From Bark to Bag: A Maker’s Tour of Portugal

Portugal welcomed us with a sunrise and a smile. After stepping off the plane, we found our deluxe motor coach and headed straight to the Corinthia Hotel in Lisbon—a gorgeous, modern oasis with marble finishes, spa-like serenity, and luxurious rooms. That afternoon we rested, then joined our travel group for a special welcome dinner. The meal featured an array of traditional Portuguese flavors—fresh seafood, savory meats, and rustic breads. For dessert, we were introduced to classic regional sweets made from mango, almonds, and egg yolk-based custards. Between bites of local cuisine and introductions, the excitement for the week ahead was unmistakable!

After an incredible breakfast like we’ve never seen before, we checked out and drove toward Evora. Along the way, we saw ancient aqueducts, crossed the impressive 25 de Abril Bridge, and paused for a surprise visit to the Sanctuary of Christ the King with panoramic views over the Tagus River and the impressive cityscape of Lisbon. The vantage point from the top of the statue offered a breathtaking view of both nature and the city.

Back on the bus, we enjoyed the scenic drive as we traveled to our next destination. We even saw storks nesting high on electrical poles—an iconic sight in the Alentejo countryside, where the birds return year after year. The terrain varied from sandy soil to thick pine forests and Portugal’s most prized tree: the cork oak.

Back on the bus, we enjoyed the scenic drive as we traveled to our next destination. We even saw storks nesting high on electrical poles—an iconic sight in the Alentejo countryside, where the birds return year after year. The terrain varied from sandy soil to thick pine forests and Portugal’s most prized tree: the cork oak.

That afternoon, we visited Monte da Oliveira Velha, a small olive oil estate near Evora. João Rosado (Miguel), the founder of the "Amor é Cego" (Portuguese for “Love is Blind”), shared how his devotion to sustainable, small-batch farming inspired the name of his brand. He explained how a traditional statue of a blindfolded dancer—which is a symbol that captures the spirit of the brand—reflects the idea that love, like his approach to farming, doesn’t always follow logic but leads with the heart.

We learned about grafting, which is a method that allows one tree to bear multiple olive varieties. One side might grow small, flavorful Galega olives, and the other may grow the plumper but lower-yielding Beçal variety. João’s (Miguel’s) process focuses on quality over quantity—pressing each olive promptly within eight hours of harvesting.

Olive trees are incredibly resilient. Some are over 3,000 years old and still producing fruit. Their long life and dependable yield make them not only vital to agriculture, but also culturally revered across the Mediterranean—almost immortal in their quiet, enduring way.

Next, we gathered for a tasting of João’s (Miguel’s) olive oil. It had a distinct aroma, color, and flavor—ranging from buttery smooth to bright and peppery. The experience was both educational and personal, made memorable by João’s (Miguel’s) storytelling and genuine hospitality.

That evening, we returned to our hotel and set out to find a local dinner spot. We ended up at S Luis da Praça, where I enjoyed a comforting dish made of shredded codfish and potatoes in a creamy white sauce. Mitch ordered the beer steak—which was perfectly cooked. It was a relaxed and satisfying end to a meaningful day.

In the morning, we met up with our tour guide for a brief tour of Evora on our way to tour a cork factory. We set out to explore Portugal’s most iconic natural material: cork . The cork oak (Quercus suber) is an ecological powerhouse, living for centuries and harvested every nine years without harm. Portugal is the global leader in cork production—and after our tour, it was easy to see why.

Every bit is used. High-grade cork becomes bottle stoppers; medium-grade is processed into flooring, fabric, bags, shoes, and even casino tokens; cork dust becomes insulation and biofuel.

We also learned how this natural material becomes one of our favorite sewing substrates: cork fabric . It was amazing to finally hear firsthand from the masters in the factory how cork fabric is made. After years of researching on my own and learning from our fabric manufacturer, experiencing the production in person brought a deeper appreciation for this material.

Cork fabric is typically made from mid-grade cork , which isn’t quite perfect enough for wine stoppers but still retains beautiful texture and durability. It’s created by adhering thin slices of cork to a fabric backing, resulting in a soft, flexible, and durable material that’s ideal for sewing and bag making. It’s available in a wide range of colors and patterns and retains all the amazing properties of cork—it’s waterproof, lightweight, easy to clean, and eco-friendly. It was exciting to witness the source of a material we work with so often and see the pride Portugal takes in producing it.

Cork isn’t just sustainable—it’s smart:

• Waterproof, thanks to suberin

• Fire-resistant, and safe (no toxic fumes)

• Sound-insulating, used in studios

• Thermal insulating, perfect for eco-building

• Biodegradable and renewable, with zero waste

Explore our growing selection of cork colors and prints—plus sewing patterns specifically designed to be made with cork on a domestic machine. From clutches to totes, cork fabric opens up a world of creative possibilities! #CreateConfidently

In Evora’s UNESCO-listed city center, we visited the Templo Romano for a group photo and explored cobbled streets lined with boutique shops and artisan storefronts. Lunch at Pizza no Mercado was delicious—served in a quiet corner of the city, the pizza was fresh and flavorful, and the cheese bread was a hit with everyone.

Following lunch, we drove through the scenic Arrabida Mountains to the studio of a master tile maker, where we participated in a hands-on tile painting workshop. Using traditional ceramic tiles and rich pigments, each of us painted a tile inspired by Portuguese patterns and colors. Our group enjoyed this experience very much and we all had a special souvenir to take home!

Dinner that evening was at a local ramen restaurant we discovered while exploring the city. We ended the night with a peaceful walk through the park and admired Evora’s whimsical “fake ruins” —romantic 18th-century garden structures now home to wandering peacocks. I’m still shocked by the fact that these peacocks chose to live in the ruins!

The next day, we headed to Arraiolos to admire hand-embroidered wool rugs, which is a tradition passed down for centuries. The town’s whitewashed buildings and soft blue window trim offered a soothing palette—one that reminded me of some of our faux leather fabrics, and sparked a few design ideas!

We explored the Arraiolos Rug Interpretative Centre , where we learned that rug-making in this village is believed to date back to the late 16th century. Entire families once took part in the rug-making process—from collecting plants for dyeing to stitching intricate patterns by hand. Today, those same designs are recreated with respect for tradition and a fresh creative lens. The museum not only preserves this heritage but inspires artists and sewists alike to reimagine how decorative arts can tell a story through every stitch.

During some free time, we decided to explore the local castle ruins. Once at the top of the hill, we admired the sweeping views of the city, and beauty of the ruins.

On our way back to Evora, we stumbled upon a fabric shop filled with Portuguese prints and textiles of every kind—from canvas to waffle knits. The colors, textures, and motifs offered new sources of inspiration, especially for those of us who love to incorporate global textiles into our bags and projects!

In the evening, some of our group opted to go to a wine tasting experience, but we spent the evening wandering Evora’s historic center, including one of Evora’s most talked-about landmarks: the Chapel of Bones . Though solemn in tone, the chapel is a centuries-old place of reflection, constructed with human bones as a reminder of life’s fragility and the value of our time on Earth.

We wrapped the night with dinner at our hotel’s rooftop bar—with great food, and a stunning view of the sunset.

After a delicious breakfast in the morning, we returned to cork country to visit a traditional cork farm and learned more about Portugal’s strict regulations on cork oat trees. Each tree is tagged and each harvest is logged to protect the long-term health of the forest. It was breathtaking to see the trees up close—an enjoyable walk through the farm’s countryside. We even had a furry friend tag along—perhaps my niece was the reason the pup followed our group! She loved feeding the dog some of her snacks. The farm owner shared lots of information and history before we gathered to enjoy some local meats, cheeses, and wine.

Next, we visited a local co-op farm where we tasted acorn-fed pork, acorn butter, and rustic acorn bread. Acorns have a low glycemic index and are packed with nutrients—an ancient superfood that supported early civilizations. It was a lovely lunch together and we spent the afternoon exploring the farm, and hearing about the history of the land. 

After breakfast, we checked out of our hotel and drove toward Belém, a district of Lisbon steeped in maritime history. We began with a walking tour past iconic landmarks that celebrate Portugal’s seafaring legacy. At the Belém Tower, we admired the 16th-century fortification which was once used to defend the city. Next, we visited the Monument to the Discoveries, a soaring tribute to Portugal’s Age of Exploration, featuring statues of prominent navigators and visionaries.

Nearby, we walked across a massive mosaic world map , inlaid in stone and tile, that illustrates Portugal’s global explorations. This striking plaza connects history to geography and serves as a reminder of the country’s bold impact on the world.

After enjoying time in a nearby park and exploring a sweet local candy shop, we stopped for lunch at the famous Pastéis de Belém —home to the original Portuguese custard tart. Baked fresh throughout the day from a secret recipe, these flaky, golden pastries have delighted locals and visitors since 1837.

That evening, we returned to Lisbon and settled into the Corinthia Hotel for a relaxing end to the day.

Our final day included a panoramic Lisbon tour, including the Santa Justa Elevator and the grand Rua Augusta Arch. Later, we visited the Mafra National Palace, where highlights included the antler room, royal dining chairs, stunning artwork and architecture, a historic sewing table, and a library holding more than 36,000 rare books —which is protected by bats that naturally control pests.

That evening, we gathered for a memorable farewell dinner—celebrating new friendships, creative sparks, and a deeper appreciation for the artistry rooted in Portuguese soil. We even did a show and tell of each of our finished tiles.

Até logo, Portugal. Obrigada for the beauty, the craftsmanship, and the cork.