Roosi Mändmaa, a 20-year-old fashion design student at the Estonian Academy of Arts, is at the beginning of her third year of studies and has learned in the international makerspace that innovation often arises where you least expect it. Between virtual designs, sewing machines, and experiments with air pressure, she developed new ideas and a good deal of self-confidence.

What new skills or insights did you gain in the makerspace that perhaps go beyond the purely technical aspects?

Roosi Mändmaa: Aside from the technical aspects, I learned many everyday things, like how to make friends as an Estonian, how to wash clothes in a bucket, how to sew invisibly by hand, and so on. It was a very practical and at the same time human experience.

Was there a moment when you thought, “This is an aha moment” or “This is truly an innovative approach”?

Roosi Mändmaa: Yes, there was. As I sewed tubes to ropes and the skirt structure finally came together, I thought, “Wow, this is even better than I imagined! It looks perfect.” I also experimented with rings from old inflatable pools, joining them together with a UV sewing machine. This machine uses high-frequency vibrations and melts materials together without thread or holes. I found that very innovative, even if the seams weren’t completely airtight in the end. It was also exciting to learn about all the possibilities with 3D printers, embroidery machines, and laser cutters. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to try out these techniques because my project and schedule didn’t allow for it, but they inspired me greatly.

Have you made any new contacts or relationships with students or universities through the makerspace?

Roosi Mändmaa: Yes, definitely! I made a lot of new contacts, but I got along best with the Latvians and other Estonians. Thank you, Arturs, Paula, Katriin and Joanne, for the great time. See you again soon!

What was the biggest personal challenge for you during your time in the makerspace, and how did you overcome it?

Roosi Mändmaa: I expected the two weeks to be more focused on actual clothing making. So I brought all my fabrics and sewing materials. In reality, the focus was more on 3D clothing design, and I didn’t have the right tools for that. No mouse, no blue-light filtering glasses, no eye drops—nothing that helps with long days in front of a screen. I overcame that by taking lots of short breaks. It helped me stay focused.

What concrete result or insight did you take away from working on your avatar or outfit?

Roosi Mändmaa: Even if you work on something for weeks and it doesn’t turn out the way you imagined, just make a new one. The second attempt is always better.

What technical tools did you work with the most, and what did you learn from them?

Roosi Mändmaa: I worked mostly with the computer and the sewing machine. My focus was on finishing the CLO3D garment and then making the actual garment. I learned a lot about CLO3D and now feel quite confident in the digital design process.

What result of your work in the makerspace are you most proud of?

Roosi Mändmaa: I’m most proud of finishing my CLO3D file. When I started in Estonia, the skirt part didn’t work at all because of the air in the tubes. But after many hours in the makerspace, I managed to solve the problem, and I love how the skirt structure looks now.

How do you want to continue after the makerspace?

Roosi Mändmaa: After the makerspace, I created videos for the shows and continued working on my garment. After that, I went to Italy for an Erasmus exchange program, and in fact, half of my luggage consisted of the dress! The schools here are still closed at the moment, but I hope to finally be able to use the sewing room next week to finish the dress. Time is running out, but I hope I can make it in time.

Are there any ideas or projects you’d like to develop further, perhaps for the Holo show or other areas?

Roosi Mändmaa: Yes, I love the idea of ​​inflatable clothing and how it changes shape when you let the air out. I definitely want to use this technique in my future creations.

What was your biggest personal gain from your time in the makerspace?

Roosi Mändmaa: I gained a lot more confidence. Other fashion students complimented my everyday outfits and the idea of ​​my inflatable dress, which made me very proud.