Lopi (knitting)
File:Lopi lite for Aftur Pullover.jpgLopi ({{IPA|is|ˈlɔːpɪ|lang}}) is knitting wool made from the fleece of Icelandic sheep. The fleece is made up of two layers, each with a different kind of wool. The wet-resistant outer coat contains long, coarse fibres, while the insulating layer beneath consists of soft, short fibres.{{Cite web |title=Lopi Icelandic Yarn {{!}} Light Water-Resistant Knitting Wool |url=https://www.handknitting.com/yarn/yarn-by-brand/lopi-yarn/ |access-date=2024-12-31 |website=www.handknitting.com}} These are processed together to create lopi roving and yarn.
History
The machine-carded roving is produced in disc-shaped rolls.{{Cite web |title=Álafoss lopi by Ístex: 100% new wool, unspun, chuncky weight |url=https://icelandicknitter.com/product/alafoss-lopi/ |access-date=2024-12-31 |website=Icelandic Knitter - Hélène Magnússon |language=en-US}} The original unspun lopi was first used for knitting c.1920s.{{Cite web |date=2009-03-24 |title=Lopi History |url=http://www.kertzer.com/Yarns/Alafoss/LopiHistory/tabid/117/Default.aspx |access-date=2024-12-31 |archive-date=2012-06-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619045948/http://www.kertzer.com/Yarns/Alafoss/LopiHistory/tabid/117/Default.aspx |url-status=bot: unknown }} More recently, lightly spun lopi yarn in different thicknesses has become available.{{Cite web |title=Icelandic Alafoss lopi wool yarn and free knitting pattern |url=https://icelandicstore.is/blogs/knitting-with-icelandic-yarn/icelandic-alafoss-lopi-wool-yarn-and-free-knitting-pattern |access-date=2024-12-31 |website=The Icelandic Store |language=en}}
Most wool produced in Iceland is processed by Ístex, the Icelandic Textile Company.{{Cite web |date=2017-03-10 |title=From Iceland — Made In Iceland: A Look Inside Iceland's 120-Year-Old Wool Industry |url=https://grapevine.is/mag/interview/2017/03/10/made-in-iceland-a-look-inside-icelands-120-year-old-wool-industry/ |access-date=2024-08-10 |website=The Reykjavik Grapevine |language=en-US}} They manufacture 7 types of spun lopi yarn and also unspun lopi, all in a variety of natural fleece shades and in a range of dyed colours. The yarn is available in stores in Iceland and all over the world.{{Cite web |title=About Us - Icelandic Store |url=https://icelandicstore.is/pages/about-us-icelandic-store |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=The Icelandic Store |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2014-05-03 |title=Icelandic Wool Yarn |url=http://shopicelandic.com/store/icelandic-wool-yarn |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503091109/http://shopicelandic.com/store/icelandic-wool-yarn |archive-date=May 3, 2014 |access-date=2025-02-17 |website=shopicelandic.com}}
Characteristic Icelandic lopapeysa sweaters are generally made from the thicker lopi yarns.
References
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External links
- [http://www.istex.is/ Homepage of Ístex lopi producer]
- [http://www.thingborg.is/ Homepage of Þingborg lopi producer]
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