The tradition of the mantón goes back centuries, with patterns being mostly floral. I can't make one without referring to tradition, however when I devise the pattern that will be embroidered I am also inspired by nature in all its colours, and the flowers on our patios.

There is a great sense of responsibility. I now look after the workshop – my mother still comes to supervise and give advice, but no longer embroiders. We train apprentices but it becomes harder every day to preserve the tradition while innovating.

The great effort it takes to hand embroider. The process is painstaking, it requires skill, patience, passion and of course long hours of dedication. We dye our colours and you will never find two alike. The fringes are braided manually.

In 2007 the Ángeles Espinar workshop was honoured with the gold medal for merit in Bellas Artes (fine art). This award acknowledged our efforts in preserving the tradition of our craft and the then Prince of Asturias (now King of Spain) presented it to my mother.