Born in Palmeiros, in the parish of Salir, Maria Cremilde de Sousa Lourenço was born in 1941 and keeps in herself the wisdom and simplicity of the people of the interior of the Algarve.
Daughter and granddaughter of shoemakers, when she finished the 4th grade she had to choose between sewing and field work. On the advice of her mother, she dedicated herself to sewing, a trade she exercised for about thirty years. From a young age, however, the art of the enterprise fascinated her, influenced by the vision of her mother and grandmother — women who transformed the palm into indispensable objects for domestic and agricultural life, at a time when plastic did not yet exist.
In 1990, at the age of 49, and at a time when ready-to-wear led to the decline of traditional sewing, Cremilde fulfilled an old dream by attending a palm and esparto contract course promoted by the IEFP, in Salir. Since then, he has dedicated himself entirely to this art, proving that it is never too late to learn and follow a passion.
Recognized for the perfection and innovation of her pieces, she has participated in numerous fairs and events and is currently part of the collective of artisans at Casa da Empreita, in Loulé. She combines her talent for sewing with the mastery of the palm, creating unique pieces that have already earned her several awards from the Institute of Employment and Vocational Training (IEFP).
