Lisbon's Homelore Stitches Economic Hope for South Asian Migrant Women

A Lisbon-based community project is helping South Asian migrant women build skills and income through embroidery. Homelore, founded in 2024 by architect Riddhi Varma, offers workshops and paid work to combat social isolation. Its latest exhibition, Taking Root, is now on display at Casa do Jardim da Estrela until 28 February.

Varma, 28, returned to Lisbon in early 2024 and noticed few economic opportunities for South Asian immigrant women. She saw embroidery as a way to create both income and social bonds. Within 15 months, Homelore ran five 12-week workshops, teaching everything from basic stitches to intricate artworks.

The project took a major step forward in October 2022 after securing a €50,000 grant from a municipal community fund. This allowed Homelore to become self-sustaining, offering regular paid work to participants. Some now take on commercial commissions, like stitching for sustainable fashion brand Béhen Studio or creating tapestries for private homes.

The current exhibition, Taking Root, explores themes of migration through floral designs. Pieces begin with simple stitched lines before blossoming into detailed leaves and petals. The show reflects how participants' skills—and confidence—have grown over time.

Homelore now provides both training and paid employment for migrant women in Lisbon. The exhibition runs until the end of February, showcasing how craft can create economic and social roots. The project continues to expand, with more workshops and commercial partnerships planned.