Keep It Under Your Hat: A Little Book of Linings Hardcover – May 10, 2025

Keep It Under Your Hat is an inspiring journey into millinery’s best-kept secret: the art of hat linings. Written by QEST Scholar and internationally acclaimed milliner Jane Fryers, this book celebrates handmade hats, hidden craftsmanship, and creative self-expression.A hat lining might seem like an afterthought, but for Jane, it’s a hidden gem to surprise and delight the wearer. In this practical yet playful guide, she shares everything about selecting, crafting, and fitting linings inside hats.This book is more than techniques; it’s a warm, down-to-earth conversation about the joys of millinery. Whether you're a beginner, an advanced milliner, or simply curious about transforming vintage scarves into something magical, you’re in the right place.Inside, you’ll find:Easy hat-making tutorials with step-by-step photosTips for solving lining issuesStories of vintage fabrics, old ties, sari silks, and unexpected treasures turned into liningsAdvice on sourcing ethical, affordable materialsMillinery illustrations to guide youA peek into the quirky history of hats, from secreted bowstrings to cabbage leaves under helmetsWhen to break the rules of millineryHow to make hats that feel as beautiful inside as out You’ll explore hand-finished linings, from traditional techniques to signature creations, including:Pleated linings for timeless eleganceGathered linings with volume and flairFitted linings for a neat, tailored finishHalf linings for a lightweight optionFloating linings for fine fabricsStiffened linings – quick but messyShell Stitch linings for intricate decorationCowboy liners for the fashion-conscious cowhandKnightsbridge Bung It In – Jane’s freestyle lining Jane’s voice is warm, witty, and always encouraging you to find your style. Her motto, ‘Inspiration, not imitation’, flows through every page, offering both a how-to guide and a creative pep talk.Along the way, she shares stories from her millinery adventures, attending Royal Ascot (sometimes without a lining!), and working with extraordinary materials like fish leather and vintage silks. It’s all part of the slightly chaotic world of millinery craftsmanship.Learn to choose fabrics, from soft habotai to graceful French crepe, and discover how offcuts, vintage scarves, and remnants can create beautiful results. Jane shares her expertise, whether you’re after shiny taffeta or quirky cotton.And if you're wondering if the effort is worth it when no one sees the inside of a hat, Jane’s answer is yes. Because great millinery is about what the wearer feels when they peek inside and discover something made just for them.About the AuthorJane is an expert milliner, pushing boundaries in fashion design. From hats made with stair carpet trim to couture pieces, she has shared her expertise worldwide, including a memorable moment explaining fish leather to Her Late Majesty the Queen.Today, Jane teaches at Central Saint Martins, blending traditional techniques with contemporary flair. As a skills assessor for The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, she supports fellow milliners in applying for funding.Whether creating your first headpiece or refining your skills, Keep It Under Your Hat is packed with inspiration, techniques, and plenty of laughter. If you love fashion accessories, DIY millinery, and creative design, this book will become your treasured companion. Read more