Knitting with Icelandic Wool

The styling of the cover of this book may look a little bit dated, but this book is a fresh take on centuries old Icelandic knitting traditions. Although the distinctive lopapeysa (Icelandic jumper with patterned yoke as seen on the cover) only dates back to the middle of the 20th century, this book has some of the early lopapeysa patterns updated for 21st century tastes. The book also offers other garmets and items such as cardigans, knitted dresses, mittens, socks, hats and children's garments.As another reviewer has pointed out too, the sizing does vary and isn't consistent across all patterns, which I put down to them coming from different designers. With any project taking good measurements before starting is important. Even though sizes are usually given for men's or women's and occasionally both, the jumpers really are unisex as they are not shaped. Go for the nearest chest size and adjust sleeve and body length as desired.One tip - Check the yarn requirements carefully as the patterns make use of the full range of Icelandic yarns, including Einband and Plotulopi. To use a different weight means ensuring any (yoke) pattern works out and involves some basic maths. Because the patterns and pattern repeats are explained in very clear charts this is not difficult to do.Despite the above tips I'm not an experienced knitter, in fact I've only ever knitted two things: two lovely lopapeysa designed by the author of this book.

I have now knitted three garments from this book. The instructions are incredibly clear and I have learned so much about circular knitting. There is a great range of garments from babies to grown ups. I think that as a beginner to Icelandic knitting this should be in every ones library. Obviously using authentic Icelandic wool would be the ideal, but as this is readily available over the Internet, this poses no problems, although substitute yarns would work as well, just always do a tension sample.

I love this book. It opens with an interesting introduction about the history of knitting and the wool industry in Iceland. of The "traditional" designs are beautiful. Some of the "modern" ones I'm not so sure about - they look like they've been added as an afterthought. Still, that leaves many jumpers in this book that I'd like to make! However, be aware that in most cases the smallest adult size has a chest circumference of about 92-94 cm. There is no XS - some of the female models look like young girls wearing their father's jumper. (There a few fitted women's garments that are offered in smaller sizes, such as a slip/dress, as well as a couple in "teen" sizes.) I understand that positive ease is part of the look, but as a petite woman I will probably be sizing them down a bit.

Perfect. Very informative book with a range of lovely patterns, a lot of techniques explained with clear diagrams. Good price as well on the day I purchased it. I would say though, that this is not for beginners as I have found that in places the instructions are sketchy, so you have to be able to do a bit of interpretation! Also, different wool weights explained, and how to handle them, which is very useful. Arrived well packed although dispatch was a bit slow. Worth waiting for though

Steadily knitting my way through it, it's great to have all the classics in one book. Anybody can find something they like. The construction of these jumpers is quite easy and charts can be interchanged, as most stitch counts are the same. The Istex website even has an online jumper-designer if you want to make one up yourself! Just be aware that the yarn is very very warm!

Went to Iceland recently and was inspired by the knits. This book has a lot of traditional Icelandic knitting patterns. Not recommended for a beginner but from intermediate. It has the history of Icelandic knitting but it doesn't give you much instructions on techniques which is why I took one star off. Its a lovely book.

A lovely book! Full of lots of lovely patterns which are very well written. A lot of book for the money!!

Great price