Millinery Foundation: blocking net
Super excited for the return of blocking net! This millinery foundation material hasn’t been widely available in the US since before I learned millinery in the 1990s, although I have seen it inside of vintage hats in costume collections. Also called “Paris net” or “Dior net”, it’s used as the base for a hat that needs a stable foundation, but also breathable airflow. So in theatrical millinery primarily things like draped and stabilized turbans or quick-change headwraps. I ordered this piece from Hatsupply.com , who carry it in white, ivory, & black. It’s comes shipped in a roll. When it arrived, I was surprised at the stiffness of the hand, reminiscent of heavy buckram. I thought it might be similarly treated with water-based stiffener so that it could be blocked and shaped over a form. I have never worked with this material in raw form, only refurbished vintage hats or antique pieces, which have often been crushed in storage. Any stiffener that might have been present...
