Sabina Lima

Embroiderer

©Save the Dog Video Productions

A stitch for a cause

Sabina was awarded the Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery in 2021 and Associate Award in 2022
She combines a background in architecture with fine embroidery skills
She uses recycled or vintage materials at the heart of her practice

Sabina Lima is a Brazilian-born embroiderer who blends her architectural and urban design background with her embroidery practice. She reimagines traditional techniques such as raised work, and goldwork, infusing them with contemporary relevance through unexpected materials and techniques. “Integrating methods from other disciplines happens organically," she shares. In her wearable artwork Ablaze, Sabina used aluminum mesh, which is a material sourced from wall restoration to achieve the dynamic effect of a bonfire. “This allowed me to create compound shapes and control precisely where I wanted more or less curvature,” she explains. Sabina incorporates locally sourced materials and recycled elements, such as vintage yarns and tarnished gilt wires. Her work aims to raise awareness and provoke questions about issues around environmental concerns and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Interview

How did the Royal School of Needlework shape your work?: The RSN refined my technical embroidery skills, teaching precision in selecting stitches, needles, threads, and fabrics. While it elevated my craftsmanship, my artistic identity was shaped by my architectural background and design sensibility, which were already well-established.
Does your Brazilian heritage influence your work?: My Brazilian heritage deeply influences my art, from celebrating folklore and festivities to addressing rainforest conservation. Pride in my identity is woven into each piece, whether subtly or prominently, creating a meaningful connection to my cultural roots.
How do you balance slow embroidery with fast fashion?: I do not compromise on quality. My work involves detailed steps like sketching, designing, material selection, sampling, and embroidering the final piece. While practice helps streamline decisions, embroidery’s meditative process demands time, ensuring each piece meets the highest standards.
What has been a turning point in your career?: Receiving the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust award was a turning point. It gave me the opportunity to refine my shoemaking skills and combine them with embroidery. My goal is to craft bespoke women’s shoes that merges artistry, and craftsmanship.

Sabina Lima is a rising star she began her career in 2018