Day 8: Stockings # 2

Day 8: Stockings #2

These stockings are a wonderful and unique twist on the American stocking. We love that we were able to infuse Hmong fabric and materials to a classic Christmas item.

We created these stockings using black velvet, pink and green cotton solids, and Hmong trimming (left over from our Hmong heart ornaments!). All materials were purchased at the St. Paul Hmong Market (off of Como Ave.) – support your local Hmong vendors!

Pictured are the materials used for this project. Unfortunately, due to our time restraint and the busy holiday season, we will unable to do a detailed step-by-step tutorial. If there are any requests for it, we will do our best to return to this project and provide a tutorial!

The best part of these stockings is that they make great gifts themselves. Give them to love ones as we are planning to do <3

Day 7: Ornament #3 - Hearts

Day 7: Ornament #3 - <3

Growing up in a Hmong family, you probably have seen this Hmong ornament. It's a small, stuffed heart-shaped ornament! Usually hand done with a cross-stitch image. You can find these ornaments at the Hmong ABC shop (St. Paul MN Hmong Market) for $6/ea or $2 for an unstuffed heart that you can fill in yourself. For us, that's a bit pricey for a single ornament (if you plan to have more than 1 hanging on the tree). So we decided to take a Hmong-printed trimming and create our own! We recommend this if you are low on funds and you have the time!

Materials:

-Hmong trimming - found at Hmong markets and/or local Hmong fabric store )amount depending on how many ornaments you plan to make)
-Fabric of your choice for the back of heart
-Sewing tools such as sewing machine, thread, and hand sewing needle
-String of yarn or ribbon
-Scissors

Step 1: Fold Hmong-fabric in half and cut out heart shape.

Step 2: Lay cutout on top of fabric. Trace and cut out heart from the fabric.

Step 3: Place string, folded in half, in the middle with at least 1/2" of ends extended beyond the edge.

Step 4: Place Hmong-fabric on top of string and second fabric, right sides together. You will want to pin all 3 layers together at the top. Push in bottom string towards the middle (to avoid stitching string into the seam).

Step 5: Begin stitching at the bottom of the heart. Sew all the way around, leaving at least 1" open.

Step 6: Turn inside out and stuff the heart with filling.

Step 7: Once the heart has been filled, slip stitch the opening closed.

The best part of this project is that you can create all sorts of shapes! Enjoy <3

Day 6: Ornaments #2

Day 6: Ornaments #2 – Coins!

For a very easy and cute Hmong-Inspired ornament, use the coins found on Hmong garments! We had left over coins that were purchased at the Hmong market. Just slip an ornament hook into the hole of the coin! 

And wah-la - coin ornaments!