Handmade Icelandic Sweaters - Why They're Unique & Where to Buy Them
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- Опубліковано 5 лип 2024
- This highly requested video is finally here! 🎉
The Icelandic sweater (lopapeysa) has become a symbol of national identity for the country. In this video, I share a brief history of the Icelandic sweater, what makes the sweater so unique, and where I recommend buying one that is handmade with 100% Icelandic wool.
Web shop of The Hand knitting Association
bit.ly/handknitted_iceland
Time Stamps for the video
00:00 - Introduction
02:45 - Brief history of the Icelandic sweater
05:33 - What makes the Icelandic sweater unique
11:21 - Where I recommend to buy an Icelandic sweater
5 Surprising Facts About Icelandic Sheep video
• 5 Surprising Facts Abo...
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All Things Iceland podcast
Hear interviews with natives and expats that dive deep into Icelandic history, language, nature, and culture, as well as learn new Icelandic words and phrases.
Available for download at:
My website - allthingsiceland.com
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Learn more about Iceland on my other social media channels:
Instagram - @allthingsiceland
Facebook - @allthingsiceland
Twitter - @jewellschambers
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Thanks for watching!
#iceland #Icelandicsweater #icelandichabits
This episode is particularly appreciated. Purchasing authentically made sweaters, Icelandic wool and Icelandic knit, are essential for supporting the Icelandic shops, knitters..... As a knitter, my opinion these sweaters are worth the purchase price. The sweaters are gorgeous and far superior to copies. For those who knit, the yarn is wonderful to work with.
Agreed. 😊
I couldn't agree more. I was hooked as soon as she said they have yarn lol. I couldn't find the store like fast enough.
@@justonemorestitch I may order more Lettlopi yarn from the web site, but there is a cardigan that tempts me.
@sylvienguyen I ordered a cardigan as well it got here really fast and talk about HEAVY. I love it!
As a knitter, I can tell you that these prices are low for the number of hours it takes to make one! So they are a bargain, as well as being lovely.
I spent 3 weeks in Iceland last summer, was overwhelmed by its beauty. When I came home, I bought some Icelandic wool and knit a typical Icelandic sweater for my granddaughter. Then in February my second granddaughter was born and I knit the same sweater for her but open in the front. My twin daughters loved them so much that they asked me to knit one for them... They chose beautiful colors and so within three months I have knit four Icelandic sweaters! This winter I'll be knitting one for me in the more thin wool ;) Thanks for the video!
Wow!! That’s awesome and great job on getting them done so quickly.
My pleasure and thanks for watching!
@@AllThingsIceland Hehe! When I start knitting or reading, I completely ignore everything else :) Similar to being in a trance...
Your reply made me so happy to read. Knitting for loved ones is the 2nd best to getting a love-gift. Love wins!!
I wouldn`t say it's expensive. Costly, yes. But worth every cent. And besides if animal welfare is guaranteed in the production process, I'm down. (But I live in Uruguay, a little country on the antlantic coast of South America. It'd cost a fortune to ship it here being already a costly item. :-(
But I'll have mine. Oh yes. Just that I'll have to go buy it personally in Iceland yaaay!!
PD: Your Icelandic sounds soooo great!! Pronunciation ON POINT! :-D
Wow my husband is from Uruguay. We live in the US and I am thinking to send a blanket from Iceland to my sister in law in Uruguay. Your country is small but phenomenal in soccer, mate and meat. Go Suarez!!
Uruguay is terrific! They got ahead of the pandemic!!!
You're the greatest tourism and culture ambassador of Iceland I've viewed for a long time.
Omg, I squealed when I saw the giant pile of sweaters in that shop!!! It's my dream 😍 I hope to someday visit Iceland and get one of them!
I hope you do too! So much fun to be in there.
@@AllThingsIceland HOW CAN WE IN THE USA ORDER ONE
@@annaleonardi6299 Etsy, plenty of them
I bought a beautiful purple sweater at that shop back in the mid-90's and it is still in perfect condition to this day. Even though I live in northern New England, I can only wear it on the coldest days because, like you said, it is so warm and cozy that I over heat. I use it as my outer layer often throughout the winter, no coat required. When I had a stop over in Iceland a couple of years ago I wanted to pick up another one but could not find the store. I can see from your video that it has moved to a new location so now I will make sure I look harder for it the next time I have a stop over (or hopefully, a longer visit). Great video. Thanks
😊 My pleasure
I bought a lot of Icelandic wool to make my own knit piece when I visited. I thought about getting one of those sweaters and although they are lovely, I'm glad I made my own. Plus, I didn't have room in my luggage!
😊 Great idea.
Good for you. I'm sure it's alot less expensive.
I mentioned to you before about the “Lopi” sweater fashion rage here in East Coast Canada🇨🇦 in the 1970’s and early 1980’s.
You have described the wool perfectly and yes regarding the washing you can get a lanolin soap ( made from oil from sheep) to wash your sweater. But you don’t have to use that soap, I used a gentle soap and it washed mine often and it is sturdy. Not only that, yes they are waterproof, I always used mine, as did my sister and my friends when we went cross-country skiing. The patterns, I made cardigans (button up) yoke as well as the pullover yoked Lopi sweaters. They are lovely and easy to knit 🧶 you should learn how to make these sweaters. They are easy to make for someone learning to knit. Use circular needles and they knit up fast, they look complicated because you carry the colours in the yoke but it isn’t hard at all. ( I taught my sister years ago how to make them) I think I still have my “Lopi” pattern books here somewhere.
Thanks for the added information. I'm hoping to finish my lopapeysa soon.
I remember these sweaters in the 70's. I grew up in upstate NY and I think I had one 👍🏽
@@sswan9689 yes I know they were very popular in the '70's, at the university I attended in New Brunswick, Canada. Maine borders on our province.
I can attest to the jumpers being sturdy, my grandma passed hers down to me and I still use it :) She knitted it herself decades ago.
Same, my bf is Icelandic and he has 3 made by his grandma, who is dead, and he's now 49.
We were in Iceland in May 2022 and thanks to recommendations from people like yourself we headed to the Handknitters Association and bought ourselves each a sweater and love them!!! For us the sweaters were about $400 CAD but they are so worth it! It's winter here now so looking forward to heading out for some outdoor adventures with our Icelandic sweaters! Highly recommend!! Love your videos!!
Hi Jules! I was in Iceland back in November 2022. It was very rainy every day so there were no northern lights. I wasn't disappointed because I had watched your video and one other and was obsessed to get one of these sweaters! My last day I was the first person in the store and had such a beautiful experience! The ladies, including the one in this video, were so kind and nice. I ordered a custom sweater and one month to the day it was in my hands all the way to California. It is now a prized possession and I know I will have it the rest of my days. You are so lucky to live in such a beautiful country. I enjoyed every minute there and can't wait to go again!
Definitely buy either a sweater or wool from this store. I am knitting for my daughter. I can confirm that their sweaters are very well priced. And wool is ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY! Thank you for an informative video.
I don't think I'll ever go to iceland but I'm so happy that you've found a wonderful life there. God Bless you seem like such a kind soul.
Aww, thank you very much for the lovely comment.
I was in this store when I visited with my sister a few years ago. One of my biggest regrets was not buying a sweater. Guess I'll just have to come back eventually 💙
I hope you do come back in the near future. 🙂
As a knitter I find this fascinating. I have yet to attempt colorwork, which is what we call the yoke designs here in the US. I would love one of those sweaters. So informative.
Glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully, you get a chance to try the yoke design. 😊
Buy the blue one!!!
😊
What a welcome distraction from that other thing I am trying not to think about too much today.
😊
Thank u Jules for another fascinating lesson on everything Iceland.
Not only the perfect model for the gorgeous sweaters the best ambassador for Iceland.
If your friend Nicole can do it so can u be in the Icelandic Parliament!
Thank you so much for the lovely comment. 🤗
Omg as a knitter this is paradise to me. What a beautiful place!!!
Thank you So much.
I was in Island in 1990 and purchased a gorgeous purple sweater with silver buttons, I still have it and now my daughter wears it. she brings it to me to wash by hand and dry flat, but it has held up nicely over the years. The little brush thing I got with it, I never used on it, but it has come n handy on some of my newer sweaters. As for the cost, it was pricey but I wouldn't necessarily say expensive. But then I spent a lot of money, and another good souvenir are the lava vases and urns.
That's awesome and thanks for sharing.
That "Eyjafjallajökull" was such a flex. :)
😂
The gloves are amazing too. I had a pair from this shop for many years and I got a lot of compliments on them. The second time I went to Iceland I got some extra wool from this shop to fix the gloves and sweaters because they won’t last for ever
Nice!
You could make a series of videos around the Icelandic wool. For example, how it was used in olden times, how the wool was/is processed, how the sweater and cardigans are made (i.e. the circular knitting technique) and you should definitely include a visit to the artisan in Selfoss who handcolours wool using the old techniques and creates some really beatiful colours. Then there is traditional shawl. This piece of knitwear has a longer history then the sweater. It is also made from the wool which is spun so that it is much finer than lopi but really strong at the same time.
As always, you videos are informative and insightful and I admire how factual you are (and that you always get it right). I have learned a few new things about my country through your videos.
My only complaint is that I can't like each video twice.
Takk fyrir öll frábæru myndböndin, þú ert greinilega íslendingur innst inni.
Thanks for the video suggestions.
So glad you enjoy the videos. Mín er ánægjan. 😊
As a knitter, I truly appreciate this video. I learned something new about how the sheep are herded and the authenticity placed with the yarn/ sweaters. Thank you!
My pleasure and I’m glad it helped you to learn something. 😊
When I lived up north I used to knit these Lopi Icelandic sweaters ALL the time! Because they are done on a larger needle they work up quickly. I’ve made them for all my family and good friends and several for myself. The more you wear them, the better they fit you and form to your body. And the less itchy they become. I liked making the lighter weight ones, since I never needed much to stay warm. Sadly, I even had one stolen that I had made in a moss green, ecru, and dark grey. If I ever go to Iceland, I will buy the yarn and make one there just to have it! But now I live in Florida so I don’t knit anymore, but they are fun to make!
I think the Icelandic sheep and horses are gorgeous
Likewise. 😊
I bought a lopapeysa from this association when I visited in 2013 too, and I still wear it to this day! Amazing quality, just like you said. I do struggle with the itching though ahahah, even with a shirt underneath at all times. But I love my sweater, so it is what it is :P
Love your content Jewells! I had plans to revisit Iceland this year before the pandemic happened, and your videos help me get my fix in the meantime :) Cheers from Canada!
Yay!! So glad your sweater is holding up well.
Thanks! Cheers back to you. 😊
Not sure if you've tried this, but I've found that a cold hand-wash with human shampoo/conditioner softens the wool and greatly reduces the itching :)
I’ve been in that store! I buy wool yarn there every time I’m in Reykjavík. Good people. SO helpful.
It really is!
I bought a sweater dress from this shop when I went to Iceland a few years ago. 🙂
Awesome! How is it holding up?
@@AllThingsIceland It's holding up well. I've worn it a few times.
The first lopapeysa that I bought on our first trip to Iceland is so warm that I can't wear it indoors here in Canada -- it's like a furnace. It'll be awesome for when we sail to Iceland in some future year, on days when we aren't running the cabin heater. I have a lightweight zip one that I wear most (but it's from Icewear, and not actually hand knit), and a Skálmöld one that I bought from their merch table at a concert.
Having my own lopapeysa is in my wants list
🥳
I am so impressed that as an American who has moved to the country you are boosting your new country.
Thank you for the lovely comment.
My bf was given a sweater that belonged to his great grandfather, it was made by his grandmother decades ago, we just came back from our trip and bought with us tons a yarn, i want to made him a sweater 💙
We bought a few sweaters, hats and gloves from that store too ! They were very helpful telling us what kind and how much product we needed. I love the fact that you can order your own sweater online and they will ship it to you if they dont have what you are looking for, i cant wait to be back
Wonderful video, Jewells. I love how you incorporate Icelandic history in your offerings. Please continue to share and educate us. You are a natural!
Thank you! Will do!
@@AllThingsIceland honestly, jules, you may have a wonderful career as an ambassador for Iceland! You are a natural.
Visited this shop a couple of days ago; if you love yarn, knitting, crocheting, or nalbinding, it is the most dangerous store in Iceland 😂! I fully intend on taking advantage of the tax refund option after my visit comes to a close. Thanks for this video Jewells!
My pleasure and so glad to hear that!! 🤗
Great video. So glad I kept looking.
Beautiful sweaters. What I love is that if you are large- hipped,like me, the yoke design makes you look broader shouldered which balances with your hips! Instant hourglass!!
Good point!
So happy to see this topic! I'm knitting right now as I watch, and that shot you included of all that wonderful yarn made me drool!
Love this so much. You have such a genuinely lovely manner.
Yay!! Thank you Jules! Loved this video- getting my sweater soon!!!!!
Hope you like it!
Amazing video! Thank u!!
My pleasure
Thank you so much! I purchased my Icelandic sweater at that location as well and am glad I threw my reservations aside and just did it. Amazing
Thank you!!!!! I saw you wearing this amazing sweater in another episode & couldn’t find similar ones. This is awesome!!!
🥳🥳🥳 My pleasure.
Best news all day!!!! Thank you so much! 💖💖💖
Yay and my pleasure! ❤
Thank you so much! It was such and interesting and informative video! Stay healthy! 💕
My pleasure!
Thank you so much for this. The sweaters are one of the reasons I want to visit Iceland, amongst other things. 🤗 It’s especially nice to know they do customizations if needed. I saved this shop to make sure I go to that one when I visit. Meanwhile, I’ll have fun looking at their web shop.
Such beautiful sweaters!!
Thank you! 😊
The sweaters are stunning! I will have to save some money so I can get one next year! I LOVE your videos and look forward to watching a few more this morning.
Wow, I would looooove to visit that shop omg. I started knitting a year ago and am obsessed. I hope one day I'm able to visit Iceland. Thanks for the informative video, I loved hearing about the history of the sweater and the type of wool used.
Oh thank you for sharing this! I just got back from Iceland and I am so fortunate to have stumbled upon this shop. I bought a beautiful sweater there and I can’t believe how lucky I got 💙🐑
Love this video! I just found your channel and really like the warmth and enthusiasm you speak about all things Icelandic with. Also, I really want to knit a lopapeysa some day. One of my colleagues regularly wears one that was made for her mother in the 1960s. It still looks like new!
Really enjoyed watching.
So glad to hear that. 😊
I thought that blue sweater was very striking on you; I hope you buy it!
Thanks!!
Love this! Now I wait for the yarn store, with all the yarns and colors, and a lot of patterns ... Thank You!
You're very welcome!
Love this channel. Def going to check out these lovely sweaters, right now. Thanks for the link.
You are so welcome! If you decide to buy one, I'd love to hear which one you got and the color combo.
The sweaters are gorgeous!
Agreed and thanks. 😊
I love those sweaters.
Awesome!!
The sweater is gorgeous!
The first time I ever saw a lopapeysa I instantly loved it. It's one of the first things that come to mind when I think of Nordic countries and coziness. Thank you for showing the association. I think it's important too, to shop local. Great vid.!
That blue one look great on you!! So pretty I like it.
What a cool program your creating, thank you!!!
Thank you so much for the lovely compliment.
Your videos are always fun and informative
Thank you 🤗
Wow great video, I never thought there would be so much information about sweaters. 🤩🤩🤩🤩
😂 the joy of UA-cam.
I saw a documentary about the Icelandic sweater which got me to currently knitting a Icelandic sweater for my mother as a Christmas present. The shop you were in was shown in the documentary too and they were still fighting for the phrase of the sweater and I’m so happy to hear that they got it for themselves finally!!
I just got a new lopapeysa from my aunt, it's mossy green and I'm in love with it :D
Oh! I’ve been in this shop too 😍 i got a sweater with hoodie and zipper 🥰 I love it.
A visit to the wool processors would be AWFULLY interesting if at all given the opportunity! Thank you for all the interesting and fun facts about the sweaters!
This is a wonderful video. I'm going to iceland in five days and I will definitely be stopping by this place. Great Christmas sweater.
Thank you for the video- I really enjoyed finding out about the sweaters. The web site has many choices also. . Excited to purchase for my sisters. I wish I could wear wool but I am allergic but I can certainly bless my sisters!
EXCELLENT!!!! Thank you for your video.
My pleasure Greg 😊
Thank you for your channel and for this video. The sweaters are beautiful and you do an awesome job of welcoming us to Iceland. I hope to visit soon, but I plan to order a sweater even sooner :)
Thank you so much!
Oh how truly beautiful these sweaters are. And practical!
I think so too!
I love the blue lopapeysa! It looks so much like water tribe garment from Avatar the Last Airbender!
Thank you so much! I am a hand knitter and I love to knit sweaters. I was thrilled to see i could buy yarn and a beautiful ready made cardigan. I love to support local small businesses for my yarn purchases. You are so lucky so live in such a lovely place. I can't wait for my sweater and yarn to arrive 💕
My pleasure and that is great to hear. I hope they arrive soon. 🤞🏾😊
Great history lesson and the sweaters are lovely. I am a sweater girl, but usually put my Locs in a bun so they don’t get lint in them. Thanks for the vid!
I love this! Thank you for bringing such an important heritage craft to everyone’s attention. The sweaters are so beautiful! And you are too!
My pleasure and thank you. 🤗
Loved this video. Definitely going to buy a sweater when I visit in May.
Yay! So glad to hear that.
Oh wow. I have just found your video. I am soooo happy to listen to what you are saying. I am knitting a Lopi sweater for the first time. I do love the Lopi designs, and will visit Iceland and Norway for that reason. Your videos are so informative.
Thank you.
BTW your Icelandic accent is fab.
London. xxx
Thank you I will order one shortly
Awesome! I loved to hear which one you get, especially the colors. :-)
@@AllThingsIceland will do
I absolutely love your energy and keep coming back to your channel because of it. I find myself with a huge smile every time I watch. Keep it up :-)
Thank you so much!!
This is great, thank you so much for providing this resource for authentic Icelandic sweater! Peace and good health.
My pleasure. Peace and good Heath back to you. 😊
I am so thankful for this video, darling! I really do need to get one real Icelandic sweater!
So glad to hear that 😊
Just finished watching TV show Trapped. I will be getting a sweater here for Christmas! It will likely come next year- but I can wait. Thank you for the video and excellent information!
These Icelandic sweaters are just plain GORGEOUS!
Great video. The sweaters are beautiful.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video.
Just found your channel and love your videos! We go to Iceland next week, and I will definitely be visiting this shop!
Great! I hope you have a fabulous time. 🤗
Enjoyed your video , we will have to visit this shop . Many thanks .
Yay! So glad to hear that.
Those are nice sweater's that someone took the time and nitted them from there own unique ability. These People are gifted in weaving. Im most impressed by the design, texture and color. Great job
Yes that cream with green orange red gold sweater is pretty as well
Oh kindred spirit! I ordered one in 2006/07 and ordered two over the years for my nephew Brooks. They are wonderful to work with. I have been thinking about getting another one.
I strongly believe in getting hand knit, authentic products. I believe in buying local.
I will check out the link again and measure my current sweater for the measurements.
Thank you so very much for doing this video!
Omigoodness, this is your best vid yet. The combination of these incredible sweaters and your gorgeous face and fizzy personality had lifted my spirits! Thank you, beloved UA-camr!
Aww, thank you for the lovely comment. So happy to hear that this lifted your spirits. 😊
I appreciated this video. I love (especially hand knitted) sweaters. I have to say it. . . . your smile is OUTSTANDING!
Yay and thank you. 😊
Enjoyed seeing this. I knew a lot of it which feels kind of good -- mostly because I took an online course to knit a lopipeysa and it had a good bit on the overview. But I so enjoyed hearing it all put together, with enthusiasm and your care. Really brightened my day. :-)
So glad to hear that it brightened your day!
Great video! I have always loved the sweaters, but never bought one when I was in Iceland because they were very itchy. I love this store.
I love your channel and now I want to go to Iceland. It sounds like a wonderful place to live.
🥳🥳 Yay!!
I just found your channel. I love it!
So glad to hear that and thank you. 😊
They have such beautiful sweaters on their website!
Agreed!
My two favourite options have gone on my Christmas wishlist
@@synteis Woohoo!
I love Icelandic sheep. I had two of them before I went to college (named Astrid and Hiccup) and they where the sweetest lil guys. The two fibers types in their coat is so amazing.
I want to do a work stay on a farm in Iceland eventually, to see the way sheep are raised there since its so different from the US. I've visiting in April for a week first, and really want to hug a sheep. I will probably cry if I do lol
I remember going in that same shop a year ago today! I wanted a sweater to take back home, but I thought it was super expensive, definitely beautiful and unique. Thank you for making this video and giving us some history!!
Yea, the price shocks a lot of people. One of the reasons I made this video is to help people understand why the price is high. Because you own it for so long, it is not expensive in the long term. However, I understand that not everyone wants or can spend that amount on one item of clothing.