Ms Dao is the first to hold a class to restore brocade-making among the Muong ethnic group in northwestern Hoa Binh province.

The class aims to encourage the continuation of traditional weaving by training students in how to hook yarns, prepare a loom for flower decoration, how to roll cloth, and other techniques.

After attending the class, many women can make and sell their products to supplement their incomes. Brocade products sell well to bring home between US$10-16 per month from each loom.

What’s more important than economic benefits is the restoration of a traditional craft. Young people now grow cotton and turn it into yarns to make blankets, mosquito nets and clothing. The hand-made pieces of cloth represent the industriousness and traditional culture of Muong ethnic girls. When they come to live in their husbands’ houses, young bribes often bring with them brocade costumes, blankets and mosquito nets with modern, sophisticated patterns in addition to those with the simple ball and canarium flower designs.

Bui Thi Xuan got married when she was 19 years old, and the 10 scarves she brought with her to her husband’s home were woven by her mother. Now she is determined to learn how to weave so she will be able to teach her own daughters the craft.

Once the traditional craft is restored, the burden of weaving will not depend solely on the mothers’ hands.