Blog
We are members of the European Creative Hubs Network!
Since the beginning of the year, Saber Fazer / Ofício has been an associate member of the ECHN - European Creative Hubs Network!
Gabi's spindle (and a very special cotton)
Remember last September when, with the support of the TuYo Foundation, we welcomed Gabina Valentín, an Amuzga weaver from Xochistlahuaca, for an Open Class and memorable Mexican belt loom Masterclass? That weekend was also one of exchanging experiences and personal treasures between Gabi and Alice. From here, Gabi took things that are commonplace for us, such as linen and silk, but which are rare in Mexico.
Saber Fazer is a DGERT certified training organization!
We open 2023 with excellent news: SABER FAZER has become a DGERT-certified training organization!
Handcards, drumcarders and more: a short guide
Here's a short guide to help you choose cards, carders and other similar tools. Nowadays there are many options on the market when it comes to equipment for carding or blending fibers, so it's useful to know a few things before selecting the equipment you need.
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.
Two days of Amuzga culture at Saber Fazer
It was a very special two days indeed, when we welcomed Gabina Valentína, an Amuzga weaver from Xochistlahuaca, and Inês Queirós from the TuYo Foundation (responsible for bringing her to Europe), to spread the word about their culture and the Mexican backstrap loom weaving technique. Gabi has only been to Amsterdam, Barcelona and Porto during her first European tour, so it was a real privilege to have her here!
Culture For All in Vinhais - Arts and Crafts
One of the projects we're very pleased to be working on this year is Culture for All in Vinhais, which will include workshops and themed workshops in the areas of Arts and Crafts, Theater and Performing Arts, Music and Dance, all areas with a very rich cultural heritage in Vinhais. The area we will be responsible for, as you can imagine, will be Arts and Crafts.
The path of the Black Merinos from Monte dos Cedros
Today we want to talk to you about Monte dos Cedros, owned by Carlos and Marta, two young producers, both with a degree in Animal Production, who started producing Black Merina sheep in 2019 under extensive and certified organic grazing.
Another year, another shearing
It was a pleasure to take Marty and Susana O'Connell back to Serralves to demonstrate the shearing of the farm's Bordaleira de Entre-Douro-e-Minho sheep. We were presented with exceptional weather and many families joined us to watch this very important stage of the wool cycle!
Flax, tow and flax waste: an explanation
Anyone who likes flax is surely familiar with the term “tow”, but possibly doesn' t know the real difference between flax and tow, or what flax waste is. Today's post explains the difference between these three types of fibers, all of which come from the same source but are different from each other.
The sexiest sheep
If I had to choose the sexiest sheep in Portugal, I'd say there's a good chance it would be the Churra Mondegueira breed, preferably a “Marialveira”. They don't bathe because they spend every day of the year grazing extensively, but their heavy fleeces with long, sometimes curly strands give them that special charm.
Our new Natural Dyeing Online Course!
We've just launched our new online course platform and the Online Course on Introduction to Natural Dyeing led by Guida Fonseca!
Saber-fazer at the Museum of Fashion and Textiles
The Museum of Fashion and Textiles opened a few days ago in Vila Nova de Gaia, a new museum dedicated to fashion and the history of the Portuguese textile industry. At the beginning of the exhibition circuit, there is a part of the exhibition dedicated to raw materials, right down to yarn, and weaving, which had our contribution in the form of technical and scientific consultancy, the production of texts, content and the supply of all the exhibition materials.
A shop window that is an exhibition
Our new shop window is a mini-exhibition of Ana Rita de Albuquerque's exceptional work. Having teachers (and friends) who are the best at what they do gives you the right to have beautiful shop windows!
Tips for germinating Dye Plants (and more)
I don't know if you've noticed, but it already smells like spring outside! And spring, around here, means starting to plan sowings. For some time now, we've had some seeds of our own dye plants available in our online store, but as not everyone has a lot of experience in sowing and planting some species that have specific needs, here's a post with some tips for you to have great success in your sowings on that side!
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).
Using wool as mulch
I've been asked several times why I have wool around my plants after showing some of the photos of our dye plants. I often use wool in soil and pots, yes. One of the most useful uses for wool that, for various reasons, isn't good enough to process is to use it for mulching.
About Weld: answering a few questions
After the online workshop, Teresa A. identified Resedas growing on her land. I advised her to collect seeds from these plants and cultivate them intentionally over the next few years. As they grow naturally, they are sure to be very well adapted to the area and will need almost no care, which is exactly what we want! In the meantime, she can collect a few to experiment and understand their dyeing power. As a result of the emails we exchanged, she asked me the following questions, which I'm going to answer here, because they help us understand a little more about this plant and I thought there might be people out there with the same doubts.
Seasonal Postcard: Madder
Our new seasonal postcard pays tribute to the Madder and the lessons it teaches us.