Stitch Buffalo empowers refugee women through textile arts, offering space, training, and opportunities to create and earn from their craft.
When you enter Stitch Buffalo, a community hub in Buffalo, New York’s west side, it’s like walking into a rainbow, says Michelle Perkins, the organization’s development and communications director. “It’s brimming with hope, creativity and lovely, accepting, warm people.”
Upfront, the workshop boutique sells one-of-a-kind textile products made by local refugee women. Off to one side is a resale area where donated supplies and materials line shelves. Behind are studio spaces where artists work and students of all ages learn about textile arts. Members of the Refugee Women’s Workshop meet at the long communal table every day to make, taking advantage of supplies and equipment that have been donated. Wet processes like dyeing take place in another studio. Commercial and domestic sewing machines hum along with the steady beat of looms…