2020 – A year like no other

This year was indeed the year that we will all remember and will be telling our Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren in years to come. A year of lockdowns, social distancing and zoom calls. A year of great sadness for many, but also a year when we have learnt how to appreciate the simple things in life, such as nature and wildlife around us, the kindness and support of community and family.

2020 started with great enthusiasm and positivity at All Dunn Up, with the start of the Headband Workshops taking place. Luckily I was able to run 3 out of the 4 courses before lockdown occurred.   

At the start of the first lockdown in April I felt that I wanted to help those key workers that have helped so many. Many people were complaining how the face masks were hurting their ears so I decided to make headbands with buttons on. The elastic from the facemasks could be attached to the buttons. I must have made over 200 headbands which I donated to those in need.  

Zoom calls have become a way of us communicating to friends and family. It has also given us the opportunity to get out of our slouchy clothes and dress up (even if it is only from the waist up). For me personally this has been one of the things that I have really missed. GETTING DRESSED UP!

As Royal Ascot was held behind closed doors they invited fans across the globe to dress up with a hat and take part in a unique Royal Ascot at Home. This gave me the opportunity I needed to dress up. I loved it, being able to put on a fancy dress and wear a hat.

Who would have thought that at the start of the year that a face mask would be the most sought after fashion accessory of 2020. Like many I have been making face masks from beautiful bold fabrics. Also matching masks have been created for those attending weddings.

Unfortunately due to Covid 19, many wedding were postponed and horse racing events were held behind closed door with limited spectators. This meant that the need for fancy millinery wasn’t really needed and I would have to diversify to keep All Dunn Up running. I decided to start making earrings, which to be honest has been a godsend.

Headbands were also a popular choice for many this year as it was an easy way to style your hair, especially when we couldn’t get the hairdressers.

Over the year I have taken the opportunity to widen my millinery skills and attended various virtual millinery courses. It has been great to put these skills into action and to meet other milliners around the world. You will be seeing many of these new skills used to create All Dunn Up headpieces for 2021.  

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for you continued support. 

Who knows what 2021 will bring but here’s hoping for a year of health, happiness, weddings and hat wearing opportunities!!!