As the year began, it was all hands on deck to begin planning for our move from 1215 Niagara Street to our new store/studio at 284 Plymouth Street. Volunteers, staff, board members, artisans, and many others pitched in at every step. As seen here, volunteers sorted through donated sewing machines plus other tools and supplies, deciding which items would make the move with us to Plymouth Avenue.

With Capital Campaign support from individual donors, city/county/state government, and private foundations, what was once a decades-vacant building came slowly back to life as Stitch Buffalo’s new store and studio! Refugee Women’s Workshop  members Palwasha (Afghanistan), Muna (Pakistan), and Hkawng (Burma) accompanied long-time volunteers to check in on the construction.

Construction neared completion on Plymouth Avenue, and we packed up everything from our Niagara Street location to hit the road! Members of the Refugee Women’s Workshop planned a traditional blessing ceremony for peace and prosperity in our new home.

While the city prepared for the total eclipse, Stitch Buffalo was gearing up to share our beautiful new space with supporters and community members. Founder/Executive Direct Dawne Hoeg and artisan Palwasha Basir were among the many participants and supporters who celebrated at the opening reception.

In early May, our exterior signage was installed, making it really feel like home.  With support from our students, patrons, and donors, The Refugee Women’s Workshop, Community Classes, and Second Stitch programs began making use of our new space to stretch out and welcome the community.

With summer in full bloom, we spruced up our corner of the neighborhood with new planters and bike racks. In the studio, members of the Refugee Women’s Workshop settled in, restocked their goods, and helped fill the space with life!

July means summer camp at Stitch Buffalo—and we had a packed house of young people from around the city. With support from the Children’s Foundation of Erie County, we were provided almost twenty students from high-priority zip codes with free camp enrollment.

Your support of Stitch Buffalo helps us get out into the community. We attend art fairs to sell Refugee Women’s Workshop products, provide outreach to new Americans, and offer textile classes to folks of all ages. It all helps spread the message and mission of Stitch Buffalo! Above, founder and Executive Director Dawne Hoeg talks to English language learners about the opportunities at Stitch Buffalo.

At the core of Stitch Buffalo’s mission is providing a platform where the artistry, traditions, and stories of refugee women can be shared and celebrated. Their talents and perspectives bring new creativity, economic contributions, and cross-cultural understanding that enriches all of Western New York. This work is made possible by our generous patrons and supporters, whose contributions directly fund opportunities for these talented artisans to thrive—through education, fair wages, and community engagement. Together, we are creating a more inclusive, vibrant, and connected Buffalo.

Stitch Buffalo draws inspiration from the women in our community—and beyond. As part of our renovation, we commissioned Buffalo artist Danielle Saeva to create an interior mural inspired by world wildflowers. Her design has now made it onto fabrics for décor and clothing. Danielle is just one of the many artists who visited Stitch Buffalo in 2024 to share their work with our community and to be inspired by the artists here!

In November, Stitch Buffalo invested in our commitment to creating personalized opportunities for women. Ukrainian candlemaker Iryna Panchenko (above) received design support and a sales outlet to launch her business. We also sponsored a sale of work by Argentinian weaver Jacqueline Canepa, helping her fund a trip to Buffalo to visit her ailing mother—and teach a few classes.

At Stitch Buffalo, community is our foundation. This spirit is marked by our annual year-end celebrations, including a community potluck and a volunteer appreciation party. These gatherings reflect the strength of our diverse network of makers, volunteers, and supporters, reminding us that our impact grows when we weave our talents and stories together.