In our Armchair Travels: Spain & Portugal email series, you'll wander (virtually) through sun-drenched hillsides, mountain pastures, and historic villages as we explore some of Europe's most inspiring wool traditions. Discover the shepherds, sheep breeds, makers, and mills behind the yarns we love - from the rustic beauty of WoolDreamers in Spain to the thoughtful craftmanship of Retrosaria Rosa Pomar in Portugal.
Spain and Portugal are part of the Iberian Peninsula, rich with inspiration. Along the journey, you'll deepen your connection to wool, learn the stories behind your stitches, and experience the rich knitting heritage of the Iberian Peninsula - all from the comfort of your knitting chair.
Enjoy free inspiration, stories, and woolly discoveries delivered straight to your inbox. Armchair Travels: Spain & Portugal takes you beyond the skein to explore the people, places, and traditions that shape these remarkable wool cultures. You'll learn about heritage sheep breeds, regional knitting traditions, beloved yarn makers, and the enduring connection between land, fiber, and craft.
Knitting allows us to travel deeper into the origins of our materials and the histories held within every skein. Each stitch becomes a small act of connection - honoring shepherds, supporting living traditions, and carrying forward the craft and care that make these yarns so meaningful.
Just sign up on this page and enjoy the journey right from the comfort of your home!
Travel to hillside pastures as we meet the sheep and shepherds at the heart of Spain and Portugal's wool traditions. Along the way, we'll discover heritage breeds like the Manchega sheep and see how centuries of shepherding, diverse landscapes, and local knowledge shape the wool that ultimately reaches our needles.
We'll visit the makers transforming fleece into exceptional yarns, including WoolDreamers in Spain and Retrosaria Rosa Pomar in Portugal. Discover how local wool, thoughtful sourcing, and traditional knowledge come together to create yarns with character, authenticity, and a true sense of place.
We'll take a closer look at the Spanish and Portuguese treasures available at The Woolly Thistle and show you how these yarns can bring a touch of Iberian wool heritage to your knitting. Add your commemorative Armchair Travels Spain & Portugal patch to your order—a keepsake from your journey through two of Europe's most fascinating wool destinations.
Our knitting kits are specially curated with all the yarn and inspiration you'll need to complete your project
We love curating new yarns for you from around the world! See the latest additions to The Woolly Thistle!
Courses are an excellent way to learn knew skills. Each course includes video lessons and most include a pattern for knitting the featured garment or accessory.
