Blocking Straw? Advice please
I've mainly blocked felt..and would like to try blocking some straws...all I know is that you would stiffen a straw after it's blocked rather than before like a felt?
How do you maintain the shape when take the hat off the block. especially with tricky shapes? I spoke to someone who said you can block a pre stiffened tulle over the block, then block something like parasisal over the top and apply heat with an iron when dry, to bond the two layers together... this ensures the shape wont warp when removed from the block? Does anyone do anything similar or have any advice for my first attempt at blocking straw..which will probably be a parasisal
Would really appreciate any help!!
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Elaine Mergard
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Hi Henry,
Glad you have asked these questions. The secret to a good result with any form of millinery is the use of quality base components.
Many purchase the cheaper sinamay straw only to spend much time to try to successfully stiffen.
In all the sinamay lessons in Beginners & Intermediate Course I emphasize the use of best quality pre stiffened straw to simplify the process for a quality finish with a good shelf life.Check out the description for each lesson which details techniques taught. Sinamay is the easiest to commence with as it has an open weave and is more forgiving for beginners.
Parisisal is a finer close weave and needs TLC in manufacture & storage. Have never had to add the tulle – would need to have perfectly even with no folds as the fine weave would reveal these. Yes parisisals are stiffened after blocking and all instructions are contained in Lesson 25
I am committed to helping you if you have any questions as you work through the lessons. With lifetime access you can view to recap as often as you need to.
Best wishes as you add to your skills. You will launch into a new level of creativity with straw techniques.
Stay in touch, Elaine
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