:: Fresno Hmong New Year ::
In my last post, I mentioned that I had prepared too many outfits this year for Fresno Hmong New Year. I had to narrow it down to the outfits that took me longest, had sentimental value, and had prior reservations. Now that Hmong New Year is over, and its the start of 2019 I can put my clothes away and start packing. I won’t be able to do as many Hmong Outfit Series posts as I’m starting grad school and moving to San Jose. However, I’ll try to fit in as many as I can throughout the year. I might be busy with grad school, but I know I won’t stop collecting outfits. Honestly, I’m a little sad that I won’t be able to sew as often but I know that I already have plenty of outfits for Hmong New Year.
:: D A Y 1 ::
I made my cousins and I matching outfits this year. We went with the White Hmong Xieng Khouang style. I wanted something simple but I made a mistake with my fabric choice. Next time if I’m short on time and making lots of outfits I’m sticking to cotton. Plain and simple. I actually burned one of the shirts while ironing so that set me back. It’s still rewarding when I look at our pictures together. It’s not my best work but looks good from far away. This year my cousin’s boyfriend dressed up with us as well!
:: Outfit Details::
Phuam Txoom Suab
Black and White Xieng Khouang Outfit
Crossroads by Nancy White Pleated Skirt 37×17.5
:: D A Y 2 ::
I opted to wear my blue hat with my Hmong Leng Sayaboury outfit because my grandma made me this little coin belt years ago. Last year I added coins and since the beads were blue, I paired it with my blue hat. My grandma stopped making paj ntaub mos when I was really young so there aren’t a lot of examples of her work. I think she started me at 3 because I was supposed to practice reverse appliqué and eventually make my own. I can do regular appliqué it’s just not that best. Another reason, I chose this outfit is because my mom is from this province in Laos. She wears the White Hmong Sayaboury outfit with pants. 
:: Outfit Details::
Phuam
Hmong Leng Sayaboury Outfit
Skirt 40 X 22
:: D A Y 3 ::
This outfit is the outfit that started my sequin adventure. I want a Striped Hmong Outfit but wanted something different and something that I didn’t see before so I opted for paj ntaub cog ci version. Originally I wasn’t going to make the hat but it was hard to stop. At that point I wanted sequin versions of everything.
:: Outfit Details::
Phuam
Stripped Hmong Outfit
Crossroads by Nancy White Pleated Skirt 37×17.5
:: D A Y 4 ::
Posing with one of my favorite Hmong dance groups Tseem Tub Ntxhais Hmoob. They won 1st place in the dance competition this year! Sequin hat to match my blue sequin outfit. If it’s not already apparent, blue is also my favorite color. I kinda regret not serging this fabric and using french seams as some parts of the gold is fraying and coming out. Every project is learning experience and I’m constantly learning that I’m a little lazy with too many ideas. I had the chance to meet Neng Now! Can’t wait to see his video. 
:: Outfit Details::
Phuam Paj
Paj Ntaub Cog Ci Outfit
Crossroads by Nancy White Pleated Skirt 37×17.5
:: D A Y 5 ::
The last of my sequin projects was my sequin princess hat. I wanted this hat to shine so I opted for a simple and modern look. I love the poofy skirt and helped me feel like a princess. There were different white pleated maxi skirts that other vendors were selling but I didn’t want to wear one with a hoop under as I wanted it to flow and move naturally as I walked. Also, some weren’t puffy and just sadly hang.
:: Outfit Details::
Princess Hat
Madewell Shirt XS
3 Tiered Maxi Skirt 36 X 36
:: D A Y 6 ::
I woke up on the 6th day with puffy eyes probably because I’ve been outside consistently without taking my allergy medicine. My cousins and I had agreed on wearing Thai outfits on this day months ago and we picked one of the coldest days. My outfit barely fit me as I gained a bit of weight since I bought mine 2-3 years ago.
:: Outfit Details::
:: D A Y 7 ::
The last day of Fresno Hmong New Year was the day that I struggled to pick an outfit. For a while, I was debating between 3 options but I decided on wearing this vintage Hmong Chinese outfit that I bought a couple of months ago. I always wanted one when I was younger but my mother refused to buy me one because she didn’t like it. When I was old enough to buy myself one they no longer made these outfits. I also promised myself that I wouldn’t alter the outfit maybe just the skirt. However I think I changed everything but the hat and leg wraps/nrhoob. I shortened the tails of the sash in the back, took in the sleeves, and shortened the sev. Now it’s a lot more flattering on me and I’ll actually wear it instead of just hoarding it in my closet.
:: Outfit Details::
Hmong Chinese Outfit
Thank you for reading! 2018 was a fun year filled with traveling and crafting. I’m excited to start grad school and like everyone else my New Year’s resolutions is weightless/fitness related. I just need to get back on track so I’m stronger, fitter, and healthier. Sewing makes me quite sedentary and I’m not taking a sewing machine with me so there will be a pause on my projects.
