Knitting With Icelandic Wool

A perfect gift book for crafty clothiers, Vedis Jonsdottir's Knitting with Icelandic Wool is an exceptional resource for all knitters looking for new designs or traditional styles with a modern twist to make in this uniquely lightweight bulky yarn known as Lopi. One of the best known types of yarn, Icelandic wool or Lopi is used to make sweaters that have a long-lasting and classic appeal. This 100% pure wool yarn is lighter, warmer, and more water-resistant than yarns from elsewhere, as the long-coated native Icelandic sheep have developed over time to ensure as much protection as possible from the harsh northern climate, giving the wool its special properties. With over sixty-five gorgeous designs, there are patterns for a range of garments for the whole family—from variations on the traditional Icelandic yoked sweaters to smaller projects such as wooly hats, socks, and scarves, to stunning lacy garments and other more contemporary designs—all knit in different weights of Icelandic wool. For all of the patterns complete step-by-step instructions are paired with easy-to-follow lace and color knitting charts, and all the stitches, techniques, and abbreviations you need—including how to work two-color knitting—and more are in the back. Beautifully photographed in Iceland and created in collaboration with Iceland's largest wool manufacturer, Ístex, the book includes a brief history on the emergence of the Icelandic Lopi sweater and the Icelandic wool industry.

Illustrated instructions to rose-pattern knitting in Iceland, with twenty-six simple patterns and information on basic techniques and yarns.

Presents patterns for twenty-five knitting projects inspired by traditional artifacts from the Textile Museum in Blèonduâos, Iceland, including ideas for such items as mittens, socks, sweaters, wristwarmers, and shoe inserts.

Modern Lopi: One contains patterns tailored to today's lifestyle, celebrating bold, creative palettes. Lars Rains draws inspiration from twentieth-century music, Icelandic mythology, mathematical concepts and drunken bar crawls to craft an innovative collection that explores new and exciting possibilities for this traditional yarn. Modern Lopi: One features designs created from a variety of yarn weights and a kaleidoscope of gorgeous, brilliant hues. With options ranging from bulky to lace and reflecting different skill levels, there's something warm, colorful and cozy for every knitter to be found within these pages

Learn the basics of this enduring and beautiful knitting style as well as the more intricate Icelandic techniques. You will find everything you need to know from knitting in the round and felting through to shaping sweaters and knitting with beads. The book also provides helpful tips on how to adapt traditional patterns to make your own unique designs.

Cozy Scandinavian knits, inspired by the stunning Norwegian landscapes, for keeping warm and dry in all weathers Immerse yourself in the wild spirit of Scandinavia with this gorgeously photographed collection of 23 bespoke sweater, cardigan, and headband designs. Inspired by the beautiful natural landscapes of Norway, Linka Neumann’s designs not only look great, but are also meant to withstand rough weather. Combining style and quality, these cozy wilderness knits have already joined adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts on strenuous trips in both forests and mountains—and on expeditions to Canada and Mount Everest. Beautiful location photography throughout the book sets the scene for these exceptional sweaters to be worn even in the lowest temperatures!

When we pick up our needles, cast-on the first stitch, we become part of something much bigger than the project at hand. Farmers, shearers, spinners and dyers are working hard not only to produce the yarn we love, but to preserve a way of life that is at real risk of being lost. Farm to Needle: Stories of Wool invites you to join us on a journey; to peek behind the scenes of some of our favorite producers and gain a deeper understanding of the people, places, and animals at work. Discover Aspen Hollow Farm, Green Mountain Spinnery, Imperial Stock Ranch, Thirteen Mile Farm, YOTH, Saco River Dye House, and Twirl through patterns by Dianna Walla, Tif Fussell, Veronika Jobe, Ashley Yousling & Annie Rowden, Karen Templer, and Andrea Rangel. Photography by Kathleen Cadigan.