Welcoming Robyn Dombey to PA Fibershed!
We’re thrilled to welcome Robyn Dombey as PA Fibershed’s new Program Manager!
With experience rooted in apparel design, education, and community building, Robyn’s work reflects a deep commitment to connection and creativity. To help you get to know her, we asked a few questions about her background, passions, and what she’s looking forward to in this new role.
What excites you most about joining PA Fibershed?
I’m most excited to get out and about meeting the members, makers, and producers who make up the beautiful community that the PA Fibershed team has built. My fondest experiences and memories from working in the apparel industry revolve around the talented people I’ve met along the way and witnessing their journeys as they hone their craft, celebrate the wins, push through the struggles, and come together to support a greater mission.
What will your role focus on at PA Fibershed?
I will be working primarily on providing program and event planning support, starting with the Membership and Ambassador initiatives. We are also launching a new platform for members called Circle. It has many wonderful features designed to help the community connect, so I’m excited to see this new hub come to life.
What got you into this work?
I’ve taken quite a long and winding journey through the fashion industry to arrive here. Early on, I interned at Lanvin, where the renowned Creative Director Albert Elbaz would wander through the studio offering words of creative wisdom and encouragement. We would all sit quietly, absorbing his thoughts as he examined the raw edges of silky slips or contemplated exposing the traditionally hidden stitches that give structure to tailored pieces.
Later, I was exploring my own projects - deconstructing my dad’s suits from the ’90s in college and later seam-ripping into jeans salvaged from local thrift stores and Bulk Vintage to reveal the many shades of indigo hidden in the hems. Looking back, I’ve always enjoyed taking something well-loved and building on it to give it a second, or even third, life.
All of this is paired with the love of learning and community projects that I inherited from my mother. I find my flow state when I’m sharing what I know and connecting the dots with the people around me. I love learning new crafts, meeting new people, and finding ways to make a positive impact. While I am passionate about the art of apparel making, it’s ultimately the places it takes me and the people I meet that make it so fulfilling.
Upcycling for Blue Bangs Shop with Maria Ozmen-Lo at Made Institute
What do you hope to bring to the organization?
PA Fibershed has already created a world of meaningful programs and projects, so my focus will be on supporting and streamlining efforts to help all the elements weave together. My background at Made Institute was very formative and empowering when it comes to building a community that can sustain and grow. It takes a lot of hard work, care, and creativity, and that’s where I thrive.
What inspires you most about the future of regional fiber and textile systems?
I’m especially inspired by the opportunity to reimagine the employment and economic systems that once thrived in Pennsylvania around fiber and textiles. The more I learn about fiber production, textile manufacturing, and entrepreneurship, the more possibilities I see for historically underserved communities to access steady employment, reliable income, and greater flexibility - something that women and families in particular often need, especially here in the U.S.
Just for fun, do you have a favorite fiber or textile?
Urban Outfitters Women’s, Fall 2017, designed by Robyn
For a long time my favorite textile has been denim because it’s one of the few materials widely valued for how beautifully it ages over time. The natural wear and tear become part of its story, and are equally as charming as the many ways you can repair it. Plus, hemp denim is gaining momentum, which could make future denim production far more sustainable.
More recently, I’ve become a strong advocate for wool in apparel. Over the past few years I’ve invested in merino wool base layers and socks for all the outdoor activities I love. I knew they would be great for skiing and winter hikes, but I didn’t expect to be using them throughout the summer months too! The breathability and anti-microbial properties are fascinating.
How have your past roles prepared you for this opportunity?
Blue Bangs Shop, Philly Fashion Week Fall 2018
My background as a designer, most recently at QVC, has given me the resilience and adaptability to see possibilities and solutions even in complex situations—especially when balancing multiple people’s passions, needs, and perspectives.
My love for education means I’m always open to exploring new ideas and shaping projects into forms that are streamlined and easy to digest. At the same time, as an artist I appreciate the beauty in the struggles of the creative process. So I’m also mindful that the best ideas emerge from messy and unexpected moments when different worlds collide, which is why it’s important we create space for that as well.
Robyn (left) and sister Louise (right)
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I was born in Austin, Texas, but grew up in the UK which means that deep down, as a child and even today, all I’ve ever really wanted to be is a cowgirl.
These days I’m living out that dream by exploring the beautiful wilderness of Pennsylvania and beyond with my husband Alex, kayaking, cycling, hiking, and camping - and through my penchant for country and bluegrass music artists like Sierra Ferrell, Nikki Lane, and the legendary Dolly Parton.
If you’re an active member of the PA Fibershed community, you’ll likely be seeing Robyn at upcoming events, gatherings, and online in the Member Hub community!
Interested in meeting Robyn? Schedule a 1:1 call to discuss all things programming, education and possibilities for the future!
