I just came up with this idea, to post pictures of some of our trips, but in a way related to colours, fabrics and sewing. And even in line with the late 'ethnic' trend. Here you can see the dresses the Flower H'mong women in the North of Vietnam wear. The fabric they use are such a beautiful, colourful mix of embroidery and sewn on ribbons. I think the skirts that are now mainly of a printed fabric were embroidered in the old days, too. I was lucky enough to visit the Coc Ly market, which is a relatively tourist free area, and purchase one of the authentic purses the women wear. By the way, it's not that I'm only interested in the women, it's just that the men wear western, less interesting clothes :).
In another village I saw blankets with this pattern, made by the Black H'mong. I wanted to print a photo of it on fabric so I could make cushions for the couch, but eventually made this design on Spoonflower.com. I am not too happy with the way it turned out on a test swatch (too faded), so I am still on the lookout for a way to print photos on fabric, if anyone knows a way please tell!