Swiss straw work – hat decorations with Veronica Main

The course will begin with a brief contextual introduction to the Swiss straw industry. You will learn how to select and prepare straws for successful working and there will be the opportunity to spin straw into threads. Progressing through a structured development of skills you will make some simple straw motifs. By the end of the course you will produce a small decorative hat decoration.

Please note:

You will be working with wheat and rye straw which can be dusty.

Manual dexterity is required to manipulate the straw.

Please bring glasses if required for close work, some of the work is small and intricate.

The course includes an introduction to the Swiss straw industry, followed by a session learning to prepare the straw and make your first motif. The tutor will demonstrate spinning straw threads and you will make your first motifs with straw threads, before you assemble your pieces to complete your decoration.

This course is part of West Dean’s 50th anniversary celebrations – learn a traditional skill with a selection of 50 special one-day courses inspired by original 1970s subjects or focusing on heritage crafts.