Fashion student stitches sustainability into patchwork bags

A sophomore at Central Michigan University found the perfect place to launch a side hustle while developing skills he hopes will give him a great career in the fashion industry, the sewing lab in Wightman Hall.

Brandon Miller launched Gleam Fiber during his freshman year of college while working in the lab. Miller mostly creates patchwork collage bags and sweatshirts.

“Gleam means to reflect light off of something else,” Miller said. “My handmade accessories reflect the ‘light’ from the wearer’s outfit.”

He has been doing this for five years and puts about 20-25 hours a week into his fashion design classwork and his Etsy store. The time he puts into it isn’t just developing skills, it’s also pursuing his passion for sustainability.

“The fashion industry is the second highest pollution source in the world, as it has a quick production rate, Miller said. “Fast fashion is like purchasing cheap products and regretting it later. I think I price my bags fairly due to the amount of time I put into my creations. This mindset allows me to enjoy my products longer.”

Wightman Hall’s sewing lab provides a perfect place for Miller to work on his designs. Miller likes using the resources provided by the sewing lab and students there are always willing to model outfits.

“I like the sewing lab in Wightman Hall because my room is small at home, where Gleam operates out of,” Miller said. “The industrial machines in the lab allow me to sew thick layers of denim and patchwork; I love them.”

Outside of the classroom, Miller is applying his skills in the upcoming Threads Fashion Show. He will create clothing items that focus on nature and waste.

“I learned pattern making and new sewing techniques to use in Threads,” Miller said. “Many of my skills were learned from my FMD245 class, Fashion Design Methods.” After graduation, he would love to work in design for a brand or his own.

Miller enrolled in a fashion class in 8th grade and immediately discovered his passion for fashion. After teaching himself the fiber arts, he began selling crochet animals during his sophomore year of high school, which motivated him to advertise his creations at a small business fair.

Miller now calls it the “famous Brandon bag” as it has become his everyday accessory for student life. It’s a work in progress, and he adds patches and pins. He created his first patchwork denim bag in July 2024.

“Patchwork collage bags are my main thing,” Miller said. “I have also made denim products, Altoid wallets, bracelets and patchwork products using Afghan blankets.”

He also designed and crocheted a suit comprised of granny squares for his senior prom, he said. It’s his proudest creation.

He also draws inspiration from his favorite movie, Legally Blonde, and lives according to a quote by its main character, Elle Woods: “You must always have faith in people, but you must always have faith in yourself.”