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Warunya

"My name is Warunya Apichai and my family calls me Ann. I was born on December 12, 1984. I have an older brother and we grew up in a family of farmers, which I believe accounts for my smooth and tempered nature. In the early days, every morning my parents and my brother would go to the fields while I did the housework, cleaning, cooking, etc. Now that I am older, I have another very important duty, which is to support them financially. So in my spare time I sew clothes, make pillowcases, wall hangings and all sorts of accessories, and then sell them in the local market. My favorite type of work is the one that requires embroidery and stitching.

"Actually, that's something I have been doing for a longtime. As a child, I loved to design and make my own toys and dolls. When I was in primary school I was named 'sewing champion.' However, at that time I also developed a passion for music. I trained to become a musician and was part of the school's official band. Now I get to do things I love. I design, draw and apply my needlework techniques while listening to music. I think music helps me concentrate and pay more attention to the details.

"I am currently studying at university and my good friend is from one of the hill tribes. She is really good at weaving, stitching, etc., and she has taught me some needlework patterns that are traditional of the hill tribes. The techniques are complicated yet the patterns are so beautiful, that it took me some time to master certain techniques.

"I'm inspired by Siamese culture and history, particularly that of Thailand. You see, I am very proud of my work because I put lots of physical, moral and spiritual effort into it. Starting with a design, searching for equipment and materials, drawing the pattern and applying all the techniques requires a lot of meticulousness and discipline.

"I have a few messages: If you see my work and have any constructive suggestions so that I can improve on it, please, tell me through Novica. If you purchase some of my work, I hope you will be pleased and of course I would like to thank you for allowing me to continue working and supporting my parents. And, thank you Novica for giving me the chance to be part of your family. From the bottom of my heart thank you so much!"