In the spring of 2025, six refugee women were selected to participate in Stitch Buffalo’s first-ever Indigo Dye Studio Training Program. Over ten weeks, they explored physical resist dyeing techniques, including hand-stitched shibori designs, and developed products that reflect their unique artistic voices. Each woman brought her own cultural background, creative skills, and personal story to the process. The result is The Blue Edition—a striking new collection of hand-dyed garments, accessories, and home goods that celebrates tradition, transformation, and new beginnings.
This program was supported through generous grants from Springboard and The Seed Time Foundation. We are grateful for their commitment to improving the lives of refugee women through meaningful work and community building.
Stay cool and stand out in this one-of-a-kind indigo-dyed T-shirt, handcrafted by refugee women resettled in Buffalo, NY. Made from soft, breathable cotton, each shirt is individually resist-dyed using traditional shibori techniques and natural indigo, creating a unique pattern that reflects the maker’s artistry. No two are alike—each piece is a wearable celebration of craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and community.
These shirts were created during Stitch Buffalo’s 10-week Indigo Dye Studio Training Program, a paid opportunity supporting skill-building and meaningful employment for refugee women.
Designed by:
NAME: Abrehet
Country of Origin: Eritrea
Materials:
100% cotton, hand-dyed with natural indigo
Care Instructions:
Machine wash warm with mild detergent on a gentle cycle. Line dry for best results.
Please take note of the dimensions listed below as these shirts vary in sizing between brands
Sizing:
17” width, 28” length
Note: We aim for color-accurate previews, but variations may occur based on your screen.
Shipping:
Most orders ship within 5–7 business days.
Stay cool and stand out in this one-of-a-kind indigo-dyed T-shirt, handcrafted by refugee women resettled in Buffalo, NY. Made from soft, breathable cotton, each shirt is individually resist-dyed using traditional shibori techniques and natural indigo, creating a unique pattern that reflects the maker’s artistry. No two are alike—each piece is a wearable celebration of craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and community.
These shirts were created during Stitch Buffalo’s 10-week Indigo Dye Studio Training Program, a paid opportunity supporting skill-building and meaningful employment for refugee women.
Please take note of the dimensions listed below as these shirts vary in sizing between brands
Designed by:
NAME: Abrehet
Country of Origin: Eritrea
Materials:
100% cotton, hand-dyed with natural indigo
Care Instructions:
Machine wash warm with mild detergent on a gentle cycle. Line dry for best results.
Please take note of the dimensions listed below as these shirts vary in sizing between brands
Sizing:
19” width, 29” length
Note: We aim for color-accurate previews, but variations may occur based on your screen.
Shipping:
Most orders ship within 5–7 business days.
Stay cool and stand out in this one-of-a-kind indigo-dyed T-shirt, handcrafted by refugee women resettled in Buffalo, NY. Made from soft, breathable cotton, each shirt is individually resist-dyed using traditional shibori techniques and natural indigo, creating a unique pattern that reflects the maker’s artistry. No two are alike—each piece is a wearable celebration of craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and community.
These shirts were created during Stitch Buffalo’s 10-week Indigo Dye Studio Training Program, a paid opportunity supporting skill-building and meaningful employment for refugee women.
Designed by:
NAME: Hui
Country of Origin: China
Materials:
100% cotton, hand-dyed with natural indigo
Care Instructions:
Machine wash warm with mild detergent on a gentle cycle. Line dry for best results.
Please take note of the dimensions listed below as these shirts vary in sizing between brands
Sizing:
22” width, 32” length
Note: We aim for color-accurate previews, but variations may occur based on your screen.
Shipping:
Most orders ship within 5–7 business days.
Stay cool and stand out in this one-of-a-kind indigo-dyed T-shirt, handcrafted by refugee women resettled in Buffalo, NY. Made from soft, breathable cotton, each shirt is individually resist-dyed using traditional shibori techniques and natural indigo, creating a unique pattern that reflects the maker’s artistry. No two are alike—each piece is a wearable celebration of craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and community.
These shirts were created during Stitch Buffalo’s 10-week Indigo Dye Studio Training Program, a paid opportunity supporting skill-building and meaningful employment for refugee women.
Designed by:
NAME: Asha
Country of Origin: Somalia
Materials:
100% cotton, hand-dyed with natural indigo
Care Instructions:
Machine wash warm with mild detergent on a gentle cycle. Line dry for best results.
Please take note of the dimensions listed below as these shirts vary in sizing between brands
Sizing:
Approximately 22” width, 32” length (flat)
Note: We aim for color-accurate previews, but variations may occur based on your screen.
Shipping:
Most orders ship within 5–7 business days.
This 72”x16” piecework table runner was hand sewn using fabrics designed and resist-dyed during our 10-week Indigo Dye Studio Training Program in Buffalo, NY. Each of our handmade products is one of a kind —as individual as the woman who created it.
SEWN IN STUDIO FOR THE BLUE EDITION COLLECTION.
MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
Indigo dyed cotton, backed with upcycled wovens from our Second Stitch program.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
For best results we recommend washing items in warm water with mild detergent on a gentle cycle and line dry.
SIZE
16 inches wide, 72 inches long
Please note: We try to provide color accurate previews, but all screens are different.
Shipping: Most Stitch Buffalo products ship within 5–7 days of your order being received.
This 72”x16” piecework table runner was hand sewn using fabrics designed and resist-dyed during our 10-week Indigo Dye Studio Training Program in Buffalo, NY. Each of our handmade products is one of a kind —as individual as the woman who created it.
SEWN IN STUDIO FOR THE BLUE EDITION COLLECTION.
MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
Indigo dyed cotton, backed with upcycled wovens from our Second Stitch program.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
For best results we recommend washing items in warm water with mild detergent on a gentle cycle and line dry.
SIZE
16 inches wide, 72 inches long
Please note: We try to provide color accurate previews, but all screens are different.
Shipping: Most Stitch Buffalo products ship within 5–7 days of your order being received.
Each of our Indigo resist-dyed scarves is one of a kind—as individual as the woman who made it! Each is lovingly crafted in our studio by the artisans who make up the Refugee Women’s Workshop in Buffalo, NY.
The fabric was created during a 10-week paid Indigo Dye Training program, where participants explored the art of traditional shibori techniques using natural indigo dye. Learn more about the program here.
This scarf was made by:
NAME: Abrehet
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Eritrea
MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
Our hand-stitched indigo-dyed scarves are made using breathable, lightweight upcycled viscose rayon fabric, donated locally by Aille Design, and provided to our artists at no charge.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
For best results we recommend washing items in warm water with mild detergent on a gentle cycle and line dry.
SIZE
20.5×20.5 inch
Please note: We try to provide color accurate previews, but all screens are different.
Shipping: Most Stitch Buffalo products ship within 5–7 days of your order being received.
These double-sided cotton napkins feature two layers of high-quality cotton fabric with a decorative binding, for a luxurious weight that feels good in your hands and wears well for meal after meal.
Hand sewn using fabrics designed and resist-dyed during our 10-week Indigo Dye Studio Training Program in Buffalo, NY, our handmade products are one of a kind —as individual as the woman who created it.
A set of reusable napkins is a perfect housewarming or hostess gift—or ideal for anyone trying to reduce waste and minimize their environmental impact by eliminating disposable paper products.
SEWN IN STUDIO FOR THE BLUE EDITION COLLECTION.
THESE NAPKINS COME IN MIXED SETS OF FOUR TO SHOWCASE THE RANGE OF SHAPES, TEXTURES AND DESIGNS POSSIBLE WITH RESIST DYEING AND MAY NOT MATCH THE EXACT PRODUCT IN PHOTOS.
MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
Indigo dyed cotton
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
For best results we recommend washing items in warm water with mild detergent on a gentle cycle and line dry.
SIZE
15×15”
Please note: We try to provide color accurate previews, but all screens are different.
Shipping: Most Stitch Buffalo products ship within 5–7 days of your order being received.
Meet the newest addition to Stitch Buffalo's signature clothing line! The Capelet is an artful, easy-to-wear design that makes the shift into cooler seasons feel effortless. With its relaxed, boxy fit and elegant drape, this versatile piece flatters every body type while adding a polished, creative touch to any outfit.
This SINGLE SIZE garment fits a range of bodies from XS-XXL. If you have questions about sizing, please reach out to Reb at rebg@stitchbuffalo.org
Each capelet varies slightly, due to the dye process. We are working on photographing individual pieces, but for now, our staff will select one from our collection for you! If you’d prefer a preview before you commit, reach out via email to the address above.
Materials:
100% velvet, hand-dyed with natural indigo
Care Instructions:
Machine wash cold with mild detergent on a gentle cycle. Line dry for best results.
Note: We aim for color-accurate previews, but variations may occur based on your screen.
Shipping:
Most orders ship within 5–7 business days.
These beautiful pouches were dyed with indigo and sewn in our studio here in Buffalo, NY. Each pouch is slightly different, due to the nature of the dye process. These pouches are convenient for taking your jewelry or other small goods on the go, or even for packaging up a small gift.
Your order will include only one pouch, the listing image shows the variety you might find in your order
This piece was sewn by:
NAME: Khalida
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Afghanistan
Please note: We try to provide color accurate previews, but all screens are different.
Shipping: Most Stitch Buffalo products ship within 5–7 days of your order being received.
MATERIALS
100% Silk
SIZE
Approximately 5×5” flat
Please note: We try to provide color accurate previews, but all screens are different.
Shipping: Most Stitch Buffalo products ship within 5–7 days of your order being received.
Hailing from Eritrea, Merhawit traveled to Buffalo with her three children and husband to join her sister who has been here since 2015. Merhawit had been in Buffalo for only nine months when she started her training at Stitch Buffalo, and says she enjoyed being a part of the training program because it broadened her social circle and allowed her to express herself artistically. Her designs feature elements from nature. She especially likes working with stitched shapes that resemble a bird or a flower.
Fouzia spent three years in Pakistan after leaving her home in Afghanistan. To her, moving to Buffalo represents the first time her family can truly settle in and find peace of mind in a new community. After living under restrictive rules about schooling for women, Fouzia says that learning is extremely important to her. She attends classes at community college, where she is currently working on building her English skills and hopes to explore new subjects. As an experienced tailor, taking part in the training program at Stitch Buffalo has enriched her eye for design. She loves being able to take an item of clothing through every step of production—from surface design to sewing from her self-drafted patterns.
With her three-year-old son, Warda left Ghana almost a year ago. Warda credits her mother with giving her the spirit of an entrepreneur, and says she has always looked for opportunities to make connections and solve problems. In the training program, Warda enjoys working with the other women as they share ideas and teach each another from their own perspectives. She says that learning to make things with your own hands has been “special in its own way,” providing her a new avenue of growth and independence. Warda also appreciates the meditative aspect of preparing items for dyeing, which helps to quiet her mind from the daily stresses of being a single mom in a new country.
Abrehet was born in Eritrea. After living in Israel for nearly a decade, she made her way to Buffalo almost two years ago, along with her husband and three small children. While Abrehet can be soft spoken, nothing can hide her determination. Settling into life in the U.S. has been difficult; Abrehet says she has struggled to learn English and finds it challenging to keep busy at home on her own while her family heads off to work and school. In the past, she worked outside of the home, but opportunities to do that in her new country have been difficult to find. Being a part of the dye-studio training program has focused her energy on building new skills—and she hopes to continue her training in our sewing machine program. Abrehet also remarks upon how powerful it is to create in a group of people, finding it easy to communicate with each other using the shared visual language they are learning together.
Before settling in Buffalo, Asha, her husband, and their three children spent several years traveling between African countries in search of a place to call home. Nearly a decade later, she has built a life here—adding three more children to her family, becoming fluent in English, and working for five years at the front desk of Vive. After being laid off earlier this year, she received information about Stitch Buffalo’s dye-studio training program and immediately saw an opportunity. Already running a small at-home business altering and sewing dresses from African fabrics, Asha was eager to expand her skills. She has especially enjoyed experimenting with resist dye techniques and creating fashionable pieces like tote bags, dresses, and scarves, appreciating how each design allows her to play with space and color in new ways.
Hui brings a rich and varied background—from studying traditional Chinese painting (guo hua) to working as a nurse and later in a beauty salon. Before moving to the U.S., she longed to have another child but was restricted by China’s one-child policy. Giving birth to her daughter after immigrating felt like a true blessing. Participating in the indigo training program has rekindled her connection to the arts, echoing the creative studies she pursued in school. Her background in painting clearly informs her approach to resist dyeing. She thoughtfully balances white space and composition, bringing a painter’s eye to every piece she creates.
Stay cool and stand out in this one-of-a-kind indigo-dyed T-shirt, handcrafted by refugee women resettled in Buffalo, NY. Made from soft, breathable cotton, each shirt is individually resist-dyed using traditional shibori techniques and natural indigo, creating a unique pattern that reflects the maker’s artistry. No two are alike—each piece is a wearable celebration of craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and community.
These shirts were created during Stitch Buffalo’s 10-week Indigo Dye Studio Training Program, a paid opportunity supporting skill-building and meaningful employment for refugee women.
Designed by:
NAME: Hui
Country of Origin: China
Materials:
100% cotton, hand-dyed with natural indigo
Care Instructions:
Machine wash warm with mild detergent on a gentle cycle. Line dry for best results.
Please take note of the dimensions listed below as these shirts vary in sizing between brands
Sizing:
Approximately 19” width, 28” length (flat)
Note: We aim for color-accurate previews, but variations may occur based on your screen.
Shipping:
Most orders ship within 5–7 business days.