About

The Icelandic Wool

For over a 1000 years, Icelandic weather has been a key factor in developing a protective wool, a natural shelter from tough conditions. The Icelandic wool has outstanding breathability and thermal insulation. The sub-arctic climate and isolation has given the Icelandic wool a distinctive character.

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The wool is dual-coated with a combination of inner and outer fibres. The inner fibres þel are fine, soft and highly insulating. The outer fibres tog are long, strong and weather resistant. Together they create a high-quality wool that is lightweight, water-repellent and highly breathable. When tog and þel are processed together we get the exclusive Lopi.

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The Icelandic Sheep

When Viking settlers first arrived in Iceland in the 9th century they brought with them animals that they depended on for survival. The Icelandic sheep is a unique breed, shaped by centuries of isolation and arctic weather.

There are about 400-500.000 sheep in Iceland – just a little bit more than the human population! A typical Icelandic sheep farm is family-owned with between 200-300 animals. Many farmers know their sheep by name. 

During the summer months the sheep are free in the great Icelandic wilderness. However, during the harsh winter months the sheep are sheltered by the farmer.

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Animal Welfare

Iceland is clean and kind. The sheep welfare standards and surveillance are extremely strict in Iceland. Sheep are rarely exposed to antibiotics, hormones or chemical treatments. The usage of pesticides and herbicides is limited in sheep farming in Iceland, resulting in particularly pure goods. Furthermore, the sheep are not subjected to mulesing or unnecessary dehorning.

Shearing is an important part of animal welfare. The sheep do not naturally lose their fleece and need to be sheared. Shearing is usually done under the watchful eye of the farmers to ensure the well-being of their precious animals. Just after shearing the sheep are sheltered inside. They have grown a nice warm coat of wool before going back to the outdoors.

For further information about animal welfare visit MAST, the Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority.

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The yarn -Ístex Alafoslopi

Ístex was established to carry on the Icelandic wool industry that started in Mosfellsbær in 1896. Ístex buys directly from farmers and processes about 99% of all Icelandic wool. Icelandic farmers own 80% of the company. 

Their commitment with Lopi is to offer high quality yarn from Icelandic wool to customers that choose natural, sustainable and eco-friendly living. The wool is certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®. 

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The pattern

The pattern for the pawprint-sweater is called Wilderness and designed by Linka Neumann.