Jaime's Icelandic Lopi Sweater

About a year ago, Amber and I went on an epic knitting journey to Iceland. We were able to learn about the Icelandic knitting traditions, go on tons of magical Icelandic adventures and meet and make friends with many amazing knitters. Iceland has a rich knitting tradition and Icelanders take great pride in it. On our journey we picked out some Lopi yarn and started our Icelandic Lopi sweaters. We took classes with Ysolda Teague who helped us to write our own patterns perfectly suited to our body type as well as Ragga Eiriksdottir who taught us how to do the colorwork yoke.

I started my sweater on the plane back from Iceland and just finished it a few weeks ago. I absolutely love it! The fit is perfect thanks to the shaping techniques that Ysolda taught us in our class. Denverites, you are very lucky because Ysolda will be teaching a very similar class here at Fancy Tiger Crafts in just a few weeks! The colorwork pattern was designed by Ragga and is her Lopapeysa free pattern colorwork design.

I loved loved loved working with the Lopi yarn. Lopi yarn is made from Icelandic sheep which are a rare, dual-coated breed of sheep. Their dual coated wool makes for a super-sturdy, warm and weather-resistant wool. This yarn is a single-ply yarn and has great durability - it's amazing! It is coarser than our more refined Merino sheep, but this is perfect for a garment that will stand the test of time. This sweater will keep me cozy and warm for many many years to come.

My Icelandic Lopi sweater has a special place in my heart. When I wear it I am connected to a rich knitting tradition I am honored to have experienced. Thanks Iceland!