The word retrosaria means haberdashery in Portuguese — a fitting name for a brand that honours traditional wool craft while championing sustainable, small-scale production. Rosa Pomar’s mission has always been to support local shepherds and preserve native Portuguese sheep breeds by turning their fleece into high-quality yarns that knitters love to work with.
We currently stock the following yarns from Retrosaria:
Vovó – A soft and versatile yarn made from 100% Portuguese wool. Vovó has a smooth, round structure that’s ideal for colourwork and texture, making it a great choice for sweaters, hats, and children’s knits.
Brusca – A rustic, DK weight wool spun from the fleece of native Portuguese sheep, including the Bordaleira and Merino Branco breeds. It has a characterful feel and rich, heathered shades, perfect for warm, hard-wearing garments.
Beiroa – Sourced from Serra da Estrela sheep, Beiroa is a worsted weight yarn known for its crisp handle and excellent stitch definition. It’s ideal for structured knits and traditional-style jumpers.
Mungo – An eco-conscious yarn made from pre-consumer recycled wool and cotton, spun in Portugal. Mungo offers a soft, tweedy finish and is a great option for everyday garments and accessories with a modern look.
All of Rosa’s yarns are made in Portugal — spun and dyed locally, often at family-run mills. This low-impact production process, combined with a deep respect for the materials and the people behind them, makes Retrosaria Rosa Pomar a truly special addition to any knitter’s stash.
And if you’re ever in Lisbon, Rosa’s bricks-and-mortar shop is tucked away in the heart of the city — well worth a visit for anyone who loves yarn, books, and beautiful things.
