Irena's weaving workshop and her mission to preserve this Bulgarian handcraft (gallery)

Pirotska Street in Sofia is full of shops, people, restaurants, and public transport traffic. At first glance, it seems that life happens there at high speed. In a small and not very popular section of the avenue, however, life has slowed down. Everything happens more slowly, more calmly, and the atmosphere is somehow cozier. The reason for this is the small workshop of Irena Buchkova.

A rainbow of colors greets us at the front door, the trepidation and love with which this magical corner was created is already felt when turning the corner of Bratya Miladinovi Street, where the entrance of the weaving workshop is located.

There is hardly a Bulgarian who does not know what a loom is", says Irena Buchkova.

But there are fewer and fewer people who keep the traditions alive. Although she does not come from a family of craftsmen, Irena decides that she will take on the difficult task of passing on her knowledge to as many people as possible.

How did it all begin?

Irena has a degree in finance, but her life took a direction in a way that made her fall in love with weaving five years ago. She ventured into this vast world, determined to take everything the colors and wool gave her - but also ready to pass on all her knowledge.

I contacted the master from whom I learned the craft and went to his studio. The moment I sat down at the loom, I already knew that this is what I wanted to do", Irena tells Economic.bg

Thus, in 2020, Irena gathered the courage to create her own corner for "healing the soul". That’s when she opened her workshop called Bagrenitsa.

For me, weaving is healing. It's an internal process, I have this strong need", she says.

For years, Irena has also been involved in astrology. According to her, the two endeavors – astrology and weaving – have a lot in common. And through the power of colors and the combination of natural materials - a person can find the way to himself.

Valuing, but also supporting handcrafts

Irena teaches her craft to anyone who knocks on her door and expresses a wish to try their hand at weaving. She has been teaching since 2021 and over the years dozens of people have passed through her looms. But the truth is that most people fail to fully appreciate what artists put in to create these beautiful artworks.

We have yet to grow as a nation in this direction. When I like an artisan, I buy from them and support them. And this is the way to preserve the tradition. Most people come here and like everything they see. But then they just say: "Well done, it's great” and leave", says Irena.

She also says that in order to keep the weaving shop afloat, she also has to work at another place. But despite all the difficulties she goes through she will not give up. And she is determined to continue passing on her knowledge and preserve the tradition.

I think people need to go back to their roots. That's why in recent years artisanal and handicraft creations have started to be valued a little more", says Irena.

Translated by Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov