What the heck is Lopi?

Icelandic wool yarn, or lopi, is the ultimate multitasker of the yarn world – think of it as the Swiss Army knife of fibers, but way cozier. This magical material comes from Icelandic sheep, a breed that’s been braving Iceland's epic winds and volcanoes for over a thousand years. These sheep are like the Vikings of the animal kingdom, and their wool reflects that rugged, take-on-anything attitude.

Now, what makes lopi yarn so special? Well, Icelandic sheep have a double-layered fleece: the soft, warm inner layer (þel), and the outer layer (tog), which is long, tough, and ready to fend off rain like a tiny woolly umbrella. Together, these two layers make lopi yarn the perfect sidekick for Icelandic sweaters, or lopapeysa – those stylish, patterned wonders that are basically Iceland’s national uniform.

When you knit with lopi, you’re not just creating cozy wearables; you’re channeling centuries of Icelandic badassery, all while staying warm and dry. The yarn comes in a rainbow of natural shades (because who needs dye when you’ve got a sheep's natural palette?) – though if you're feeling fancy, you can find some dyed varieties too.

In short, if you want yarn that can survive an Icelandic winter, look fabulous, and maybe even fend off a few wayward Viking ghosts (no guarantees), Icelandic wool is your go-to. Grab your needles, and get ready to knit with the same spirit that’s kept Icelandic sheep – and knitters – warm for centuries!