Ref: D2D36330
You will learn how flexible and relaxing it can be working with raffia and how adaptable it is to new designs. You will be provided with full printed instructions on the technique and also the patterns for completing your own hat in the correct size for you. Your finished hat will be beautiful, but also very durable (your tutor will bring the one that she made in 1993), and therefore a sustainable and functional addition to your wardrobe.
You will learn about the origins of raffia, how it can be dyed and the various ways in which not only hats but other beautiful accessories can be produced for yourself or for your home. The emphasis in the workshop will be on learning the weaving technique that can be applied to make beautiful and sustainable hats. The same skills can also be applied and developed to make bags.
Beginners, as well as those who have basic sewing or raffia craft experience, are very welcome on this course, but there is definitely no need for any prior raffia or other experience, nor do you need to have specialist equipment. You will receive guidance and personal tuition to teach you the skills needed, and you should all leave the class with a completed hat and the skills to make more if you wish. The key objectives for any raffia work are always to be able to relax and enjoy the craft.
The tutor will supply all the raffia needed to make one hat, plus the use of a hat block to make in the correct size.
Available from tutor: Additional raffia can be purchased from the tutor if you would like to make further items.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Daily Timetable
Course teaching 11am–5.15pm
Students arrive 10.30am-11am (coffee optional)
Morning teaching 11am-1pm
Lunch break between 1pm-2pm (lunch is not included)
Afternoon teaching 2pm-5.15pm (15 minute break, 3.30pm–3.45pm)
Teaching finishes 5.15pm
Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the Materials to bring section.
Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.
If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.
Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.
Please refer to our terms & conditions below.
The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.
Claire Richards has been teaching raffia craft for over 25 years. She learnt her craft from a visiting Australian in 1993 and since then has been hooked. Claire exhibits at a number of major and regional events where her focus is on passing on her enthusiasm for raffia.
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