Born in Boliqueime, Maria Alberto Martins learned to make a skein and a “baracinha” from her mother as a child.
She devoted herself to sewing for over 20 years while she was an emigrant in France, including working for major haute couture houses. Upon returning to Portugal, she joined the Palm Weaving Shop to keep her cousin, Almerinda Miguel, company. She believes she found purpose in skein and a way to combat loneliness.
“Bia” (as she is affectionately called) is a master of the “baracinha”, has magical hands, and a good sense of humor that would make many young people envious.