BALKANITE
Sofia, Bulgaria
Top shop for gifts.
Buyers bought gifts from this shop and gave them 5-star reviews!
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Reviews
No reviews in the last year
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abigaildoan on Mar 1, 2016
5 out of 5 starsAn amazing project with thoughtful attention to detail. I am a big fan for sure!
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abigaildoan on Dec 20, 2015
5 out of 5 starsI gave these hand-warmers to a friend, and they were a huge success. Exquisitely knitted and so soft and warm! A perfect find for the holidays!
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abigaildoan on Dec 20, 2015
5 out of 5 starsBeautifully made with the softest, finest wool yarn. The best gift giving item for 2015!
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Shop policies
Last updated on
November 14, 2015
Welcome to my shop! Balkanite is dedicated to scarves, hats, and other accessories, all designed and hand-knit by me. I’ve been knitting since I was a child in Portland, Oregon. Now I live in Sofia, Bulgaria, where I am surrounded by creative inspiration and excellent craftspeople, both of which fuel my drive and imagination.
I think everyone needs something hand knit in her life, which is why I love clean, easy silhouettes and striking modern colors. I knit each item with a template in mind, but often improvise, and surprise myself with unexpected pops of color. I aim to create warm, easy-to-wear pieces, that will bring a taste of everyday luxury to your cold-weather essentials.
I knit exclusively in natural fibers, including mohair, silk, and alpaca, but most of all, wool. Even now, natural sheepswool is unmatched in its versatility and warmth. I take care to choose yarn from responsible sources, mostly from South America and the United States. I work primarily with 100% merino wool grown in Uruguay. Merino wool has been compared to cashmere for its softness, and is ideal for even the most texture-sensitive skin. Sourcing these materials requires more time and effort, but I think it’s worth it for a fiber that is warm, silky-soft, and alive.
I think everyone needs something hand knit in her life, which is why I love clean, easy silhouettes and striking modern colors. I knit each item with a template in mind, but often improvise, and surprise myself with unexpected pops of color. I aim to create warm, easy-to-wear pieces, that will bring a taste of everyday luxury to your cold-weather essentials.
I knit exclusively in natural fibers, including mohair, silk, and alpaca, but most of all, wool. Even now, natural sheepswool is unmatched in its versatility and warmth. I take care to choose yarn from responsible sources, mostly from South America and the United States. I work primarily with 100% merino wool grown in Uruguay. Merino wool has been compared to cashmere for its softness, and is ideal for even the most texture-sensitive skin. Sourcing these materials requires more time and effort, but I think it’s worth it for a fiber that is warm, silky-soft, and alive.
Accepted payment methods
Returns and exchanges
Your satisfaction is very important to me. I am always available to answer your questions about any item in my shop. If, for any reason, you are dissatisfied with an item immediately after purchasing it, please contact me and we’ll find a solution. I can usually offer a refund for items returned, in new condition, however I cannot refund shipping costs.
Payment
I accept PayPal.
Shipping
All items are shipped priority via Bulgarian Post. Items may take 2-4 weeks to arrive, but I have found the post to be extremely reliable and have never lost a parcel to Bulgarian Post yet. Once an item ships, I will send you a tracking number and a link to a tracking site. Unfortunately, I can’t refund items that have been lost in the mail. But if something does go missing, let me know as soon as possible and I’ll do everything in my power to track it down.
Additional policies and FAQs
CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR WOOL HAND KNITS
With proper care, your woolen accessories can last a lifetime. Wool is surprisingly simple to wash, as long as you keep the following instructions in mind.
Since wool is naturally waterproof and odor-resistant, it doesn’t need to be washed often. Hats, scarves and mittens can be washed once or twice per year depending on wear.
Add a few drops of baby shampoo, no-rinse wool wash, or an all-natural liquid soap like Dr. Bronner’s, to a sinkful of lukewarm water.
Drop the item in the water and make sure to submerge and completely soak it. If you see a little color bleed into the water, don’t worry. There will still be plenty of color in your garment!
DON’T use hot water and DON’T agitate! Agitation and hot water are what causes wool to felt, or to shrink and become thick and stiff.
Leave your item to soak in the soapy water for at least 20 minutes. You can even leave it for several hours without worry.
Squeeze the excess water out of the item (don’t wring) using a clean, dry towel. Lay item flat to dry on a clean surface, away from direct sunlight, in a space with lots of air circulation.
There. You’re all done with washing for another season!
To freshen up your garment between washings, try this:
Add a spoonful of apple cider vinegar to a spray bottle of water. You can also add a couple drops of essential oil if you prefer the smell.
Shake bottle thoroughly to mix, hang garment away from direct sunlight, and lightly spray all over with the mixture.
Let dry. Good as new.
With proper care, your woolen accessories can last a lifetime. Wool is surprisingly simple to wash, as long as you keep the following instructions in mind.
Since wool is naturally waterproof and odor-resistant, it doesn’t need to be washed often. Hats, scarves and mittens can be washed once or twice per year depending on wear.
Add a few drops of baby shampoo, no-rinse wool wash, or an all-natural liquid soap like Dr. Bronner’s, to a sinkful of lukewarm water.
Drop the item in the water and make sure to submerge and completely soak it. If you see a little color bleed into the water, don’t worry. There will still be plenty of color in your garment!
DON’T use hot water and DON’T agitate! Agitation and hot water are what causes wool to felt, or to shrink and become thick and stiff.
Leave your item to soak in the soapy water for at least 20 minutes. You can even leave it for several hours without worry.
Squeeze the excess water out of the item (don’t wring) using a clean, dry towel. Lay item flat to dry on a clean surface, away from direct sunlight, in a space with lots of air circulation.
There. You’re all done with washing for another season!
To freshen up your garment between washings, try this:
Add a spoonful of apple cider vinegar to a spray bottle of water. You can also add a couple drops of essential oil if you prefer the smell.
Shake bottle thoroughly to mix, hang garment away from direct sunlight, and lightly spray all over with the mixture.
Let dry. Good as new.