lopi solubaeklingur

Ístex hf. Völuteigur 6 / 270 MosfellsbærTel.: +354 566 6300 / Fax: +354 566 7330

E-mail: [email protected] / www.istex.is www.istex.is

874 A.D.Without sheep, Iceland would have been uninhabitable.

Since they first settled on this North Atlantic island, Icelanders have been engaged in a relentless

struggle with the rugged environment in which they live. While the horse has served as transport

and labour, sheep have been the key to the nation’s survival, providing generations of Icelanders

not only with food but also with wool as protection from the biting cold of the harsh northern

climate. Without sheep, Iceland would have been uninhabitable.

Although the medieval sagas may have been inspired by deeds of heroism and feats of bravery,

they also tell of the activities around which daily life revolved, among them shearing, spinning

and carding – skills and crafts which became traditions and have altered little through the ages.

Two types of fibre - long & fineAs a breed, the Iceland Sheep is unique – its purity has been protected by centuries of isolation

and a total absence of contact with others. By the same token, the wool it produces has no

counterpart anywhere. Evolving over 1,100 years of exposure to the sub-Arctic climate,

Icelandic wool has a distinctive combination of inner and outer fibres. The outer fibres are long,

glossy, tough and water-resistant, while the inner ones are fine, soft and insulating, providing a

high resistance to cold. Another striking characteristic of the Iceland Sheep is its natural colours:

black, grey and brown as well as the usual white. Together, these create the distinctive look of

Icelandic knitwear, one of the best-known examples of which is the Lopi sweater.

Man & NatureTextile production techniques may have changed dramatically since the days of the early Viking

settlers, but the commitment of Icelanders to quality and tradition has not.

In our conservation-minded age, Icelandic wool is particularly appealing: it is a natural product

created on environmentally friendly principles. Nature reigns supreme throughout the manufac-

turing process. Only natural energy sources such as geo-thermal and hydroelectric power are

used in production of Icelandic wool, while the sheep from which the wool is harvested still

graze freely in summer, as they have always done, on vast tracts of virgin land.

WoolWool is purchased directly from farmers, then it is taken to our washing plant in Blönduós in the

North of Iceland, where the first stage of the process is to ensure the quality and colour of the

wool. The next stage is washing, where the use of chemicals and detergents is kept to an

absolute minimum to ensure that natural oils are preserved, leaving the wool as warm, light and

water-resistant as nature herself made it. Finally, the highest quality wool is selected for spinning

into the finest yarn before being knitted into a wide range of products. Patterns are devised by

Icelandic designers, whose reputation for imagination and ability to blend Icelandic nature and

landscape into their work has gained them international recognition.

The Natural choiceThe distinctive patterns of Icelandic knitwear are as much a part of Iceland as its mountains,

waterfalls and hot springs. Durable yet soft, strong but comfortable, Icelandic woollens are the

natural choice if you want to share in the wonders of the unique country that created them.

3 - The Saga of the Icelandic Sheep

4 - Léttlopi / worsted weight yarn

5 - Plötulopi / unspun yarn

6 - Álafosslopi / bulky yarn

7 - Einband / lace weight yarn

8 - Bulkylopi / super-bulky yarn

8 - Kemba / felting wool

9 - Hosuband / worsted weight yarn

10- Pattern books

11- Useful tips / Care instructions

11- Characteristics of Icelandic wool

The Saga of the Icelandic Sheep

2 3

Contents

Léttlopi produces garments that are comfortable to wear indoors or outdoors. Léttlopi yarn is half the weight of Álafosslopi.

100% new wool. 50 g (1.7 oz) approx.

100 m (109 yd).

Gauge: 18 sts to 10 cm (4") over St st using

size 4½ - 5 mm (Old UK 7-6) (US 7-8).

PlötulopiUnspun yarn Since Plötulopi is an unspun yarn, it is fragile to knit; however, due to the length of its fibres, it knits into a sweater that is both sturdy and soft.

100% new wool. Sold by weight as a one-ply, flat roll,

called a "plate". Bundle approx. 2 kg (4.4 lb), plate

approx. 110 g (3.85 oz). Also sold packed in

100 g (3.5 oz) plates approx. 300 m (328 yd).

Gauge – 1 ply: 19 sts to 10 cm (4")

over St st using size 4½ mm (Old UK 7) (US 7).

Gauge – 2 ply: 14 sts to 10 cm (4")

over St st using size 5½ mm (Old UK 5) (US 9).

Plötulopi can be worked 1-ply, 2-ply or multiple-ply, depending on how bulky a yarn you want. Gently wind the required number of strands together into a ball by taking the end from the centre and the end from the outside of the plate (or plates). We recommend the continental knitting technique as it permits control with very loose tension.

Using Plötulopi instead of ÁlafosslopiAlthough three strands of Plötulopi are about the same weight as one strand of Álafoss-lopi, Plötulopi is generally knitted with a looser tension than Álafosslopi, for example with 11 ½ or 12 stitches to 10 cm (4”) instead of 13 stitches to 10 cm.

If you do use three strands of Plötulopi for Álafosslopi knitting instructions, we recommend following the yoke instructions for a garment one or two sizes smaller with regard to number of stitches and number of rows for the yoke. Then continue instructions for the body and sleeves following the length measurements given for the size you have chosen.

LéttlopiWorsted weight yarn

1403lapis blue heather

9420navy blue

9419ocean blue

9418stone blue heather

9421celery green heather

1407pine green heather

1406spring green heather

1405bottle green heather

9422sage green heather

1404glacier blue heather

9423lagoon heather

9432grape heather

1413lilac heather

1414violet heather

1412pink heather

9417dark wine

9429berry heather

9428rose heather

1415rough sea

1416moor

1417frostbite

1418straw

1419barley

1420murky

0054ash heather

0056light ash heather

0057

grey heather

0058dark grey heather

0005

black heather

0052black sheep heather

0867chocolate heather

0053acorn heather

0085oatmeal heather

0086light beige heather

0051white

0059black

1400camel

1401

hazel heather

9431

brick heather

9427rust heather

9426golden heather

9264

mustard

1411

sun yellow

1410orange

9434crimson red

9414burnt red

1409garnet red heather

1408light red heather

1402heaven blue heather

1050berry heather

1052denim heather

1053fade denim heather

1054light berry heather

1420marsh heather

1421spruce green heather

1422sea green heather

1423clover green heather

1424golden yellow heather

1425sunset rose heather

1426dark amber heather

1427jasper red heather

1428plum heather

1429hyacinth heather

1430carmine red heather

1431arctic blue heather

1432winter blue heather

9210burgundy

9363blue

0001white

1026ash heather


9102grey heather


0005black heather



0009brown heather

1030oatmeal heather

4


1038ivory beige

0013light forest heather

0014forest heather

0059black

0098cadet blue

0118navy

0484forest green

0709midnight blue

for the size you have cho

5

www.istex.is

Álafosslopi Bulky yarn

EinbandLace weight yarn

For warmer winter garments that breathe, Álafosslopi is the yarn. Clothes knitted from Álafosslopi are cosy and lightweight.

100% new wool. 100 g (3.5 oz) approx. 100 m (109 yd).


size 6-6½ mm (Old UK 4-3) (US 10-10).

Garments made from Einband stretch and are therefore difficult to measure until they have been washed. It is recommended that you make a swatch, rinse and block it and then measure it when dry to find the exact gauge and needle size to achieve accurate measurements in the finished piece. After washing, the wool becomes soft and manageable.

100% wool 50 g (1.7 oz) approx. 225 m (245 yd).


size 2½ mm (Old UK 13) (US 1).


size 4 mm (Old UK 8) (US 6).



Using Álafosslopi and Léttlopi together in the same garmentAs two strands of Léttlopi give you almost the same thickness as one strand of Álafosslopi, you can use these two types of yarn together in the same garment and so increase the colour palette from 65 colours to 97 colours – or you can mix two different colours together for even more variety.

9268lime

1764vivid green

1763green

9112dark green

1761teal

1762turquoise

1765yellow

9028citron

1766orange

1770flame red

0047crimson

1767lavender

9044purple

9132plum

9020dark wine

9142fuchsia

1768pink

9990peach

9128blush

9171grenadine

9165brick

9009

cardinal

1769cherry

0851white

1026ash heather


9102grey heather


0151black heather


0886beige heather

0885oatmeal heather

0853brown

0867chocolate


0008light denim heather

0010denim heather

0942blue

0059black

9076almond heather

9075pecan heather

9281sky blue

1098vivid blue

9277royal blue

0709midnight blue

0118navy

6 7

www.istex.is

0054 ash heather

0010 denim heather

0056 light ash heather

0057 grey heather

0118 navy

0058 dark grey heather

0709 midnight blue

0005 black heather

0059 black

9975 black tweed

9974 light grey tweed

9976 beige tweed

9973 wheat heather

9972 ecru heather

0051 white

0047 happy red

0086 light beige heather

0085 oatmeal heather

9983 apple green

0053 acorn heather

0159 orchid

0867 chocolate heather

0163 dark soft purple

0052 black sheep heather

9961 bordeaux heather

9969 fuchsia heather

1231 garden green

1236 burnt orange

1237 sheep sorrel

1238 dusk red

1240 dark magenta

1241 gloxinia

1242 oxblood red

1239 winter morning

1235 ray of light

1233 space blue

1234 blue tweed

1230 highland green

1232 arctic exposure

9962 ruby red heather

9971 amber heather

9964 golden heather

9965 chartreuse green heather

9987 dark olive

9966 cypress green heather

9967 teal heather

0008 light denim heather

9959 indigo

9958 light indigo

Álafosslopi Bulky yarn

EinbandLace weight yarn

For warmer winter garments that breathe, Álafosslopi is the yarn. Clothes knitted from Álafosslopi are cosy and lightweight.

100% new wool. 100 g (3.5 oz) approx. 100 m (109 yd).


size 6-6½ mm (Old UK 4-3) (US 10-10).

Garments made from Einband stretch and are therefore difficult to measure until they have been washed. It is recommended that you make a swatch, rinse and block it and then measure it when dry to find the exact gauge and needle size to achieve accurate measurements in the finished piece. After washing, the wool becomes soft and manageable.

100% wool 50 g (1.7 oz) approx. 225 m (245 yd).


size 2½ mm (Old UK 13) (US 1).





Using Álafosslopi and Léttlopi together in the same garmentAs two strands of Léttlopi give you almost the same thickness as one strand of Álafosslopi, you can use these two types of yarn together in the same garment and so increase the colour palette from 65 colours to 97 colours – or you can mix two different colours together for even more variety.

9268lime

1764vivid green

1763green

9112dark green

1761teal

1762turquoise

1765yellow

9028citron

1766orange

1770flame red

0047crimson

1767lavender

9044purple

9132plum

9020dark wine

9142fuchsia

1768pink

9990peach

9128blush

9171grenadine

9165brick

9009

cardinal

1769cherry

0851white

1026ash heather


9102grey heather


0151black heather


0886beige heather

0885oatmeal heather

0853brown

0867chocolate


0008light denim heather

0010denim heather

0942blue

0059black

9076almond heather

9075pecan heather

9281sky blue

1098vivid blue

9277royal blue

0709midnight blue

0118navy

6 7

www.istex.is

0051white


0085oatmeal heather


0005black heather



0054ash heather

1415mountain blue tweed

1417red currant tweed

1418carrot red tweed

1416country green tweed

9997deep green shaded

9998Atlantic blue shaded

9449bordeaux shaded

0059black

Bulkylopi is ideal for single colour garments. Thicker than Álafosslopi, Bulkylopi knits up very quickly. 100% new wool. 100 g (3.5 oz) approx. 60 m (66 yd).


size 8 - 9 mm (Old UK 0-00) (US 11-13).

Bulkylopi Super-bulky yarn

KembaFelting woolKemba is perfect for felting and is known as “the magical felting wool”.

100% new wool unspun. 1 kg package.

0118navy

9303sky blue

9448royal blue

0193vivid blue

9445turquoise

9301green

9441apple green

0017sunshine yellow

0402golden yellow

0417happy red

1805pink

9454fuchsia

9211dark wine

9210burgundy

9449earth red

9989dark salmon

9990peach

0851white

0054ash heather


0057grey heather



0151black heather

0059black

0086beige heather

0085oatmeal heather

0053acorn heather


9315

auburn

9239dark olive

0484forest green

9305teal

0098cadet blue

98

HosubandWorsted weight yarnHosuband is reinforced with polyamide (nylon), which makes it perfect, not only for socks that last, but also for sweaters, mittens and hats.

80% new wool, 20% polyamide (nylon).

100 g (3.5 oz) approx. 130 m (142 yd).


size 4 - 4½ mm (Old UK 8-7) (US 6-7).

9244yellow

0001white

0000white/black

0059black

9425dark moss/green

0227black heather/khaki

0005light grey

0224grey/white

0078red

0225red/black

0118dark blue

0226blue/black



0051white


0085oatmeal heather


0005black heather



0054ash heather

1415mountain blue tweed

1417red currant tweed

1418carrot red tweed

1416country green tweed

9997deep green shaded

9998Atlantic blue shaded

9449bordeaux shaded

0059black

Bulkylopi is ideal for single colour garments. Thicker than Álafosslopi, Bulkylopi knits up very quickly. 100% new wool. 100 g (3.5 oz) approx. 60 m (66 yd).


size 8 - 9 mm (Old UK 0-00) (US 11-13).

Bulkylopi Super-bulky yarn

KembaFelting woolKemba is perfect for felting and is known as “the magical felting wool”.

100% new wool unspun. 1 kg package.

0118navy

9303sky blue

9448royal blue

0193vivid blue

9445turquoise

9301green

9441apple green

0017sunshine yellow

0402golden yellow

0417happy red

1805pink

9454fuchsia

9211dark wine

9210burgundy

9449earth red

9989dark salmon

9990peach

0851white

0054ash heather


0057grey heather



0151black heather

0059black

0086beige heather

0085oatmeal heather

0053acorn heather


9315

auburn

9239dark olive

0484forest green

9305teal

0098cadet blue

98

HosubandWorsted weight yarnHosuband is reinforced with polyamide (nylon), which makes it perfect, not only for socks that last, but also for sweaters, mittens and hats.

80% new wool, 20% polyamide (nylon).

100 g (3.5 oz) approx. 130 m (142 yd).


size 4 - 4½ mm (Old UK 8-7) (US 6-7).

9244yellow

0001white

0000white/black

0059black

9425dark moss/green

0227black heather/khaki

0005light grey

0224grey/white

0078red

0225red/black

0118dark blue

0226blue/black

874 A.D.Without sheep, Iceland would have been uninhabitable.

Since they first settled on this North Atlantic island, Icelanders have been engaged in a relentless

struggle with the rugged environment in which they live. While the horse has served as transport

and labour, sheep have been the key to the nation’s survival, providing generations of Icelanders

not only with food but also with wool as protection from the biting cold of the harsh northern

climate. Without sheep, Iceland would have been uninhabitable.

Although the medieval sagas may have been inspired by deeds of heroism and feats of bravery,

they also tell of the activities around which daily life revolved, among them shearing, spinning

and carding – skills and crafts which became traditions and have altered little through the ages.

Two types of fibre - long & fineAs a breed, the Iceland Sheep is unique – its purity has been protected by centuries of isolation

and a total absence of contact with others. By the same token, the wool it produces has no

counterpart anywhere. Evolving over 1,100 years of exposure to the sub-Arctic climate,

Icelandic wool has a distinctive combination of inner and outer fibres. The outer fibres are long,

glossy, tough and water-resistant, while the inner ones are fine, soft and insulating, providing a

high resistance to cold. Another striking characteristic of the Iceland Sheep is its natural colours:

black, grey and brown as well as the usual white. Together, these create the distinctive look of

Icelandic knitwear, one of the best-known examples of which is the Lopi sweater.

Man & NatureTextile production techniques may have changed dramatically since the days of the early Viking

settlers, but the commitment of Icelanders to quality and tradition has not.

In our conservation-minded age, Icelandic wool is particularly appealing: it is a natural product

created on environmentally friendly principles. Nature reigns supreme throughout the manufac-

turing process. Only natural energy sources such as geo-thermal and hydroelectric power are

used in production of Icelandic wool, while the sheep from which the wool is harvested still

graze freely in summer, as they have always done, on vast tracts of virgin land.

WoolWool is purchased directly from farmers, then it is taken to our washing plant in Blönduós in the

North of Iceland, where the first stage of the process is to ensure the quality and colour of the

wool. The next stage is washing, where the use of chemicals and detergents is kept to an

absolute minimum to ensure that natural oils are preserved, leaving the wool as warm, light and

water-resistant as nature herself made it. Finally, the highest quality wool is selected for spinning

into the finest yarn before being knitted into a wide range of products. Patterns are devised by

Icelandic designers, whose reputation for imagination and ability to blend Icelandic nature and

landscape into their work has gained them international recognition.

The Natural choiceThe distinctive patterns of Icelandic knitwear are as much a part of Iceland as its mountains,

waterfalls and hot springs. Durable yet soft, strong but comfortable, Icelandic woollens are the

natural choice if you want to share in the wonders of the unique country that created them.

3 - The Saga of the Icelandic Sheep

4 - Léttlopi / worsted weight yarn

5 - Plötulopi / unspun yarn

6 - Álafosslopi / bulky yarn

7 - Einband / lace weight yarn

8 - Bulkylopi / super-bulky yarn

8 - Kemba / felting wool

9 - Hosuband / worsted weight yarn

10- Pattern books

11- Useful tips / Care instructions

11- Characteristics of Icelandic wool

The Saga of the Icelandic Sheep

2 3

Contents



Useful tips - Care instructions Álafosslopi, Bulkylopi and Léttlopi: Hand wash only in lukewarm water (30°C / 86°F). Soak the garment in the suds for about 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly in lukewarm water. Do not rub or wring but gently squeeze the liquid through the garment. If necessary, spin for 2-4 minutes to remove excess moisture. Dry flat, smooth the garment out and pull gently into shape.

Plötulopi: Garments knitted from Plötulopi are washed in the same way as garments knitted from Álafosslopi, Bulkylopi or Léttlopi, except when washed for the first time do not pre-soak the garment in the suds. Wash the garment by squeez-ing the suds through the knitwear then rinse thoroughly in lukewarm water.

Note:

It is often enough to air a woollen garment thoroughly, rather than washing it.

The Icelandic wool quality

symbol on a product guarantees that it is

made out of genuine Icelandic wool.

Characteristics of Icelandic woolUnique in its composition, Icelandic wool consists of two types of fibres:

1. Inner fibres - insulating: Fine, soft, highly insulating.

2. Outer fibres - water-repellent: Outer fibres - water-repellent:

Together, these two distinctive fibres create a wool that is:Lightweight > lighter than most other wools, keeps you warm and comfortable.

Water-repellent > repels rain and stays feeling dry.

Breathable > moisture passes through the fibres away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable.

Icelandic wool quality

mbol on a product guarantees that it is

de out of genuine Icelandic wool.

1110

Over the years, we have written quite a few knitting books which may interest you. We have listed them all on our website for your convenience, together with details on their content.

We hope that you will enjoy browsing through these,

and all the other information on our home page:

www.istex.is.

Pattern books

istex.is

LOPI

30

Lopi 27

LO

PI

31LO

PI

28

LO

PI

32

LO

PI

29

Lopi 26

lopi no. 20

Lopi 25

Lopi No. 24

Useful tips - Care instructions Álafosslopi, Bulkylopi and Léttlopi: Hand wash only in lukewarm water (30°C / 86°F). Soak the garment in the suds for about 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly in lukewarm water. Do not rub or wring but gently squeeze the liquid through the garment. If necessary, spin for 2-4 minutes to remove excess moisture. Dry flat, smooth the garment out and pull gently into shape.

Plötulopi: Garments knitted from Plötulopi are washed in the same way as garments knitted from Álafosslopi, Bulkylopi or Léttlopi, except when washed for the first time do not pre-soak the garment in the suds. Wash the garment by squeez-ing the suds through the knitwear then rinse thoroughly in lukewarm water.

Note:

It is often enough to air a woollen garment thoroughly, rather than washing it.

The Icelandic wool quality

symbol on a product guarantees that it is

made out of genuine Icelandic wool.

Characteristics of Icelandic woolUnique in its composition, Icelandic wool consists of two types of fibres:

1. Inner fibres - insulating: Fine, soft, highly insulating.

2. Outer fibres - water-repellent: Outer fibres - water-repellent:

Together, these two distinctive fibres create a wool that is:Lightweight > lighter than most other wools, keeps you warm and comfortable.

Water-repellent > repels rain and stays feeling dry.

Breathable > moisture passes through the fibres away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable.

Icelandic wool quality

mbol on a product guarantees that it is

de out of genuine Icelandic wool.

1110

Over the years, we have written quite a few knitting books which may interest you. We have listed them all on our website for your convenience, together with details on their content.

We hope that you will enjoy browsing through these,

and all the other information on our home page:

www.istex.is.

Pattern books

istex.is

lopi no. 20

lopi solubaeklingur

Documents

production of icelandic

iceland sheep

icelandic nature

highest quality wool

icelandic designers

north of iceland

natural colours

natural product