Why I love Icelandic Wool
Why do I personally prefer Icelandic wool at the moment?
1) It's BREED-ORIENTED.
It is clear that it is wool from one specific breed, Icelandic sheep.
2) It's VINTAGE.
It is an ancient breed which means that such wool was used centuries ago and I can knit as people in the past knitted and create really vintage garments. So, for example, if you want to knit something more authentic you would search for such kind of wool, I suppose, because modern yarn with a lot of modern materials and overdone has different characteristics (not bad! very good ones, but different)
3) It's RUSTIC.
Going to previous characteristic this yarn is not "overdone". Can I say like that about wool? It is pure new wool and woolen-spun which makes its look rustic.
4) It's DOUBLE-COATED.
The coarse, long outercoat (called tog) is variable in diameter and character, while the inner coat (thel) is fine and soft. The two coats can be used together to make garments for outdoor activities.
The undercoat by itself is fine enough for us in next-to-the-skin wear. The Lopi yarn is the yarn of both coats processed together, which creates durable yarn for outdoor knitwear. The long, hairy outercoat intercepts and sheds rain and snow, while the short, fine undercoat forms and insulating layer next to the skin.
5) It's COLORFUL.
Icelandic sheep come in a wide range of natural colors and markings, including white, black, gray, brown, and pied.
Istex also create a big colour range using dyeing.
After some wearing and washing several times it get even softer but doesn't peel. Even though you don't need to wash it very often, it gets longer life and wool doesn't smell of sweat for a long time. You can take the pullover made of Icelandic wool to the wilderness and wear it 3 months or longer in a row and the feel will be still fresh. I mean of course, when you can not wash it in the cabin or because you are a fisherman or a hunter and have long seasons.
This pattern and another made with Icelandic wool you can find on Ravelry
1) It's BREED-ORIENTED.
It is clear that it is wool from one specific breed, Icelandic sheep.
2) It's VINTAGE.
It is an ancient breed which means that such wool was used centuries ago and I can knit as people in the past knitted and create really vintage garments. So, for example, if you want to knit something more authentic you would search for such kind of wool, I suppose, because modern yarn with a lot of modern materials and overdone has different characteristics (not bad! very good ones, but different)
Going to previous characteristic this yarn is not "overdone". Can I say like that about wool? It is pure new wool and woolen-spun which makes its look rustic.
4) It's DOUBLE-COATED.
The coarse, long outercoat (called tog) is variable in diameter and character, while the inner coat (thel) is fine and soft. The two coats can be used together to make garments for outdoor activities.
The undercoat by itself is fine enough for us in next-to-the-skin wear. The Lopi yarn is the yarn of both coats processed together, which creates durable yarn for outdoor knitwear. The long, hairy outercoat intercepts and sheds rain and snow, while the short, fine undercoat forms and insulating layer next to the skin.
5) It's COLORFUL.
Icelandic sheep come in a wide range of natural colors and markings, including white, black, gray, brown, and pied.
After some wearing and washing several times it get even softer but doesn't peel. Even though you don't need to wash it very often, it gets longer life and wool doesn't smell of sweat for a long time. You can take the pullover made of Icelandic wool to the wilderness and wear it 3 months or longer in a row and the feel will be still fresh. I mean of course, when you can not wash it in the cabin or because you are a fisherman or a hunter and have long seasons.
 |
| Icelandic wool pullover |
