Art has many ways of manifesting itself, and Suneila Abdula found her path through the delicacy of thread and the measured rhythm of a needle on fabric. A railway engineer by training, Suneila discovered in embroidery a refuge and, without expecting it, a new passion that would become the essence of her brand, Su Entre Linhas.
An ancestral technique, embroidery is a language of patience and sensitivity, an almost meditative process that allows emotions to be turned into art. For Suneila, every piece she creates is more than a simple handmade item – it is a story woven with thread, with meaning both for her and for whoever receives it. With a keen eye for detail and a deep dedication to her craft, the founder of Su Entre Linhas shares her journey with us, from the first stitches to the affirmation of her artistic identity. Suneila talks about the path that led her from the railway world to embroidery, the inspirations that feed her creativity, and the way handcrafted work has become a link between her emotions and the world.
How would you describe the kind of embroidery you do, and what do you call your work?
My work blends freehand embroidery with other artistic techniques, such as watercolour painting on fabric, resulting in pieces that are at once subtle and expressive. I mainly embroider maternity-ward keepsake holders, ring cushions and decorative pieces with elements inspired by nature, femininity and literacy, always with the aim of conveying feelings and creating connections. I like to say that my embroideries are more than decoration – they are stories told with thread and colour.
When did you start working with embroidery, and what motivated you to follow this path?
I learned to embroider in 2021, without any great ambition, as a pastime and a form of therapy. I have always had an inclination for handicrafts, and creativity has been present in my life from an early age, but it was in embroidery that I found a means of expression that brought me balance and well-being. As I perfected the technique and shared my embroideries, I realised there was something special in what I was doing – not only for me, but also for those who saw and received the pieces I made as gifts. I only started to turn embroidery into a business more than a year after I had learned it. The encouragement of the people around me was essential in turning this passion into a job.
Did you receive training in the field, or are you self-taught?
I am completely self-taught. I learned to embroider through a great deal of experimentation, research and practice. I spent hours trying out different stitches, combining colours and discovering which materials worked best. The learning process was (and continues to be) a journey of discovery, in which every new embroidery teaches me something. Today, I feel comfortable sharing this knowledge with others and encouraging those who want to take up embroidery.
How many pieces have you made to date, and is there one that stands out as special to you?
I have made more than 130 embroideries to order, as well as many others that I made out of inspiration or to give to special people. Each piece has its own meaning, but some have affected me particularly. One was an embroidery commissioned to celebrate a couple's 50th wedding anniversary – the client was so moved by the result that she told me the piece would become part of the family's history. I also treasure the personalised embroideries I made for unique moments, such as the ring cushion I created for the wedding of a cousin who is like a sister to me. Every piece carries a story, and that is the greatest charm of embroidery.
What is the demand for your work like? Are there many orders and interested customers?
Demand for my work has grown organically, especially through Instagram, where I share my process and the finished pieces. I have had a consistent number of orders and, although I can't always accept them all, I try to keep an organised schedule so that I can respond to requests with the attention each one deserves. The fact that each piece is handmade and personalised makes the process slower, but customers value that exclusivity and the care put into every detail.
What kind of feedback do you receive from the public? Is there a story or reaction that has stayed with you?
The feedback has been very positive and motivating. Many people tell me that my embroideries convey calm and delicacy to them, and that, for me, is one of the greatest compliments. I have received heartfelt messages from customers who commissioned embroideries to honour someone special or to mark unique moments in their lives, such as the arrival of a baby in the family and the union of two families. I particularly remember a customer who commissioned a ring cushion for her wedding and, after the ceremony, told me how much the piece had been admired and had become a special detail of the celebration. Knowing that my work not only delights the eye, but also creates memories and emotional bonds makes me want to carry on even more. It is for moments like these that this craft is worthwhile.
Where can your work be purchased?
My embroideries can be purchased through the Instagram page @su.entrelinhas, where I share my portfolio and open my books for personalised orders. Anyone who is interested can contact me by message to discuss ideas and details.
What have been the greatest challenges you have faced in this field, and how have you overcome them?
The greatest challenge has been balancing my time between embroidery and other responsibilities. As each piece requires many hours of work, I try to organise my schedule better and set realistic deadlines. Another challenge was believing in my own worth as an artist – at the beginning, I wondered whether people would really value my work, but, over time and with positive feedback from customers, I gained more confidence.
What was the most complex or time-consuming piece you have made? Can you describe the experience?
One of the most complex embroideries I have made was the butterfly I created before I even began selling, and which later became the symbol of my brand. That embroidery has a special place in my heart for what it represented in my journey. It was a long process, lasting about three weeks, marked by a great deal of experimentation, mistakes, successes and many adjustments. More than a piece, it was a learning experience – both in embroidery and in myself. Despite the imperfections, I liked the result and gained the confidence to create other embroideries in needle painting. Looking back, I see that it was an exercise in overcoming myself and a milestone in my decision to turn embroidery into a business.
What are your plans for the future? Are you thinking of expanding, creating new products or teaching others?
I want to keep exploring new techniques within embroidery and create increasingly special pieces. Soon, I will be running in-person workshops and courses to teach this art to more people, because I believe embroidery has a very positive impact, not only as a form of expression, but also as a therapeutic practice.
For more information:
Instagram: @su.entrelinhas
WhatsApp: 869380755
