Remembering Timor-Leste: Tais, Culture & Resilience
October 4, 2024
October 2024
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a creator and maker is transforming raw ideas into tangible designs. Last year, I designed some new products, finalised the patterns and sewed a few samples, which friends and family have put to the test over the past year. Of course, the objective was to share these designs with LO’UD.
Enter Ilda da Cruz, the lively and talented Coordinator of the LO’UD Cooperative. Sewing is just one of her many skills. Her recent visit to chilly Melbourne brought a wave of nostalgia, taking me back to 2003 when we first met. While Dili basked in sunlight, Melbourne’s chilly weather kept us indoors, making it the perfect time to dive into sample-making, using some of LO’UD’s stunning naturally dyed textiles.
After visiting Spotlight to explore their diverse range of haberdashery, we headed to Textile Offcuts in Lilydale. We shared stories with the service staff and other customers eager to learn about Ilda and her work with the cooperative. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect and share our passion for textiles.
Back at my place in Croydon, the fun began. While working on the laptop, I watched in awe as Ilda examined my samples and pieced everything together. Although I found the clutch purse quite a challenge to construct, not surprisingly, Ilda’s skill and enthusiasm allowed her to master the samples quickly. She mastered my automatic machine, and the results of her swift work are reflected in the products available in our shop.
When she returned to Lospalos, Ilda took copies of the patterns with her, which she’s sharing with her maker protégé to add to their collection. This process empowers LO’UD to produce these unique items more efficiently, making them accessible to a growing base of customers who value handmade, ethically crafted goods.
Each piece is more than just a product; it embodies collaboration across cultures, reflecting traditional artistry reimagined for today. This collection is distinct—not just because of the intricate techniques and skilled hands behind it but also because it connects new design innovations with the deep heritage of East Timorese craft.
These unique products are perfect for new customers looking for something truly special. Each piece combines innovative design with traditional East Timorese artisanship, creating items that are not only beautiful and functional but also carry a story.
This collection offers customers a chance to own something with genuine cultural significance—a handmade product rooted in heritage and infused with a modern twist. It’s ideal for those who appreciate artistry and want to support ethical, small-scale artisanship. With every purchase, customers gain a one-of-a-kind item and become part of a larger story that celebrates and sustains East Timorese tradition and builds financial security for LO’UD women and their families.
We are always eager to hear from fellow makers passionate about merging design and product development to support cultural preservation and economic development. If this sounds like you, please get in touch!
Deb Salvagno
ETWA President
