Hmong Outfit Series :: Colorful Appliqué & Flower Hmong

October 4, 2018December 6, 2020 - Carolyn Chang Leave a comment

DSC_0073edit-copy-683x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: Colorful Appliqué & Flower Hmong Hmong Outfit Series Happy, Thursday everyone!! In this photo, I am wearing a Flower Hmong outfit from the Lao Cai province in Vietnam. After seeing pictures of this outfit from markets in Bac Ha, I fell in love.The long circle skirt consists of batik replica fabric, cross-stitch embroidery, and rows of appliqué. I felt like a princess covered in a kaleidoscope of colors prancing around in the forest. Traditionally Flower Hmong wear a colorful headscarf, but I couldn’t find one I liked so I opted to DIY some hair accessories to add a little silver to the outfit since they wear very minimal accessories.

DSC_0042-edit-3-1024x683 Hmong Outfit Series :: Colorful Appliqué & Flower Hmong Hmong Outfit Series

:: Flower Hmong ::

The shirt has rows of machine applique along the arms and around the yoke of the skirt. Usually frog clasp or zippers close the front of the shirt. This Flower Hmong shirt pattern is different from the previous outfits that I featured as part of my Hmong Outfit Series. It’s similar to the Hmong Chinese shirts with standing mandarin collar. Sometimes the bottom of the yoke is decorated with ribbon, decorative trims, and beads. This type of shirt lacks a dab tsho.

DSC_0141edit-732x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: Colorful Appliqué & Flower Hmong Hmong Outfit Series

Flower Hmong wear long skirts that usually end mid-calf or ankle. The top of the skirt consists of batik print fabric to mimic batik. The middle consists of cross-stitch embroidery with orange, yellow, and white thread and colorful rows of applique. Each row is thin about 2 mm. The very bottom of the skirt is a more velveting material in a contrasting color. DSC_0147-edit-copy-683x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: Colorful Appliqué & Flower Hmong Hmong Outfit Series
I’ve seen the Flower Hmong wear either two short aprons with one in the front and back or one longer apron in the front. Presently they wear colorful headscarf, but in the past they wore a headwrap.

DSC_0090-edit-1024x683 Hmong Outfit Series :: Colorful Appliqué & Flower Hmong Hmong Outfit Series

:: Outfit Details ::

Flower Hmong Outfit

As Hmong New Year is approaching, I’m constantly rearranging my Hmong clothes and hastily finishing projects. I’m spoiled in the sense that I dislike rewearing the same exact outfit from the year before. I don’t mind wearing the same style just not the same exact outfit. What are you planning on wearing to Hmong New Year?

DSC_0122edit-683x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: Colorful Appliqué & Flower Hmong Hmong Outfit Series

:: Photography ::

Victoria Chang Photography

:: Xauv Giveaway ::

Thank you for reading! I hit 300 likes on Facebook and currently holding a little xauv giveaway. The winner will receive a male xauv! To enter, like my page, share my post on Facebook, comment what you are planning on wearing to Hmong New Year, and tag 3 friends. The giveaway will close in a week on Friday, October 12th.

ACS_0020-768x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: Colorful Appliqué & Flower Hmong Hmong Outfit Series

DIY :: How to make a Hmong Sash

September 28, 2018December 6, 2020 - Carolyn Chang Leave a comment

:: Hmong Sash ::

Happy Friday, everyone! Today, I’m sharing a tutorial on how to make a Hmong sash. I have a variety of sashes, traditional and modern. Some wrap around multiple times others just once. Some tied or pinned.

I made a modern sash but instead of the flat ends or tails, I wanted a gathered look in the back. Basically I wanted it to look like I was wearing two sashes that are tied but I didn’t want a knot in the back. This method allows me to take out the bulk.

:: Materials ::

Blue Sequin Fabric

Blue Chiffon Fabric

Interface

: Instructions ::

For the waistband, cut the sequin fabric into a 54 inch by 8.75 inch rectangle.
Iron interface onto the wrong side of the fabric and leave a 3/8 inseam.
Fold the waistband in half lengthwise and fold 3/8 of the top and bottom in.
Cut 2 smaller rectangles from the sequin fabric and 2 smaller rectangles from the chiffon fabric.
Hem the 3 edges and leave about an inch from the top of each rectangle.
Gather the top of each rectangle.
Place inside of of waistband and pin into place.

(Note: The waist band is the same color as the sequin tails, the lighting when I took the photo made it look kind of off)
Sew the sides and bottom of waistband

TIP: When working with this sequin fabric, make sure to use the slowest setting on your sewing machine. The sequins are glued onto the mesh so as the needle goes through the sequins it can get really hot and gummy. So work slow, use a longer stitch setting, and clean the needle often.

Thank you for reading my tutorial on how to make a Hmong sash! You can change the the dimensions based on your own measurements. I usually position the tails on the sash so that when wrapped around my waist, the end of the waistband ends on my side. This allows me to hide the end and then the sash looks pretty from the front and back! If I wear a hlab nyiaj on top it also hides it as well.

Hmong Outfit Series :: Hmong Leng Thailand

September 22, 2018December 6, 2020 - Carolyn Chang Leave a comment

DSC_0560edit2-683x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: Hmong Leng Thailand Hmong Outfit Series

Hi Saturday, everyone! Slowly but surely I’m finishing up my outfits for Hmong New Year. I actually need to update my inventory list too. Last year, I wrote down a list of my outfits I had but I’ve been putting off keeping a digital list. I mean if I update it regularly, I will have to come to terms with the amount of outfits I have. A reality I don’t really want to face especially when I know my collection is nowhere near being complete. I just have a lot of variations of the same type of outfit – another excuse I tell myself to justify my purchases and projects. Today I’m feature a Hmong Leng Outfit from Thailand or Hmong Thai Outfit as part of my Hmong Outfit Series. DSC_0549edit-1024x731 Hmong Outfit Series :: Hmong Leng Thailand Hmong Outfit Series

:: Hmong Leng Thailand ::

There were two main patterns of migration for the Hmong Thai. The first group was in Thailand before the Vietnam war and migrated from Vietnam and Southern China. The second group was from Laos previous migrating from Vietnam and Southern China and fled Laos after the communist takeover.

Hmong Leng in Thailand wear their hair up in buns and decorate their buns with beads, coins, pom poms, and siv ceeb. However, the hair bun is not as large as some of the Hmong groups located in Vietnam. Rows of appliqué fabric decorate the front of shirt and one side runs in a zigzag pattern across the chest. Typically, the dab tsho is usually sewn face down with the appliqué hidden and the cuffs of the shirt tend to be blue. Occasionally, the stars are embroidered on the shirt.

DSC_0543edit-1024x732 Hmong Outfit Series :: Hmong Leng Thailand Hmong Outfit Series

:: Hmong Thai Skirt ::

There are different variations of the Hmong Thai skirt. One variation has a pink embroidered bottom section with rows of diamond appliqué running along the top and bottom. The top section consists of batik. Colorful ribbon and appliqué fill in the empty spaces in the batik design. In the past, skirts consisted of just the batik and cross stitch portion. Usually, the outfit is worn with a pink or red sash. The apron is typically plain black with two seams running down the middle. When wearing an outfit with embroidery or paj ntaub, it is sewn on the sleeves and top of the plain black apron. DSC_0553edit-732x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: Hmong Leng Thailand Hmong Outfit Series

:: Outfit Details ::

Hmong Leng Outfit

Hlab

Pleated Skirt

Xauv

DSC_0513moodyeditblog-683x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: Hmong Leng Thailand Hmong Outfit Series

:: Photography ::

Victoria Chang Photography

Thank you for reading! Make sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

DIY :: Phuam Hmoob Lauj & Sequins

September 6, 2018December 6, 2020 - Carolyn Chang Leave a comment

IMG_9782edit-768x1024 DIY :: Phuam Hmoob Lauj & Sequins DIY

Happy Thursday, everyone! It’s getting closer and closer to Hmong New Year and I still have countless endless projects to finish. I’m drowning in fabric and need to finalize which outfits I actually plan on wearing. Some outfits are for my Hmong Outfit Series and others I’ll save for another year. Today I’m sharing a couple of pictures of a Hmong hat that I made. It’s a modernized version of the phuam hmoob lauj. I plan on making a slightly more traditional version later and will make a little tutorial for that version.

:: Phuam Hmoob Lauj ::

This Hmong hat was pretty simple to make. I opted to take the top flap out because I wanted the top of the hat to be open for my hair. While making the hat I was debating on using bright colored yarn or pastel yarn to match my sequins. After going back and forth, I decided on more vibrant colors to look a little more mature but a little part of me still wants to make a pastel one.

IMG_9785edit-768x1024 DIY :: Phuam Hmoob Lauj & Sequins DIY

The pom poms that I used are a little different than the round ones. I just wanted some variation and for my second hat I’ll make some smaller round pom poms. Currently, I’m cross stitching an outfit and if I like it enough the hat for my tutorial will match. Unless, I have a change of heart and want to make an even more traditional version.

IMG_9763edit-768x1024 DIY :: Phuam Hmoob Lauj & Sequins DIY

Phuam Hmoob Lauj are usually worn with a sev plooj outfit which I have plenty of. For my first attempt I used foam that was too thick so I switched it out for a thinner foam. It looks really pretty without foam as well.

IMG_9749edit-768x1024 DIY :: Phuam Hmoob Lauj & Sequins DIY

Thank you for reading! I wanted to update my blog before my trip. Make sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram. Once I hit 300 likes on Facebook I’ll be hosting a little xauv giveaway.

Hmong Outfit Series :: Hmong Leng Lai Chau/Dien Bien

August 17, 2018December 6, 2020 - Carolyn Chang Leave a comment

IMG_3130-664x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: Hmong Leng Lai Chau/Dien Bien Hmong Outfit Series

Happy Friday, everyone! I can’t believe it’s been a month since I came back from South Korea. I’m hoping that the next time I go to Asia, I don’t go in the summer. I can’t handle the humidity. Before going to South Korea, I featured a Stripe Hmong Outfit that I made. Today, I’m showcasing a Hmong Leng outfit from Vietnam. In the past Hmong Outfit posts, I shared White Hmong outfits and this is a first Hmong Leng outfit featured. Hmong Leng tend to have more intricately decorated skirts with batik and appliqué.

:: Hmong Leng Lai Chau / Dien Bien ::

In Vietnam, there are multiple groups of Hmong Leng and in Lai Chau there are two different Hmong Leng groups.This group is distinguished by the large orange and pink embroidery on bottom half of their skirts and huge hair buns. They are also found in the province Dien Bien.

For the past year or so I noticed that this skirt was getting more popular. A lot of these skirts are sold secondhand. There are some that are brand new but they are more expensive and I found that shipping from Vietnam is costly. IMG_3107-1024x858 Hmong Outfit Series :: Hmong Leng Lai Chau/Dien Bien Hmong Outfit Series

Usually the shirt that is paired with the outfit has bands of blue fabric on the sleeves and the apron is solid black.The front of the shirt usually has appliqué. Unlike the previous outfits I showed they wear a single sash on the waist and lack hlab nxtoo and tw siv. I attempted to make this apron for the first time. I am more familiar with making sev plooj. This sev is different as it has two seams in the middle and is one single piece of fabric. Hopefully, I made it correctly since I just based it off of pictures.

IMG_3113_1-767x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: Hmong Leng Lai Chau/Dien Bien Hmong Outfit Series

I also noticed that the dab tsho is larger than what I’m used to. If I have time I might recreate one that is smaller and switch it out.

IMG_3096-648x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: Hmong Leng Lai Chau/Dien Bien Hmong Outfit Series

:: Outfit Details ::

Hmong Leng Outfit

Hlab

Pleated Skirt

Xauv

IMG_3219-797x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: Hmong Leng Lai Chau/Dien Bien Hmong Outfit Series

:: Photography ::

Uncle Sai Photography

Thank you for reading! Make sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram. Once I hit 300 likes on Facebook I’ll be hosting a little xauv giveaway. Next update will most likely be a tutorial or http://www.tramadolportal.com/ beauty update. I’m also thinking about going live on Facebook once a week for mini tutorials and to answer questions as I sew. Let me know in the comments if that is something that you would be interested in.

Phuam Paj Ntaub Cog Ci :: Sparkly Sequins & Shiny Blue

August 9, 2018December 6, 2020 - Carolyn Chang Leave a comment

Happy Thursday, everyone! Last summer I made a traditional hat or phuam paj shown in this post, and I decided to make another more glam version incorporating my favorite color blue. Adds a little bit of variation to my collection.

:: Phuam Paj ::

This hat is based on phuam paj a type of head wrap worn by white Hmong that lives in the region known as Tsua Noog Roov towards the Khammoune region of Laos. My favorite thing to make besides making aprons specifically sev plooj are hats. They take a little bit more time but I enjoy the freedom to customize. It’s a liberating creative outlet. I can add little details and ensure quality.

:: Floating Sequins ::

I love the vibrant colors that are showcased in traditional head wraps and now that paj ntaub cog ci is trending again I wanted to combine the two. My trick to making sequins pop and catch more light is to attach the sequins to the aida cloth with fishing line instead of thread. I always found colored thread distracting, but most people don’t mind.

Usually, the siv ceeb on the phuam paj is the regular black and white or sparkly black and white. I decided to add one with some blue to bring out the blue fringe of the hat. Additionally, I layered a sequin trim on top to add a little more shine to the hat. Now that I completed this hat, I need to work on finishing my other sequin outfits if I want to wear them this year for Hmong New Year. I have 2 left to make, but most likely I’ll finish one and save the other one for next year.

Thank you for reading! Make sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram. Once I hit 300 likes on Facebook I’ll be hosting a little xauv giveaway. Next update will most likely be another Hmong Outfit Series Post.

Hmong Outfit Series :: Sequin & Stripes

July 2, 2018July 23, 2022 - Carolyn Chang Leave a comment

IMG_7900-683x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: Sequin & Stripes DIY HMONG Hmong Outfit Series

Hi, Everyone! It’s been a while since my last post on the blog and the last update of my Hmong Outfit Series. I was busy traveling and working on this piece. This is my first time making a Stripe Hmong outfit and sequin outfit. I love how paj ntaub cog ci is coming back and trending and I wanted to do a couple of takes on it. Add a little twist while challenging myself.

During the process, I questioned my own thought process and weighed the pros and cons of making my own outfit. The biggest thing I get out of making my own outfit is the little pat on the back that I give myself and a sense of accomplishment. I actually committed to my idea and followed through. Additionally, it’s like a fun puzzle for me and I’m rewarded with a semi decent outfit.

IMG_8010-672x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: Sequin & Stripes DIY HMONG Hmong Outfit Series

:: Stripe Hmong ::

This outfit is based on Hmoob Txaij or Stripe Hmong from Sam Neua/Phongsali province in Laos. Their outfit is distinguished by the bands on their sleeves and they usually wear a heavier xauv than the Hmong in Sayaboury and Luang Prabang. This is one of my favorite xauv because of the tiers and slight tapering. It’s a more feminine take as the traditional xauv are heavier and can be a little bulky. I’ll show a traditional real silver one in a future post.

IMG_7958-683x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: Sequin & Stripes DIY HMONG Hmong Outfit Series

I opted to make my outfit paired with a skirt for mostly aesthetic reasons and sheer laziness. Typically the outfit is worn with pants and the skirt is for special occasions or during burial rites. When paired with pants, there are two aprons with one in the back and one in the front. There are two sashes – usually pink and green and both are tied in the back. My sashes are a little long for my liking, I dressed myself for the photos and couldn’t adjust my sashes to my satisfaction. It always looks better when my mom helps me.

IMG_7978-676x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: Sequin & Stripes DIY HMONG Hmong Outfit Series

This hat was a fun addition. Originally I was planning on buying one but I decided that it would only be fitting if I made one and added sequins! Honestly, I don’t even know if I made the hat correctly. I would probably make it better if I knew how it was traditionally wrapped.

IMG_8033-Edit-683x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: Sequin & Stripes DIY HMONG Hmong Outfit Series

:: Outfit Details ::

Miao Silver Hair Accessories

Stripe Hmong Outfit

Sequin Sashes

Xauv

Crossroads by Nancy White Pleated Skirt (37 X17.5)

Thank you for reading! I wanted to update my blog before my trip. Make sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram. Once I hit 300 likes on Facebook I’ll be hosting a little xauv giveaway.

:: Photography ::

Star Pictures Studio

Sneak Peek :: Hmong Outfit & Sequins

April 27, 2018August 13, 2020 - Carolyn Chang 3 Comments

Hi, everyone! Today I’m sharing pieces of the many projects that I’m currently working on and will eventually add to my Hmong Outfit Series on my blog. I love how vintage styles are coming back and I can’t wait to have some modernized paj ntaub cog ci outfits.

:: Sequins, Beads, & Fishing Wire ::

I’m almost done with the embroidery of the various sequin outfits that I have planned out this year. Adding the sequins is taking me longer than I expected but I tend to make my life a little more difficult by choice. I decided that it would be a bright idea to use fishing wire instead of a thread so that I wouldn’t have to see threads. Fishing wire is harder to work with but so far I like the https://tramadolonline.net/ result. For this outfit, I love how the sequins and beads catch the light.

:: Hmong Outfit ::

Here are a couple of pieces Hmong outfits that I ‘m working on.

Sequin-Stripe-1024x731 Sneak Peek :: Hmong Outfit & Sequins DIY

I have 3 different sequin outfits in mind. Only planning on finishing 2 in time for Hmong New Year.

Blue-Sequin-1024x732 Sneak Peek :: Hmong Outfit & Sequins DIY

My pile of trims for various shirts as well.

Fabric-and-Trims-1024x731 Sneak Peek :: Hmong Outfit & Sequins DIY

I still have a tutorial that I have to finish filming and need to work on recording a voiceover.

:: Hmong Hats ::

With a plethora of outfits, I matching hats on my list of to do as well. I don’t own a phuam hmoob txaij but I’m basing mine on pictures. Honestly, I would save myself a lot of time if I just bought myself one but I tend to not be 100% satisfied with hats that I see a lot of vendors sell. I guess most of them don’t match the vision I have. I’m waiting for my silver to arrive to add to my hat. Also, I’m still debating if I want to add a couple of pink pom poms to my hat or not. Let me know in the comments if you would be interested in a tutorial.

Phuam-Hmoob-Txaij-1024x731 Sneak Peek :: Hmong Outfit & Sequins DIY

Sequin-Princess-Crown-1024x731 Sneak Peek :: Hmong Outfit & Sequins DIY

Thank you for reading! I’m trying my best to stay on top of my projects and updating my blog more regularly. I have a couple of trips planned so I just need to budget my time more effectively.

Hmong Outfit Series :: White Hmong Ha Giang

April 20, 2018December 6, 2020 - Carolyn Chang Leave a comment

HOUA2771-683x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: White Hmong Ha Giang DIY Hmong Outfit Series OUTFITS

Hi, everyone! Today I’m showcasing an outfit that I made last year to wear during Hmong New Year. I was inspired by the White Hmong from the Ha Giang Province in Vietnam that I saw in this video. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to finish the headdress in time for Hmong New Year. I’ll probably finish it after my endless projects sometime this year.

HOUA2779-683x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: White Hmong Ha Giang DIY Hmong Outfit Series OUTFITS

:: White Hmong Ha Giang ::

They usually fold over the collar/lapels of the shirt, but their lapels were quite wide. So I opted to sew them down instead so that they would lay flat and flush against the shirt. I did alter the outfit so that it would be more flattering for my body so my outfit is based on theirs mixing traditional and modern aspects of their outfit together. On their arms, they have one wide stripe and a very thin cuff.

HOUA2784-683x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: White Hmong Ha Giang DIY Hmong Outfit Series OUTFITS

They used to wear one short wide apron about the length of their skirt. Present-day they changed and wear two wide aprons. Traditionally, the outfit would consist of the shirt, white skirt, apron, tw siv, red/pink and green sashes, and leg wrappings. However, with the addition of the second apron, they only wear one sash and no longer wear leg wrappings.

HOUA2795-683x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: White Hmong Ha Giang DIY Hmong Outfit Series OUTFITS

The traditional head wrap or phuam siv ceeb would be easy to make since it is just black fabric with siv ceeb wrapped on top.

HOUA2815-683x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: White Hmong Ha Giang DIY Hmong Outfit Series OUTFITS

One thing that stood out to me when I saw the outfit on the video was how they made the dab tsho. It’s wide and short like Hmong Leng dab tsho and different from White Hmong which is usually longer.

HOUA2822-683x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: White Hmong Ha Giang DIY Hmong Outfit Series OUTFITS

:Outfit Details:

Miao Silver Hair Accessories

Xauv

Hmong Vietnamese Ha Giang Outfit

Pink and Green Sashes ( Old I haven’t seen this fabric sold in years)

Crossroads by Nancy White Pleated Skirt ( 37 X17.5)

HOUA2846-1-683x1024 Hmong Outfit Series :: White Hmong Ha Giang DIY Hmong Outfit Series OUTFITS

:: Photography ::

Houa Vang Photography

Thank you for reading! Next time I’ll try to post a tutorial or an update on some of my projects. I also ordered some Hmong clothes overseas so stay tuned for a little haul as well. I can’t wait to showcase more Hmong clothes and to finish all the outfits I have planned.

Hmong Outfit Series :: White Hmong Sayaboury

April 13, 2018December 6, 2020 - Carolyn Chang 2 Comments

Hi, everyone! It’s been a while since my last post. This outfit always brings back fond memories especially the phuam. Hmong Sayaboury wear this distinctive headwrap. Below is an old photo of my cousins and I wearing the traditional head wrap. The process frustrated my mom and aunts. We were young and they wanted a nice picture but I think they quickly realized that it was going to be more difficult than they thought. By the time they fixed it on one of us, another one would already unravel.

:: White Hmong Sayaboury ::

This post highlights the outfit that some White Hmong wear in Sayaboury province in Laos. The outfit is similar to the outfit that some White Hmong in Luang Prabang wear however the sleeves are longer and slimmer and they wear a different headwrap.

Despite the difficulty in arranging it, I love the headwrap. Nowadays, the headwrap is made into a hat and not an actual wrap. I might post a video of how to wear it traditionally. The base of the hat is either purple or black fabric with colorful large yarn. Wrap siv ceeb on top to hold everything together. For decoration, place a little coin belt on top. Hmong Leng from this region also wear a similar headwrap paired with a different outfit.

Above is a picture of the traditional head wrap. My maternal grandmother made this piece. I was told that when you are married you either wear one siv ceeb or none at all.

This traditional xauv consists of 3 separate silver rings.

I love the reverse applique and I rarely find paj ntaub mos like this anymore. Now it’s cut a lot larger and in my opinion not as pretty but to each their own. I never advanced to reverse applique so I can’t really complain

When wearing pants, two aprons are worn with a shorter one in the back. Siv paj co, hlab nxtoo, and lastly tw siv with paj ntaub goes on top. I was always taught to wrap it so the paj ntaub peeks through.
When the outfit is worn with a skirt only one apron is worn, the one in the back is omitted. In Laos, skirts were usually reserved for special occasions and for burial. Pants allowed the women to work in the fields and they didn’t have to worry about their skirts getting dirty.

:: Outfit Details ::

Phuam

Xauv

Hmong Sev Plooj Outfit with Pants

Siv paj co

Hlab nxtoo

Tw siv

Hlab nyiaj

Hnab paj ntaub

:: Photography ::

Victoria Chang Photography

Thank you for reading! I need to be more consistent with updating. I have a couple of more outfits to showcase. Let me know in the comments if you want to see a Hmong Vietnamese outfit or a Miao outfit next.