Side jobs help Mong women in Nghe An earn a steady income during their off-season farming.

The Mong people in Nghe An do not develop weaving. They mainly buy dresses from Laos and recently from other localities where Mong people live. However, due to living needs, the Mong people in Nghe An also have embroidery. Photo: Huu Vi

The third lunar month, before the season of clearing the fields, is considered the leisure time for Mong women. In front of the houses, women with needles and thread and brocade in hand are always seen diligently embroidering. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Women in Huoi Giang 1 village, Tay Son commune and Trung Tam village, Muong Long commune said they are processing brocades ordered from Laos. For each brocade, when completed, the embroiderer is paid about 60,000 Lao kip (about 150,000 VND). Photo: Huu Vi

Lau Y Nhia, a 32-year-old embroiderer in Trung Tam village, Muong Long commune, said that he can complete one brocade piece in a day to deliver to customers. At each market session held every Sunday, embroiderers will deliver the completed brocade pieces and receive payment. They can receive additional fabric and embroidery thread to continue processing. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Brocade with square and diamond embroidery is a favorite of Mong women. After receiving these embroidered pieces, Lao tailors will combine them with other parts to create skirts, shirts, and hats. Photo: Huu Vi

Because of this elaborateness, a set of Mong ethnic women's costumes is often very expensive. "Each set can cost up to 15 million VND" - Ms. Lau Y Nhia revealed. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Embroidery has long been a part of the Mong community in Nghe An. However, it has recently developed more due to the more frequent Nam Can market. The development of transportation and the Internet has also facilitated trade, creating favorable conditions for the development of this craft. Photo: Huu Vi

Being hard-working by nature, Mong women's leisure days also become busy. "I just hope to have more orders" - Ms. Mua Y Hua, a 41-year-old embroiderer in Huoi Giang 1 village, Tay Son commune (Ky Son) shared. Photo: Dinh Tuyen