Stitching Azulejos and Forming Friendships with Threads & Tiles: A Cozy Crochet Retreat

Spring officially sprung on March 20th, and our latest retreat, Threads & Tiles, kicked off just one day later.

The timing couldn’t have been better. After a long and stormy winter, the past week of sunshine was a true gift and made for the perfect retreat. Over the past week, a new group of crocheters gathered, forging connections as they stitched granny squares under the warm Ericeira sun. We shared stories around a campfire, played card games late into the night, and dove into Portugal’s rich culture through azulejos.

We opened up our swag bags on the first day, marveling at the array of goodies within. Olena curated the bags, including all of the materials needed to stitch the main project, as well as fun additions such as tea from Slovenia and hand-made stitch markers.

With Olena’s expertise and guidance, participants stitched their very own azulejo-inspired tote bags. For many participants, this was their first time crocheting a granny square, and everyone was excited to learn new techniques. By the end of the retreat, participants had successfully crocheted perfect squares, showing confidence and skill in each careful stitch.

As participants fell into the flow of the project, they took their projects outside. Whether in the courtyard under the shade of the umbrella, or poolside on a lounge chair, everyone made the most of the beautiful weather.

Alongside all of these crochet sessions, we also embarked on several exciting excursions. We kicked things off on Day 1 with a day trip to Sintra, where we explored Pena Palace and taste-tested an array of classic pastries. Another highlight was the Guided Nature Hike, where we strolled along the coast, watching surfers tackle Coxos’ famous waves and soaking up panoramic ocean views.

Some of our favorite memories from the retreat were the evenings. On the first night, we played card games around the table, laughing and enjoying Portuguese wine. It set the mood for the rest of the retreat, promising endless laughter, silliness, and creativity. For the last few evenings, we brought out the projector and had cozy movie nights, and even did one outdoor movie night with a campfire!

It was a joy to watch this group come together and form a tight-knit and supportive community. Watching everyone’s talent, passion, and kindness left us with a grateful heart every day, and we will miss the new additions to the O House family.

Until next time!