Portugal Knitting Experience: Artisan Roots

A curated knitting tour with a focus on Portugal's craft traditions

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Immerse yourself in the essence of Portugal, where every craft tells a story and each stitch connects you to centuries of tradition. Picture yourself in vibrant Lisbon, where colorful tiles glimmer in the sunlight and cobblestone streets hum with creativity. Cast on your journey here, meeting fellow knitters for the Mystery Knit Along, as the city’s energy inspires your first stitches and sets the tone for a journey of connection and craft.

In the medieval city of Évora, step into workshops where artisans share the secrets of weaving, embroidery, and wool processing, inviting you to try techniques passed down through generations. The warmth of hospitality surrounds you as you gather with your group to reflect on the stories and skills being shared, while savoring local wines and the region’s natural beauty.

Next, feel the creative pulse of Caldas da Rainha, a lively town where quirky ceramics and vibrant textiles come to life. Meet artisans blending tradition with innovation, explore markets filled with one-of-a-kind treasures, and connect with the deep spirit of Portuguese craftsmanship.

Finally, let the coastal charm of Ericeira invite you to slow down. Knit by the Atlantic’s edge, reflecting on the journey as the waves crash against golden cliffs. Each stitch you make carries the memory of the artisans, the traditions, and the vibrant culture that inspired you.

Portugal’s craft heritage isn’t just something to see—it’s something to touch, to feel, and to be a part of. With Dorothy Bulac-Eriksen as your Knitting Guru, you’ll dive into a world where creativity flows as freely as the connections you’ll make. Let every thread bring you closer to the heart of Portugal’s enduring artistry.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

Knit in stunning locations and learn Portuguese knitting techniques.
Meet artisans and uncover the secrets of Portugal’s textile traditions.
Explore hidden gems like Évora, Caldas da Rainha, and Ericeira.
Indulge in world-class Portuguese cuisine and wine.
Experience the perfect balance of cultural exploration and knitting relaxation.

TIPS FOR TRAVELERS:

Companions welcome! Non-knitters can join as observers or enjoy free time exploring.
Save room in your suitcase—you’ll want to bring home yarny treasures!

Meet Your Hosts

Dorothy Bulac-Eriksen

Dorothy Bulac-Eriksen has created costumes for ﬁlm and television for 40 years. She has made superheroes, spacesuits and creatures for companies such as Marvel, DC and the Star Trek franchise (Thor, Baby Groot, Batman, Spock, Worf, and the Borg Queen), and with a specialization in fabric manipulation, her skills appear in costumes that range from Muppets to Romulans to Lady Gaga.

Having now retired from the Entertainment Industry, Dorothy gives her full focus to her knitwear. She approaches her knitting designs with the aspect of her previous profession, enjoying the mixing of textures, colors and techniques. Many of her designs draw inspiration from characters of her past. Her upcoming shawl “I’m Batman” with its dramatic wingspan is reminiscent of the caped crusader.

Now living in Portugal, she is eager to have everyone experience all that the country oﬀers, which is rich in the ﬁberarts.

Dorothy Bulac-Eriksen

William and Alex

William Kyle and Alex Hay founded Resonate Tours based on their shared passion for European culture and travel.

William lived in Florence, Italy while studying architecture in college. He fell in love with the urban lifestyle steeped in history, a contrast with his life growing up in the suburbs of Los Angeles. Over the two years he lived in Florence, he learned to speak fluent Italian and developed deep friendships that he's maintained ever since. He has since visited Italy dozens of times, and has other favorite haunts across Europe. In addition to his Italian, William speaks passable Portuguese and some Spanish.

Similarly, Alex studied abroad in Spain not once, but twice! Adapting to a foreign culture and learning a new language fascinated him and he developed a lifelong passion for travel and exploring new cultures. He's visited more than 20 countries across Europe, Latin America and Asia. He speaks Portuguese and Spanish, some Italian and about thirty words of Mandarin Chinese.

A life of living in various cities in multiple countries has led William and Alex to reside in Lisbon, Portugal, a 21st-century intersection of world cultures.