Between Vinhais and Podence, careto costumes are made
Sandrina and Sofia
Returning to Vinhais makes us think about the work we did there between 2022 and 2023, the fantastic group of people we had the opportunity to teach, and what came of it. Two of those people were Sofia Pombares and Sandrina Fernandes.
Last year, Sandrina and Sofia worked together to produce around 30 costumes for the masqueraders of Ousilhão, Podence, Salsas, Pinela, and Travanca.
Sandrina was introduced to weaving at Saber Fazer here in Porto, even before we started the project in Vinhais, and then joined us in the project to consolidate her skills and learn how to felt and process wool. Sofia, who is from Podence and already worked making masks, also came to learn how to weave and felt, thus deepening her knowledge.
A few months after completing their training, Sandrina and Sofia began their partnership. Currently, Sandrina weaves the fabrics and Sofia makes the costumes and fringes. Sofia won the National Handicraft Award (Young Talents) and Sandrina is seriously dedicated to weaving in her project “O Barandoco”.
We couldn't be more proud of them, obviously!
Sofia with Guida Fonseca at the weaving course in 2022.
Sofia and Sandrina in the felting course with Ana Rita de Arruda, in 2023.
Sandrina at the weaving course in Vinhais, in 2022.
Sofia and Sandrina in the felting course with Ana Rita de Arruda, in 2023.
Already working together in 2024.
Sandrina at her loom.
Fabric produced by Sandrina, ready to be transformed into costumes by Sofia.
Fabric produced by Sandrina, ready to be transformed into costumes by Sofia.
Fabric produced by Sandrina, ready to be transformed into costumes by Sofia.
Costumes produced by Sofia, using fabric made by Sandrina.
Detail of a costume produced by Sofia, using fabric made by Sandrina.
Of course, we couldn't resist showing you these two pictures of Sandrina and Sofia, dressed up with horns and felted fleeces made during the felting course we taught in Vinhais!
