The Beat - A pulse on our findings and adventures

The Tai Leu Chevron

June 8, 2018

Last fall a customer came to us requesting a basic chevron pattern. Initially, we were reluctant. How could we create something that would satisfy their request, but still stay true to the spirit o...

Who Made Your Clothes?

April 23, 2018

Five years of fashion revolution. Since the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Savar, Bangladesh, which killed 1138 people, there has been a movement to ask brands for more transparency. And also thro...

Insights from a trip to America with two weavers

August 6, 2017

How Ma Te Sai headed off to America with two Lao weavers for the Santa Fe International Art Market, and some observations.

What makes TaiLeu cotton so good?

May 22, 2017

A love affair with Taileu cotton and how the people, culture and traditions shape their weaving to make it so good. Published in Garland Magazine Issue 6.

In Search of the Comb

August 5, 2016

Today, you may only identify the Kui (pronounced Gway) people by a comb worn in the front of the women’s hair. And not all the women wear this. However Say, our driver, guide and true lover of the ...

A morning with the Akha Phouly, from the village behind the cliff.

August 4, 2016

It was dark when we arrived at the Muang Long market and the vendors themselves were still arriving and claiming their square. The Akha Pouly women were over in the corner, and it felt good over th...

Craft Forward - An Invitation from the British Council

April 18, 2016

In January I was invited by the British Council to tell the story of Ma Te Sai, at a conference which exposed different Southeast Asian business models to Burmese producers, and shared knowledge of...

Hmong Embroidery & Culture in Luang Prabang

April 4, 2016

Bai Lee has been making products and teaching embroidery classes with Ma Té Sai for four years now. These classes help supplement income for the family. Extended families live together and relative...

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