Woven on looms that are over 300 years old. The process is 100% handmade and the wool is sourced from the local Campaniças sheep, which has an extraordinary rusticity making it resistant to the harsh conditions of this semi-arid climate. These sheep consume less water than others, contributing with their presence to the maintenance of the landscape, and thus combating desertification.

The initiation of the blanket's cycle is the plants in these biodiverse pastures, which keep the sheep content and the wool strong. This is a pure example of farm to textile and is part of a regenerative pastures project taking place in the area surrounding Mértola, classified as a Natural Park since 1995.

By keeping this tradition of weaving alive, the sheep, the shepherds and the landscape are protected, making this an art form that is preserving much more than heritage.

By purchasing these blankets, you are supporting the health of an ecosystem threatened by desertification. Each one speaks to the origins in Mértola and is woven to last generations.

Handwoven by Helena Rosa, the master weaver in Mértola who has been dedicated to the art of weaving for 33 years, she has led the cooperative for the past 13. Passionate about weaving the local traditional patterns that have been passed on from weaver to weaver through the centuries, she safeguards this knowledge and prays there will be a younger generation to carry on these traditions. Helena is also an advocate for a 100% handmade process. She believes that machines change the feeling of the wool, that there is a sensitivity when the cycle of washing, carding, spinning and weaving is done by hand, this she would like to preserve.

The logwood blanket, is a rendition of the traditional fuzil com quadradinho manta pattern, an ancient pattern that was brought to Portugal by the Moors. The Logwood Manta scales the patterns up into three larger sizes. This was an interesting exercise with Helena at first scaling up to .5cm and then jumping to 2cm width on the stripes. The graphic impact is surprising once the full blanket is woven. We also worked with a gradient of the local wool colours transitioning throughout the piece. This is the most customisable pice we offer, between colours and stripe sequencing and variation.

The Mértola Weaving Workshop Cooperative was created in 1989 with the aim of safeguarding traditional weaving in the territory of Mértola. Currently, in addition to a weaving workshop and shop, the space is an integral part of the Municipal Museum of Mértola.

Dimensions: 1.8 x 1.5 metres
100% local handspun wool