Blog
Saber fazer students: Royal'Pacas
Today, we're going to tell you a little about the story of two of our students, Patrícia and Francisco, from Royal'Pacas Family, a project where they develop various activities based on their real alpacas: visits, workshopsand even organizing shearing for alpacas, among other services. In 2021, Patrícia and Francisco came to Saber Fazer for personalized training on alpaca fiber processing, which was something they were curious about and would like to develop, since they have wonderful fiber every year.
Ana Rita de Albuquerque: artist-sculptor-inventor
Yes, I've known Ana Rita for years, she's been here to teach many, many times, but it's only now that I've been able to visit her at her studio! In fact, Miguel was the one who went to photograph her (that's why some of these images are his), but I was in tow and also took the opportunity to take some pictures (with his camera).
Going to Alfaiate do Livro
Yesterday I went to Alfaiate do Livro (a.k.a. Catarina Azevedo) to pick up the little books on Woodworking Tools that I was missing to complete the latest edition.
The Fulling Mill of Carlos and Manuel
Manuel and Carlos are two galician teachers who run a project called Panosdaquí, based on the reproduction of traditional galician textiles and supported by the research and recovery of ancient techniques.
A photographic archive
Though still incomplete, a photo archive of the people I meet during my work is coming together.
In Vale de Gatos
A trip to Évora in a mix of work/pleasure and a quick visit to Vale de Gatos to finally get to know Isabel and Carlos's place. Unexpected news made Isabel travel a little sooner than expected, but Carlos was there to show us around and allow me to photograph the atelier.
The first experiments
Although I'm buried in work and do not have the time to write all the posts I need to write, I had to come here and share Guida Fonseca's first experiments with some of the wools she discovered through our ongoing small Portuguese Wools study, in her own work.
In search of the lost scutcher
By the end of June, there I went, all the way up Minho, hoping to find one of those mechanic scutchers still in working condition.
The cloth from those seeds
I've known Maria das Dores for about two years. I couldn't forget the time I met her because I almost went bankrupt for buying yards and yards of the fabric she manufactures completely on her own, right from those seeds. I've been saving that fabric ever since and have only used a small square for a very special occasion.
Work in progress with Guida
Last time I went to Lisbon, I took the opportunity to visit Guida Fonseca and work with her on what I hope to be Saber Fazer's next little book. With Guida involved it's not a surprise that it will have something to do with the beautiful craft of weaving.
Rosa and Manuel, basket weavers
Rosa was born in a family of basket weavers and when Manuel married her, he learned the craft and became one as well. They work as a team, in their workshop in Braga, where they make all kinds of wicker baskets, sometimes with the help of Rosa’s older brother, her teacher in this craft.
Fátima Gomes, Weaver
Fátima Gomes's rugs have stayed in my memory since I first saw and touched them last August. There's a rustic side to them that respects the natural beauty of the wool and, at the same time, manages to be incredibly sophisticated in its simplicity.
Lúcia, Professional Weaver
In the short visit I paid to D. Lúcia, she showed me her loom, many of the blankets she weaves and even let me borrow the “drafts” she has. Unlike most of the weavers I've met, Lúcia weaves professionally full-time, on commission.
Fake surface techniques and Gilding
Yesterday I visited Mr.Luís Castro, which works in restoration, at his workshop here in Guimarães. I already knew Mr.Luís because he was one of the artisans I covered in the chapter I wrote for the book about the House of the Lobo Machado family (currently belongs to the Comercial and Industrial Association of Guimarães).
Women of Bucos
At the Casa da Lã (house of wool), the wool is still transformed through artisanal processes by a group of women that gets together every thursday to work and talk – the Women of Bucos.
Instituto Monsenhor Airosa
Spinning and Weaving are two things that have this mesmerizing power over me. I don’t know how to do any of the two, yet, but when I see the fiber turning into yarn, and then the yarn into fabric I can’t help thinking that there’s a mystical aura about it that hypnotizes me.
José Macha, Clog Maker
To be completely honest, I’m not a clog fan, but these made me look twice – I had noticed them a year ago. I think they caught my attention because they look so monolithic, but then they have these little decorated details, and a white leather trim finished with nails that look so strong as uneven.
Machado Handmade
The artisan’s workshop is always a magical place. Of course, it’s even better when the artisan is not only excellent at his work, as he’s very generous in spending some time talking about all the little details that make his work so special.
Casa do Trabalho do Nordeste
As time went by, wool has become my favourite material to work with. Although I don’t use it in all its varieties (I don’t knit, for example), I have come to discover many of its possibilities, qualities and beauty.