Femme Rising: Moderndaymaker
Editorial and Interview by Briget Heidmous
Siobhán, that’ll be pronounced “Shi-vawn” -- Siobhán Bloomer is a maker, fashion designer and mother. Bloomer is active in the upcycling fashion community in the DMV, she lives in Virginia and she’s from Dublin, Ireland. She has the accent to prove it.
We met by the Femme Fatale DC curated rack at the Finding Your Good, Podcast Launch Party, I said “Hi, I’m Briget”. In a glowing Dubliner’s accent Siobhán said “That’s an Irish name” and I said, “That an Irish accent”. It was a speedy, down to earth, exchange, indicative of the quick wit and playful energy you can expect from Siobhán Bloomer.
Dublin is where Bloomer earned her Diploma of Higher Education, Higher National Diploma in Fashion Design from Sallynoggin College of Further Education. Bloomer is a savvy sewer and humorist with an uncanny ability to give new life to old clothes. Her many talents and personality come together in a conversational and encouraging blog - Moderndaymaker. On her recently launched platform, she writes reviews and tells stories from the sewing room floor.
In conversation with Femme Fatale DC - Bloomer talks back story, inspiration, garment cycle and ways makers connect and self-educate.
BEGIN INTERVIEW
You transform found clothing/material into original fashions - how did you find your way to this mode of collecting and making?
This probably stemmed from my childhood growing up wearing hand-me-down clothes from my cousin. At the time I was that embarrassed kid wearing clothes that didn’t fit me and was certainly not the cool kid ( I'm sure my mom would think differently). Now I’m happy to say I can laugh about it and feel this helped ignite my creative spark and how it has taught me to be resourceful.
What is your process?
When I upcycle my thrifted pieces I generally look at current trends and see what and how I can update the garment. I usually have an idea of the look I want to create and then just go from there. Instagram is a great way to discover other people with eclectic style and to find fashion inspiration.
For what reasons do you continue this work? (Fulfillment, financial, either or both.)
I like wearing unique pieces and feel proud of myself when I create a new piece of clothing into something which is better than its original design. It’s a great way to test my design capabilities and keep them alive. Also, there are so many benefits to thrifting environmentally, socially and personally. The places I thrift at are known to give back financially to the community. The pieces I pick are of better quality than what you would buy at the [discount] store[s] and environmentally it decreases [what is sent to the] landfill.
You have a degree in fashion design - what aspects of that education have been most useful for you?
Learning about garment construction has really given me a solid foundation of understanding how garments are made. Knowing industry standards helped me improve my skills and produce good quality, well-made garments. Good standards ensure the longevity of the garment.
And, what were some of the gaps in your education? How have you gone about self-educating to fill those gaps?
YouTube (University) was and still is a great source to learn more about my craft. If there is a sewing technique that I don’t use very often I love to jump on youtube and refresh my memory; it's great for finding out about the latest fabrics being released, and patterns.
Additionally, Interning with designers and stylists was fantastic for me as I gained hands-on work experience and got to work with a wide range of people. This led me on to other opportunities that I never thought about such as helping with producing fashion shows and costume design for local community center plays.
In the process of researching for this interview I’ve discovered there is a sphere of design within which you work - garment cycle, up-cycle and remake. Will you take a stab at contextualizing this language for us?
Sure, the Garment cycle is thrifting a garment and wearing it how you bought it. Up-cycle is adding your own twist to a garment aka customizing it which could be adding embellishment or removing the sleeves/collar etc. Re-make would be for example taking a bed sheet and making it into a shirt ( I have done this before).
You disrupt the garment life-cycle - what does that mean to you as a designer? And, as a global citizen?
It’s important as a designer to understand how damaging this industry can be and to practice it in the most sustainable way. Upcycling clothes promotes innovation, creativity, and also provides fun crafting time!! Experts say crafting is great for people who suffer from anxiety and depression.
You're the mother of a young girl - in what ways has this impacted your process?
Now that I’m a mom (sahm) I get to create at night or super early in the morning. Having her has led me into upcycling baby clothes which is fun. Once I used sleeves from a refashion I did for myself into a pair of leggings for her.
Any final thoughts?
For those that don’t think they are creative enough to upcycle or repurpose things just give it a try! Have fun with it, enjoy.
Editorial and Interview by Briget Heidmous
