Capsule Collection

Artisan-made apparel from Stitch Buffalo and The Factory Buffalo

A Collection with a Story
Our new garment line began with a simple request: two groups of Buffalo’s Refugee women wanted to improve their sewing machine skills. “Stitch Buffalo already had several women who were skilled with sewing machines, but more wanted to learn—and some wanted to learn garment sewing specifically,” says Stitch Buffalo Executive Director Dawne Hoeg. Stitch Buffalo was already considering a program to fulfill this need when they received a visit from Kawiye Jumale and a group of women from the Somali-Bantu Organization of Western New York. “When I asked what they wanted to learn, they also said machine sewing,” says Hoeg. This critical mass of learners jumpstarted her decision: it was time to launch a garment sewing program.

Launching the Program
Dawne Hoeg’s first step was reaching out to Molly Worth, CEO of The Factory Buffalo (a cut-and-sew manufacturing, design, and product development company). The pair had previously collaborated on several designs intended for a spring 2020 fashion show. Unfortunately, those plans were sidelined and the designs set aside when both Stitch Buffalo and The Factory Buffalo pivoted to sewing face masks and medical PPE during the pandemic.

For 2021, Hoeg and Worth decided to revive their earlier designs and to evolve them as sew-ready patterns in a variety of sizes. The result is a collection of garments that can be constructed at home by Refugee women sewists and sold in the Stitch Buffalo retail shop. “We focused on simple shapes that didn’t need closures and were easy to wear,” says Worth, adding that the garments’ streamlined silhouettes also made them ideal for construction in a variety of fabric weights and textures.

Sustainably Sourced and Designed to Transcend Seasons
The styles Hoeg and Worth developed are sewn with high-end finishes, such as French seams, and designed using high-quality natural fiber fabrics or surprising one-of-a-kind textiles (such as quilt tops, beautiful woven remnants, and embroidered boiled wool) that are sourced from Stitch Buffalo’s Second Stitch textile re-use program. This means the garments can be produced not only hyper-locally but also sustainably.

Unlike disposable “fast fashion,” the apparel in this collection was designed to transcend seasons and trends. Each piece features a functional design sensibility, a focus on quality construction, and an eye toward versatility. As a result, the garments can be layered, mixed, and accessorized in a variety of ways for many years to come.

The Pieces

Cardigan Jacket (left)—An open-front garment that can be fastened at the neck area with a decorative button/pin. It is waist length with long sleeves, and can be lined depending on the fabric choice. Available in XS through XL.

Tunic (center)—A classic mid-length A-line garment with cap sleeves. Perfect alone as a relaxed dress in the summer, or over a long-sleeved shirt with leggings/jeans for a spring/fall look. Available in XS through 3XL. This garment can also be shortened to shirt length.

Jumpsuit (right)—A semi-fitted, one-piece, slip-on garment that can work for all seasons, depending on fabric choice. Choose linen or rayon for spring, summer, or fall; opt for wool suiting for winter, and pair with a blouse or one of our cardigan jackets. Available in XS through 2XL. Pockets can be added.

Prices for all garments start at $75, depending on optional finishes and embellishments.

Expand Your Wardrobe, Invest in the Community
Every purchase from this collection will empower a Refugee woman financially and aid in community workforce development. We hope these designs will become lasting components in your wardrobe.

Where to Buy—Ready to Wear
Ready-to-wear garments from the collection can be purchased by visiting our retail shop at 284 Plymouth Avenue, Buffalo, NY (hours shown in page footer).

Where to Buy—Custom Order
Custom orders are available, allowing you to select your own quality fabric and have a Stitch Buffalo seamstress construct the garment. For an additional fee, your garment can be embellished with hand-embroidery by the artists at Stitch Buffalo. Additionally, basic alterations (such as hem and sleeve length) can be made to help ensure a perfect fit for petite or tall customers.

To order a custom garment, stop by the Stitch Buffalo retail shop at 284 Plymouth Avenue, Buffalo (hours show in footer) or click the button below to send an e-mail inquiry. Custom garments can be shipped to USA addresses.

Artisan-Made Style: A Look Book

Photography: Rhea Anna Photo + Motion
Production Design: Leah Glickman

Stitch Buffalo and The Factory and Buffalo were grateful to partner with photographer Rhea Anna, whose photos beautifully capture the classic-yet-quirky spirit of this creative collection. Anna was drawn to the project immediately. She says, “Molly and I would get to bring our work together, help move Stitch's mission forward, help the lives of Refugee women, and have the creative freedom to make some beautiful imagery.”

Anna is committed to supporting her community and frequently contributes her skills to organizations like Stitch Buffalo. “I was absolutely inspired by the idea that my work could somehow, indirectly, bring about positive change in the lives of women who are working to rebuild their lives,” she says. “Even better, it's a small, local, women-run organization right in my neighborhood and one that serves women in the same community where my studio is based.”