Traditional embroidery in Guimarães, Portugal, is a craft shaped by time, precision and the knowledge of those who practise it. Yet behind each finished piece lies a largely unseen process of labour, care and dedication, raising questions about the value of handmade work and the continuity of traditional practices.

This photographic project centres on Isabel Oliveira, a 67-year-old embroiderer who has devoted more than two decades to preserving this local tradition. Through her experience, it examines the relationship between craftsmanship and everyday life, exploring the demands of an often undervalued profession and the uncertain future faced by those who sustain it.

Working primarily on commission, Isabel continues to embroider alongside her responsibilities as a caregiver. As she approaches retirement, her story reflects the tension between the desire to preserve a cultural heritage and the economic realities that make its continuation increasingly difficult.

Through the intimate portrayal of Isabel and her practice, Between Threads considers embroidery not only as a form of craftsmanship, but also as a living cultural heritage sustained by women’s labour, time and commitment.