April 5 - Weaving Beautiful Souvenirs in Kon Tum

One of our stops in Kon Tum was a minority craft workshop and store. It was fascinating to see the young girls weaving fabric for purses, belts and coats by hand.

As you can see from the pictures, they brace themselves against the wall so they can make sure they are maintaining tension on the strings into which they are weaving. They seemed to be very happy in their work and did not mind having their pictures taken.


At home in the US these antique treadle sewing machines would be collectors' items. Here they are the life blood of the operation. Used continually to sew together the parts and zippers for the items being constructed.


I loved the smile of this seamstress who was obviously enjoying her work...and perhaps even the fact that I already had several items laid out ready to purchase.