Hmong Textile Arts Ker Vue Vang, 53 Milwaukee, WI Q: How did you learn to sew? Who taught you and when? A: I learned to sew when I was a young girl. My sister-in-law taught me how to cross-stitch. I didn't use the applique technique until I was married. I learned how to sew this way by myself. Q: Were there any sewing groups you were involved in? A: No, not really. I sewed everyday with my sister-in-law. After I got married, I sewed by myself. Q: How important is the visual aspect of it? A: It is important to keep the shapes symmetrical, the same on both sides. To get the curve right, I used a can or cylinder shape and traced the bottom of it. Hmong people like a lot of color. They especially like the bright colors like pink and green. Having colorful costumes is a privilege. In Laos, many could not afford colorful fabric, they could only buy black and blue. They were the main colors because they were the easiest to dye. Q: Why is it important, economically? Is it important in recording history/culture? A: Many Hmong women sew for money. Many families are poor in Laos and Thailand. They make paj ntaub to sell in the markets or they send it to relatives in the U.S. to sell. Then their relatives send the money back to them. It is very important for history because then my kids will know what their people went through and they will appreciate their culture. Q: How is it incorporated into the clothing? A: Paj ntaub is put on clothing to decorate it. Hmong people love to show off their clothing during the New Year Celebration. They put it on their sleeves, collar, and use strips of paj ntaub as belts. Q: How do you want to preserve the tradition? A: There are a lot of young people today who don't want to learn. They reject the Hmong ways. This makes me very sad because who will carry on with the Hmong culture. I want my children to learn and I am very happy when they want to learn. It makes me very proud that they will be like me. Passing it on to them will keep the culture. I hope they will pass it on to their children. Q: Is it important to the culture of the area you live in? A: I see that it is important for other people living in Wisconsin. They love to see the paj ntaub. Many non-Hmong have a piece of paj ntaub in their homes. It is good that they want to learn about my culture. Then it becomes a part of them. BACK Last Updated 01/26/04