Longford-based Wendy Louise Knight is a self-taught milliner with a studio situated outside Newtown Forbes. Hat making is in her genes – her grandparents had a hat factory in Luton in the UK and she rescued a couple of hat blocks from that establishment, which she uses to form some of her creations.



In 2004 she took private lessons from Aileen Cogan, who teaches millinery at the Grafton Academy, and started offering a bespoke service to would-be head-dressers.



“The hats are made to order individually by me. Most of the fabrics come from milliner suppliers in the UK. I also use vintage trims and ribbons and recycle elements of old beaded necklaces.”



“Most of my work is to order, mainly for weddings and race meets. I’ve had a couple of winners at best dressed ladies competitions ”

In January 2012 I will be launching my bespoke bridal collection,which will be an exciting mix of lace peals and natural fabrics all soft and delicte.  Previously, Wendy Louise had worked with the Body Shop , in the UK and abroad and at Karen Millen working as a merchandiser before she moved to Ireland.