Sinj Woman Marina Bilobrk's Knitted 'Alkaruše' Win Hearts
Handmade bags inspired by the Sinjska Alka have become a hit on social media, but the author emphasizes that creating them is purely a hobby and a rest for the soul.
Handmade bags inspired by the Sinjska Alka have become a hit on social media, but the author emphasizes that creating them is purely a hobby and a rest for the soul.
While Sinj prepares for its most festive days, one local resident has turned tradition into a unique fashion detail that has attracted great attention. Hand-knitted bags inspired by the Sinjska Alka, created by Marina Bilobrk, have become a real hit in recent weeks, with interest exceeding all her expectations.
Although many would see this as an opportunity for a lucrative business, for this woman from Sinj, knitting is much more than that. She told the DalmacijaDanas portal how it all started quite by accident, with a wedding gift, and why she has no intention of turning her hobby into an obligation.
The story of the popular 'alkaruše' began last year with a photo sent to her by a fellow hiker. Although she immediately liked the idea, due to daily obligations, she couldn't devote herself to it. "Work, home, husband, children... there was always something more important," recalls Marina Bilobrk. The real opportunity came with an invitation to the wedding of a friend who married an alkar (a participant in the Sinjska Alka).
"I thought such a bag would be a nice touch alongside the wedding gift. I knitted it, posted a photo, and thought that was the end of the story. I had no idea it would generate so much interest," Bilobrk told DalmacijaDanas. Soon, at a neighbor's suggestion, a clutch model was also created, and positive reactions and orders kept coming in.
Marina's love for crocheting dates back to early childhood. She learned the basics of this skill at just six or seven years old from a younger girl in her village. "Back then, there were no mobile phones. There were many of us children... Today that might sound unusual, but we learned various skills from each other," she recalls. After a long hiatus, she returned to crocheting about ten years ago during maternity leave, inspired by a TV segment on the amigurumi technique for making toys.
Making each bag requires a lot of effort and time. "It all depends on the model, size, and material. Sometimes it takes me five hours, and sometimes more than twenty. Each one is different, and I devote myself equally to each," explains this craftswoman. It is precisely this dedication that makes her 'alkaruše' special.
Despite its growing popularity, Marina Bilobrk is determined to keep knitting solely as a hobby. She works as a sales representative and emphasizes that her free time is precious. "The demand is much greater than what I can produce... This is my hobby, and I want it to stay that way. Knitting and hiking are my rest for the soul and body. When I sit down and pick up my crochet hook, I completely relax. That's my time," she stresses.
She is aware that she cannot fulfill all wishes, but she is happy with every positive reaction. "I think I'm not even aware of how much the bags have resonated. When I see people's reactions, it really warms my heart," she admits. Although she sometimes jokes that she could use a machine, she adds that "then it wouldn't be the same."
To conclude, she also revealed her greatest inspiration. "For me, the Sinjska Alka is not just a competition. It is the heart of Sinj. When Alka comes, you feel unity, pride, and respect for the people who defended our town. It can't be described in words; it's simply lived," Bilobrk concluded. And while many women from Sinj will proudly carry her 'alkaruše' these days, the author says she will continue knitting as long as it fulfills and delights her.
