The Afghan Girls Sewing Class was created to provide a culturally appropriate space where Afghan girls could
learn and create.

Spearheaded by two dedicated HTX Sewn Goods sewists, this initiative has blossomed into a vibrant hub of creativity and skill-building. The extraordinary talent of these young women showcases craftsmanship
well beyond their years. Overall, this class is about empowerment, cultural connection, and the power of community-driven action.

Mahmoud, a fifth-generation jeweler from Afghanistan,
began working with jewels at the tender age of nine.

With extensive knowledge of regional stones and minerals,
Mahmoud creates unique and exquisite jewelry. His designs
resemble heirlooms with intigrate stone, metal, textiles,
jewels, and other materials. His knowledge of antiquities is profound and he often restores pieces that would otherwise be deemed irreparable. He is a true artist, craftsman, and designer.

Vendor Name: Mahmoud

Artists: Sneha Bhavsar, Rakhee Jain Desai

Revival is inspired by Connect Community’s fostering
of nature-connected communities.

Through its vivid imagery, Revival highlights the cooling
benefits of natural landscapes in urban heat zones, contributing to the livability and health of the Gulfton community.

Combining botanical imagery and reclaimed materials,
Revival speaks to the importance of integrating nature and sustainability into our daily lives, ensuring the long-term health of the environment and the communities that rely on it.

Artists: Sneha Bhavsar, Rakhee Jain Desai

The Gathering is centered on the theme of building community through craft.

By employing textile techniques rooted in global
traditions—such as dye resist, paint, and embroidery—
the artwork weaves a visual narrative of connection,
resilience, and shared purpose. The central figures in the mural, represent diversity and are gathered together exchanging traditions through the art of stitching. Arranged in a semi-circle, they create a space that
welcomes viewers to become part of the community.

The Gathering celebrates the beauty of creating
spaces for connection and shared expression.

Member of Fabric Forge's Incubator Program

The Silk Road Collective, a women-centered initiative,
was founded in 2025 by Zahra Jalal and her daughters. Jalal, a women’s rights activist relocated to the US and collaborated with fellow female Afghan refugees to create the Silk Road Collective, which provides a vital social structure and mental health outlet for new refugees in the US. Together, they design items that blend Afghan sewing techniques and designs with Western elements. The Silk Road Collective is more than just a brand; it empowers and supports Afghan women in their new lives.

Vendor Name: Zahra Jalal

Member of Fabric Forge's Incubator Program

Norma, originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, has
always had a passion for working with her hands.

As a young girl, her mother and grandmother taught her deshilado, a sewing technique that involves removing
threads from fabric to create intricate patterns. She also makes jewelry and enjoys working with vibrant colors and a variety of materials, including canvas and fabric, to craft bags and other soft goods.

Vendor Name: Norma

Member of Fabric Forge's Incubator Program

FC Sion provides self-care for the body & soul, honoring the
deep connection between the body and the natural world.

FC Sion crafts self-care products that nurture, restore, and replenish sacred space. Custom-made eye pillows and
sachets are made from natural fabrics, and filled with rice,
flowers, and fragrant dried plants and infused with essential oils and distilled extracts, inviting you to pause, breathe, and find your center. Crafted from nature, step into calm and reconnect with yourself and the world around you.

Vendor Name: Francisca

Scenery Bags transforms retired theatrical materials into
unique, handcrafted accessories, preventing them from ending up in landfills.

Each product is crafted in the USA by artisans earning fair
wages, ensuring quality and ethical production. Scenery
Bags donates at least 10% of proceeds to the Theatre
Development Fund’s programs to students who are blind, low vision, deaf, or hard of hearing. Founded by Jennifer Wheeler Kahn, Scenery Bags embodies a passion for theater, sustainability, and community.

Vendor Name: Jen

Member of Fabric Forge's Incubator Program

HTX Sewn Goods empowers newcomer artisans and entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses by leveraging their knowledge and craftsmanship.

The program prioritizes early-stage entrepreneurs, providing business coaching and support. Artisans receive guidance that allows them to share their handcrafted products with a broader audience. HTX Sewn Goods ensures that these artisans can preserve their craft while achieving financial independence.

Vendor Name: HTX Sewn Goods Collective

Welcome to Iqoyi Atelier, where we blend tradition with modern fashion.

We specialize in bespoke clothing for a custom fit and
a ready-to-wear line showcasing vibrant designs. Our mission is to celebrate diverse influences while allowing you to express your individuality through fashion. Explore our unique graphic t-shirts that tell intriguing stories
about culture. Join us at Connect, and embrace your
style—make it uniquely yours!

Vendor Name: Joy