Portugal Knitting Experience: Wool Works

A curated knitting tour with a focus on Portugal's wool industries

1/34

Discover the rich tapestry of Portugal’s wool heritage on a journey that weaves history, artistry, and community into an unforgettable experience. From the industrial revolution of the 19th and 20th centuries to contemporary innovations, this adventure offers a deep dive into the evolution of woolcraft in Portugal. Explore historic cities and towns where the craft has thrived, engage with local artisans, and be inspired by the vibrant fiber arts scene—all while enjoying time to relax, knit, and connect with fellow travelers.

Cast on in Lisbon, where the city's cobblestone streets and iconic azulejo tiles echo the intricate patterns of a knitter’s imagination. Here, we’ll gather for an inspiring opening night that sets the creative tone for the trip. Led by knitting guru Dorothy, the Mystery Knit Along kickoff invites knitters of all levels to begin their projects together, creating an atmosphere of shared creativity and excitement. Between sessions, there’s time to explore Lisbon’s artistic energy and soak up its charm.

In Covilhã, the historic wool capital of Portugal, the past meets the present in a town surrounded by the breathtaking Serra da Estrela mountains. Once buzzing with textile mills, Covilhã now celebrates its legacy at places like the Museu de Lanifícios, where you’ll learn about the town’s pivotal role in Portugal’s textile history. Enjoy hands-on workshops and quiet moments to knit and relax, drawing inspiration from the serene mountain backdrop.

Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a unique blend of medieval charm and industrial heritage. Known as the birthplace of Portugal’s independence, it is also a hub for the country’s textile innovation. Stroll through historic landmarks such as the Castle of Guimarães and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, then explore the city’s industrial roots that transformed its role in textile history. Take time to knit with new friends, reflecting on the connections between tradition and progress.

The adventure culminates in Porto, where the vibrant Knitting with Friends Festival celebrates Portugal’s rich fiber arts culture. Immerse yourself in workshops, browse unique yarns and tools crafted by local artisans, and share your creative journey with a global community of knitters. Between festival sessions, enjoy the laid-back charm of Porto, from savoring wine along the Douro River to exploring its colorful streets and dynamic culinary scene.

Throughout the trip, Dorothy Bulac-Eriksen will share her expertise as a costume designer and passionate fiber artist, offering invaluable insights and guidance. Discover Portugal’s industrial roots, learn alongside passionate enthusiasts, and enjoy peaceful moments with your needles in hand. This journey invites you to experience a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, all while forging lasting friendships and creating unforgettable memories.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

If you enjoy knitting, you'll love knitting in PORTUGAL!
Celebrate creativity at Porto’s Knitting with Friends Festival.
Experience Portuguese arts, culture, and history.
Escape to the less-traveled mountain region of Portugal.
Visit places off the beaten track.
Enjoy amazing Portuguese cuisine at curated restaurants.
Craft a unique memento for yourself with our Mystery Knit-A-Long.
Build knitting friendships for life.
Did we mention the wine?

TIPS FOR TRAVELERS:

Pack your needles and notions—this tour is full of knitting action!
Companions welcome: non-knitters can explore or join in as spectators.
Save room in your suitcase—those yarn shops will tempt you!

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.