Patchwork in Portugal: A Rejuvenating Knitting & Artsy Retreat

• Start your day with an optional wellness session, where you will tap into your inner serenity through a guided yoga, meditation, or breath work session. Then, help yourself to a tasty continental breakfast.

• For your first workshop, you will learn the foundational skills of patchwork and colorwork knitting. Techniques covered include knitting flat, casting-on, casting-off, and colorwork. Alongside knitting techniques, Weichien will also discuss the history of Portuguese azulejos, the inspiration for the retreat project.

• Relax, chat, and enjoy lunch at O House, prepared by our private chef.

• In the afternoon, enjoy unstructured free time to explore Ericeira. Whimsy and beauty abounds in every corner; you may walk the town’s quaint cobblestone streets, pop into the local yarn store, taste-test a traditional pastry, or dip your toes in the surf.

• In the evening, return to O House and help yourself to a hearty dinner cooked in-house by our private chef.

• Loosen up with a refreshing wellness session, then enjoy breakfast before your first workshop.

• In this morning’s workshop, learn the core skills needed for your vest. Weichien will cover swatching and how to determine the size/quanity of squares, then you’ll have the chance to practice your first square.

• Take a break with a wholesome and tasty lunch at O House.

• In the afternoon, dive back into knitting as you work on your vest. This is your time to make progress on the squares and ask questions as you go. Techniques covered include neat borders and knitting/purling colorwork.

• Close out the day with dinner and conversation at O House.

• Start the morning with a satisfying breakfast, then get ready for an immersive day in Lisbon.

• Visit Retrosaria Pomar, a local yarn store in Lisbon, for a behind-the-scenes tour of their facility, as well as a presentation on Portuguese sheep and wool. This custom experience is designed to introduce you to Portugal’s flourishing fiber arts scene and peruse a beautiful store. You may just find inspiration for your next project on these shelves!

• Fuel up with a delicious lunch in Lisbon, savoring traditional flavors and good conversation.

• After lunch, dive into a new art-form with an Azulejo painting workshop. Taught by local experts, this class will teach you about the techniques and traditional designs that go into the iconic Portuguese tiles.

• Return to O House for a delicious dinner and chat about the day’s adventures with your newfound friends.

• Prepare yourself for the day ahead with a meditative wellness session. Wake up your body and mind, ground yourself in the present, and enjoy the beauty of gentle movement.

• After breakfast, continue working on your project and watch your wearable take shape!

• Take a break from knitting with a tasty lunch at O House.

• After lunch, return to your project and make the finishing touches. Learn how to seam the squares together and complete the vest.

• After wrapping up your final workshop, it’s time to let the last few days truly soak in and enjoy the moment. In the evening, we will have a relaxing sound bathing experience designed for just that. As the sounds wash over you, reflect on the learning, community, and adventure from the last few days. Not only was this retreat an opportunity to grow your knitting skills, but it was also a chance to take time fully for yourself. This sound bathing session provides a good reminder to let go of any stressors and simply enjoy the present moment.

• Close out the retreat with a celebratory dinner cooked by our private chef - a moment to share stories, memories, and gratitude.

• Today we will part ways, but the connections and memories we made will last a lifetime. You may have an early flight to catch, or you may have time for a slow breakfast at the hotel before heading out. Either way, take pride in your achievements - over the past four days, you have explored beautiful pockets of Portugal, connected with other passionate artists, and knitted a stunning vest.

• We will transfer you to the airport for your departure, ensuring a stress-free transition back into your day-to-day life.

Do I need to have previous knitting experience?
This retreat is designed for advanced beginners and intermediate knitters, so some experience is required.

What can I expect to learn from these workshops?
These workshops will cover a variety of techniques, with a focus on colorwork and patchwork knitting. You will learn knitting/purling colorwork, seaming, the mattress stitch, knitting flat, casting-on, casting-off, ribbing, blocking, and how to knit neat borders. You will also have opportunities to ask other knitting-related questions.

Do I need to bring my own materials?
Although some materials will be provided, you will need to bring the following:

• Size 5mm/US 8 circular needles in 40cm/16”

• Size 3.5mm/US 4 circular needles in 100cm/40”

• Blocking board 

All other materials are provided in the retreat goodie bags!

Do you offer airport transfer? Which airport should I fly into?
Yes! Airport transfers are included in the ticket price. You should fly into the Lisbon airport, which is only a 40 minute drive from O House.

What does a typical day look like?
Although each day looks different, there are some core themes and activities throughout each day of the retreat. Most days start with an optional morning wellness session (a combination of yoga, breathwork, meditation, and sound bathing), allowing you to ease into the morning with movement, intention, and self care. We provide a continental breakfast each day, which is then followed by an art workshop or O House activity. We will then have lunch cooked in-house by our private chef, followed by another activity block, which will either be another workshop, activity, or free time. Finally, we wrap up with dinner and time together as a group.

When is check-in/check-out?
Typically, our check-in begins at 3 pm, and our check-out is at 11 am. If you arrive before 3 pm, we will try to have your room ready early. If it is still being cleaned when you arrive, you are more than welcome to make yourself home in the common room as you wait, or drop your bags at reception while you explore town.

How do I reserve my spot?
We handle all bookings over email. All you have to do is click on one of the “Book Now” buttons and follow the prompts to send your message. We’ll be in touch shortly to answer questions and get you all registered!

How does the Payment Plan work?
Provided that you book your spot at least four months in advance, you may choose to take advantage of our payment plan. This plan spreads the payments into monthly installments of equal price. The number of installments depends on how far in advance you book your ticket. Check out more details in our Terms and Conditions, linked below!

Where can I find your Terms and Conditions?
For detailed information about our policies, including booking terms, cancellations, and liability, please refer to our full Terms and Conditions. You can access them by clicking here.​