Jane turns heads with her eco hat designs (From Bucks Free Press)

Jane turns heads with her eco hat designs

11:21am Monday 19th June 2006 in

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NOT many people still practise the art of making hats, but one Beaconsfield milliner has won a scholarship for her eco-friendly approach to the craft.

Jane Fryers, who grew up in the new town, impressed judges with her collection of hats made from recycled Marks and Spencer skirts, jackets and suits.

She was presented with a £3,200 Queen Elizabeth scholarship at a glitzy lunch in London last week, which will allow her to continue her studies at college.

She said: "They're made out of a real collection of things pill boxes from old M&S skirts, I've chopped up my dad's suits into little trilbies. You kind of need an idea when you're going for a scholarship, you need a bit of a twist. You have to show them what you're going to spend the money on."

Her scholarship was only one of 12 given at an awards ceremony at the London Hilton and will allow her to study for a second term at the Kensington and Chelsea College.

Jane, who now lives in Notting Hill, has been making hats for eight years for friends, family and film productions and decided to study millinery at the London College of Fashion after walking past it on her way to work every day at the BBC.

The freelance script supervisor added: "I always wanted to go there and I really missed doing something arty and creative. I loved it so much.

"It's very therapeutic and very sculptural. It's a real outlet for your creativity. There is something amazing about somebody wearing something you've made."

She is currently working on a hat in her kitchen studio for her sister in law's sister to wear at Ascot, with a brim so big she has to go through doors sideways.

Jane, who hand packs her hats, said: "When you open them it's a real treat, they really look special. Just that moment overseeing someone going 'Oh, that's amazing'. It's such a lovely moment.

"I get a lot of pleasure from that. I enjoy making hats that someone is going to love."