Aurora Menendez is a self-taught embroidery artist living in Asturias, Spain. She started embroidering six years ago and first started with small embroidered brooches.
Describe Your Style in Three Words?
Nature-inspired, elegant and exquisite.
How Long Have You Been Stitching For?
I've been stitching for about 12 years now. I learned cross-stitching with my mother when I was young. About 12 years ago, I became interested in free-style embroidery and began teaching myself. It's a technique that I'm passionate about and has truly changed my life.
What’s Your Favorite Stitch?
It's a tough question because I have many favorite stitches. If I had to choose just one, it would be the French knot. My mother taught me how to do it, and it took me a while to get the hang of it at first. Since it's a raised stitch, I always save it for the final part of the project. So, when I'm embroidering French knots, it usually means I'm about to finish that piece.
How Did You Learn to Stitch?
I learned to cross-stitch with my mother when I was a child. About 12 years ago, I became interested in free-style embroidery, and she taught me some free-style stitches like the French knot. After that, I continued learning on my own through books and some online courses. It's a technique with infinite possibilities, so I believe I'll be an eternal learner. There's always a new stitch to learn, different styles to combine, and endless inspiration to draw from.
What Are Your Embroidery Essentials?
My embroidery essentials include a hoop to keep the fabric taut while I embroider, a high-quality needle sized appropriately for the type of thread I'm using, scissors with long, sharp tips for precise thread cutting, and threads in a variety of colors. The extensive color palette of DMC threads is so delightful that I love embroidering with them.
What Inspires You?
The nature surrounding me is my greatest source of inspiration. Wild plants and birds are my favorite subjects to embroider. I'm fortunate to live in a region in northern Spain filled with lush vegetation and forests. Every time I go for a walk, I come back home with a plethora of ideas for new projects.
What’s Your Favorite Piece Of Work?
Another tough question to answer. I have many favorite pieces because each of them carries a story of inspiration and significant memories for me. If I had to choose just one, it would be the piece titled 'Raitán y Fresnu,' which is an embroidery dedicated to my favorite bird, 'El raitán' or robin. This piece won me the second prize in the 'Unique Craft Piece' competition organized by the government of my province.
What Difference Has Stitching Made To Your Life?
Embroidery has truly changed my life. It's a technique that allows me to work with my hands, something I've always been passionate about. It also enables me to express myself, be creative, and constantly develop new ideas. There's no greater joy than seeing how, stitch by stitch, the blank fabric comes to life as if by magic. I highly recommend trying embroidery to everyone, as it has been shown to have numerous benefits. Studies have suggested that engaging in manual techniques like embroidery can reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and promote mindfulness.
