I've been to the Lisbon area three times now, and have never had the time to do anything other than work. But this time we finished early intentionally and there was no way for me to get home that day, so I had the evening to see some things.
My first stop was a lovely little craft store recommended by Ana Sofia at S is for Sewing.
The Craft Company is definitely a must-see if you're in the area (it's about 30 minutes outside Lisbon, on the coast). I wandered the streets because it was way too early to find dinner in Portugal. It was February, but just warm enough to take my shoes off and walk on the beach.
Along the sea wall were a series of nautical themed sculptures, including this beautiful mermaid.
And a former king outside a fort that was much older than the early 20th century king. The fort has been turned into an art gallery, but it was closed by the time I arrived.
Portugal's thing is cork. They make everything out of cork.
Everything. I did not buy this yarn.
I did buy a few things at the shop...the yarn is made in Portugal from Portuguese wool. This is a pretty rare find in Europe...most of what I've found, even at the little shops, is the same stuff I'd find in the US. Once in a while I find something dyed locally, but even Scotland was limited when it came to sheepy stuff, at least in Aberdeen, Stirling, and Glasgow.
The stitch markers were a gift for the Nanny, who I hired in part because she knits. I figured a knitter who loves animals (she and her dog live with us during the week) has to be a good person. I was right, at least in this case.
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