ETHNIC ARTISAN HANDICRAFTS
Various designs made while consulting for Borderline Collective on the Thai-Burma border. In addition to bags and toys, we experimented with pillowcases, aprons and other clothing. I worked from start to finish with different ethnic minority women's groups in Mae Sot and Chiang Mai, making designs, drawing patterns & technical details, sourcing materials in the market, and training the samplemakers. My goal was to use original ethnic fabrics in contemporary designs that would be appealing without heavy reliance on the producers' stories. Photos show designs from Women's Development Group, United Lahu Youth Organization, Kachin Women's Association of Thailand, and Overseas Mon Women's Organization.

Pillow designs using Hmong fabrics were created for Global Goods Partners.

Lined aprons featured Lahu/Hmong pleated trims.

Main scarf fabric was ordinary poly chiffon, but the use of pom-poms is traditional to Lahu people.

A-line dress cut from a single Mon longyi (sarong). Mauve dress used an alternate option for pockets.

These soft house slippers made with Kachin fabric could be stored in a matching drawstring bag.

Drawstring skirt in multiple designs cut from Shan longyis (sarongs). Traditionally-woven fabrics are thicker and stiffer, so this skirt would have been pressed again before selling.