The Millinery Retreat

The Millinery Retreat This page shares the life of a working millinery studio.

The Millinery Retreat School of Millinery is located in Riddells Creek, Victoria and runs seasonal millinery classes from April to September, led by in-house tutor Possum Ball.

15/08/2026

2 years ago today we were so close to being finished!

07/08/2026

These are the beautiful shapes that were created during our July Hat Block Library before they were packed up and taken home to be finished by their milliners.

There is nothing better than a studio full of milliners sharing ideas, creativity and techniques. These Hat Block Library weekends are very special indeed.

I can’t wait to see how these pieces evolve.

Possum x

21/07/2026

Hat Block Feature

You may have noticed it’s been a little while since I shared a Hat Block of the Week video.

Rather than trying to keep up with a weekly schedule, I’ve decided to slow things down and feature a different block every few weeks instead. That gives me more time to film and edit properly, while still sharing some of the wonderful blocks in The Millinery Retreat collection.

This week’s feature is a beautiful vintage puzzle block by an unknown maker. With its softly curved, almost beehive-like shape, it can be worn forward on the head or tilted back to create a classic pillbox style.

I hope you enjoy meeting some of the unique and inspiring blocks that make up the Hat Block Library.

19/07/2026

At Charlies Creek Farm the neighbourhood watch are very committed to their job 👀🦜

16/07/2026

This Week in the Studio.

This week I’m blocking a simple vintage puzzle block using one of my favourite millinery materials – paper straw.

Although paper straw sometimes has a reputation for being difficult to work with, I find it a wonderfully versatile material. It blocks beautifully, holds its shape exceptionally well and is easy to dye and paint, making it ideal for custom colour matching.

In this first video I’m taking you through the blocking process, from preparing the block through to removing the puzzle pieces and turning the inside hem.

Hopefully, in the not-too-distant future, I’ll get around to Part Two with this block, where I’ll show you how I paint, trim and finish the piece.

09/07/2026

The evening chorus was in full song last night 🎶🐦

Address

361 Mount Eliza Road
Riddells Creek, VIC
3431

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