Rodopa

A classic wool blanket from the old days, which can withstand almost anything and is suitable for indoors or outdoors. It has a great durability and is made in a time-honoured and environmentally friendly way.


The production technology of these blankets has not changed for centuries, except that nowadays the actual weaving is done by automatic looms. However, some of the other stages of production, such as the fringing, are still purely manual (as with our other blankets). The wool used for their production comes exclusively from Rhodope farms and is processed and cleaned only by mechanical brushing after shearing. The carbonisation method, a chemical process in which the wool or the final product is cleaned in sulphuric or hydrochloric acid, is not used. By brushing, the wool retains all its natural properties and abilities, as well as its characteristic smell, which would be suppressed by carbonisation. The Rodopa blankets, which are made from mechanically brushed wool, are therefore characterised by their rustic earthiness and also by the presence of small amounts of organic dirt, usually grasses.

The Rodopa wool blanket is our imaginary flagship and also the first model line that we introduced to the Czech market right at the beginning of our business, in 2008. It is an honest woolen blanket, which is used not only by Bulgarian mountaineers. Due to the quality of the wool used and its processing, we can afford to provide a 20-year quality guarantee. In fact, its lifespan is many times longer, and in many ancient Rhodope houses these blankets still tell wistful stories from the time when the Ottoman crescent still ruled over the mountains. Some Bulgarian ethnographic museums have woollen blankets from Rhodopes in their collections that are even several hundred years old. Over time, the Rodopa wool blanket has become a household name, at least in Southeastern Europe. It is a typical Bulgarian product that enjoys as much fame in the Balkans as, for example, Czech crystal in Central Europe.

It is no coincidence that the wool blanket has become the most popular textile in Rhodopes: wool is perfectly suited to the local mountain climate. It has a wide range of applications both indoors and outdoors. For lovers of bright colours, we offer traditional vivid Bulgarian combinations of red, green, orange and black chequer and stripes. Fans of simple elegance, on the other hand, will welcome natural colours - from white to various shades of brown. With Rodopa, you'll also get an genuine piece of the Balkans at home and be transported to the magical valleys of Rhodopes.

Wash cold or at a maximum of 30 °C, preferably on a wool programme, preferably using a wool detergent containing lanolin. If you are not sure whether your washing machine can wash wool products sensitively, we recommend hand washing. Even coarser blankets will soften somewhat after washing. Do not bleach or tumble dry the blankets. They can be dry-cleaned and ironed, but the temperature of the iron must not exceed 110 °C. In general, it is not recommended to wash woollen products too often, as wool gradually loses its natural properties and abilities during washing. It is recommended to air out wool blankets and carpets frequently in the fresh air, which both restores the natural qualities of the wool fibre and prevents moths. If you are unsure how to maintain your wool product, please contact us at info@balkanova.eco.