PanDau-Hmong Handwork Consignment was started nearly 25 years ago to help new refugees and immigrants sell their beautiful needlework. The phrase "Pan Dau" is an American adaptation of the Hmong word "Paj ntaub", meaning 'flowery cloth'.Women bring in purses, story cloths, hats, and other items they've made, name their own price, and receive 100% of the profit when ther artwork is sold.

Hmong women begin to learn the techniques and skills used in paj ntaub at an early age. Through the years the craft has changed. Story cloths, for instance, have only been sewn since the 1970's. The women who partner with Pan Dau have adapted their work and created new styles and American varieties of their products in addition to the traditional patterns and designs that have been passed down through the generations.

The Consignment Shop

All our items are sold on consignment. Hmong stitchers bring in handmade items to sell and they choose the price they want for their work. When the item is sold, the stitcher will receive 100% of the price she asked for. We serve 150 stitchers who leave items in the shop for sale, so the price often varies on the similar items since each stitcher has placed a different value on their own item.

Pan Dau-Hmong Handwork at SeAM

Pan Dau-Hmong Handwork began in 1981 when Lorraine Ordemann started taking in work from the Hmong women who brought items into the Christ Lutheran church office to sell, hoping they could support their families with the proceeds. Now it is run by volunteers and sells handwork for over 175 women.