Workshops
Introducing Katie Mangan Studio Workshops
For a long time, Katie Mangan Millinery has been about creating pieces for other people.
Hats and headpieces for weddings, race days, special occasions and those moments when you want to wear something that feels completely individual.
Now, for the first time, I’m opening up the process a little more and inviting people into the studio to learn some of the techniques behind the pieces.
I’m really excited to introduce Katie Mangan Studio Workshops, taking place at KD Studio in Metquarter, Liverpool City Centre.
Book Now
Why workshops?
The idea started quite simply.
I mentioned that I was considering running some millinery workshops and the response was much bigger than I expected.
So many people got in touch to say they had always wanted to try millinery, wanted to learn how pieces are made, had an old hat they would love to reinvent, or simply wanted to spend a few hours doing something creative.
That response made me realise there was space for something that felt relaxed, accessible and enjoyable, without losing the craftsmanship behind millinery.
These workshops are not about needing previous experience or already knowing how to sew.
They are about trying something new, learning with your hands and hopefully leaving the studio surprised by what you have created.
The first October dates
I’m starting with three workshops this October.
Monday 5 October — Millinery Taster Evening
Saturday 10 October — Millinery Taster Afternoon
Monday 19 October — Rework Your Hat or Headpiece
The two taster workshops are designed as an introduction to millinery.
Over approximately three hours, you’ll learn about some of the materials, tools and techniques used within the studio and create a wearable piece of your own.
All core materials will be provided and the groups will be deliberately kept small so there is plenty of individual guidance.
Giving an old headpiece a second life
The third October workshop is slightly different and is one I’m particularly looking forward to.
Most of us have a hat, fascinator or headpiece somewhere that we bought for one particular occasion and have never worn again.
The Rework Your Hat or Headpiece workshop is about looking at those pieces differently.
We might change the trims, proportions, feathers, veiling, positioning or overall styling and turn something dated or forgotten into something you would genuinely wear again.
It is creative, but it also feels practical and sustainable, which I really like.
Continuing at home
Another thing I wanted to consider was what happens after the workshop.
If you discover that you love making and want to continue experimenting, there will also be an optional Katie Mangan Studio Take-Home Millinery Tool Kit.
You’ll have access to everything you need during the workshop, but the optional kit means you can leave with your own essential tools and continue practising at home.
I want the workshops to feel like an introduction to the craft rather than something that ends the moment you leave the studio.
Private tuition
I’ll also be offering private three-hour millinery tuition for anyone who would prefer to learn one-to-one.
These sessions can be tailored completely around the individual.
You might want to learn the basics, develop a particular technique, work on a specific project or book several sessions and build your skills gradually.
Private tuition will also take place at the Metquarter studio.
Hen parties and private groups
This is one of the ideas that has really grown since I started developing the workshops.
Liverpool is such a popular city for hen weekends and celebrations, and having the studio right in the city centre creates a brilliant opportunity for private group experiences.
For a hen party, I love the idea of the group creating something together for the bride while everyone also makes a smaller accessory of their own.
That could be a statement bridal headpiece, veil, bow, fascinator or something completely individual.
The group pieces could even be designed around the wedding colours or overall style, so they become something that can be worn again rather than forgotten after the hen weekend.
Private sessions will also be available for bridal parties, birthdays, groups of friends and other celebrations.
Short courses are coming in January
Lots of people also asked whether I would offer something more structured than a one-off session.
The answer is yes.
The first Katie Mangan Studio Beginner Millinery Courses will begin in January 2027.
These will run over several sessions and will give us the chance to explore the craft in much more depth.
We’ll be able to look at areas such as blocking, wiring, sinamay, trims, feathers, veiling, finishing and construction while gradually building confidence and developing your own style.
I want to take the time to develop these courses properly, which is why I have decided to launch them in the New Year rather than rush them into the autumn programme.
A new chapter for the studio
There are already so many directions I can see the workshops taking.
Taster sessions.
Private tuition.
Short courses.
Hen parties.
Bridal groups.
Reworking old pieces.
Creative sessions for friends.
But for now, I’m starting with three October dates and seeing where it takes us.
After years of creating pieces for other people, I’m really excited to share more of the process behind them and give people the chance to create something of their own.
Sometimes it is good to switch off, use your hands and make something simply because you enjoy it.
And if you leave the studio thinking,
“I can’t believe I made that,”
then I think we’ll have achieved exactly what I want these workshops to be.
The first Katie Mangan Studio Workshops take place at KD Studio, Metquarter, Liverpool City Centre on 5th, 10th and 19th of October.
I can’t wait to get started.