for your fashion brand, we'll develop a course of study that fits your experience and ambitions.
Students can learn virtually every aspect of traditional millinery, including:
Felt hat making for men's and women's hats
Straw hat construction and finishing
Couture millinery and special occasion hats
Pattern making and design development
Blocking techniques using wood
Wire frames and structural foundations
Hand sewing and traditional construction methods
Brim cutting, edge finishing, and binding
Trimming with ribbon, feathers, leather, silk, and other materials
Blocking and shaping using steam
Custom sizing and fit
Hat restoration and renovation
Historical and theatrical millinery
Sculptural and experimental millinery techniques
Designing and carving your own custom wooden hat blocks and forms
One of the most valuable parts of my teaching is helping students understand the professional side of the craft. I'll introduce you to the specialized tools used by working milliners and help you source high-quality materials, whether locally in New York City or from trusted suppliers throughout the United States, Europe, and beyond. Knowing where to find the right felt, straw, ribbon, feathers, buckram, wooden blocks, and specialty supplies is an essential part of becoming a successful hatmaker.
Lessons are available in person in New York City or online through live video instruction. Online students receive the same personalized guidance, demonstrations, and feedback, with projects adapted to their workspace and available tools.
My goal is not simply to teach you how to complete a single project—I want to give you the knowledge and confidence to continue making hats independently. You'll gain an understanding of the materials, tools, construction methods, and design principles that have defined fine millinery for generations while developing your own creative voice.
Whether you're pursuing a professional career, creating costumes for theater, launching your own brand, or simply discovering the joy of making something by hand, I'd love to help you become part of the rich tradition of millinery.
Recommendations
Recommendations come from relatives, friends and acquaintances of the tutor.
Before taking Ryan's class, I had absolutely no idea how hats were made. She made the entire process easy to understand, and by the end of the second day I was already blocking hats. I never thought I'd pick it up that quickly.
Ryan is an incredibly patient teacher and does a great job teaching both beginners and experienced makers. One thing that really surprised me was how physically demanding millinery is. I have a whole new appreciation for the craft after taking her class.
If you've ever been curious about making hats, I highly recommend taking a class with Ryan. I learned so much, gained confidence in my skills, and would absolutely take another class with her.Darren
I’ve known Ryan for many years. I first became aware of her beautiful hats when visiting her store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She often created her fabulous designs at the store. I was drawn in one day when she was working on a hat for the metropolitan opera. This was a difficult antique design but she created a perfect replica. Her range of craftsmanship is wide and diverse. She has created full feather pieces worn by Iman, Derby hats and wedding pieces.
She enjoyed designing court side Knicks inspired hats for Spike Lee.
She is fun to work with and she is a good teacher. She knows her materials and has a large collection of hat blocks. This extensive knowledge coupled with her sense of design makes her great at creating a hat that works for you. She’s made a few for me and they always are gorgeous and flattering.
I think you will learn a lot and have a ball taking a class with Ryan.
Ryan is an incredible teacher. I wanted to learn how to make a straw hat and she was so patient and walked me through everything. She educated me on technique and also had pro tips to share. I love my hat now and wear it every time I go on vacation. Highly recommend!
Ryan is a really fun teacher. It was a very relaxed learning experience and she knows all the ins and outs of the craft. She’s made hats for everyone and it was really cool to see her studio. She also taught me where to get everything I need to do it on my own
View more recommendations
Rates
Rate
- $112
Pack rates
- 5 h: $560
- 10 h: $1120
online
- $112/h
free lessons
This first lesson offered with Ryan will allow you to get to know each other and clearly specify your needs for your next lessons.
- 1hrs
Ryan's Video
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