Autumn leaves vest

I was looking at the statistics for my Etsy shop and found out that this vest is the most favorited item in the shop so far. It's also one of my favorites.

I just like the color combination so much and think it's perfect for a cozy lopi garment. The main color is actually very dark brown although it looks a bit grey in the photo.

I still have the Evilla yarn in this color and must admit that it's tempting to make another. Maybe even a full sweater. There just isn't enough time for all the projects I want to do :P

Pretty yarn.

I found this pretty yarn when browsing on Etsy. I always fall for pretty colored yarn, especially when it changes colors slowly. I will order it one day ... I will!

Check out Apple Tree Knits for more yarn.

Lopi sweater

I spent the weekend with my mother, aunt and niece. We went to a cabin out in the countryside and spent the whole time knitting, watching TV and sipping white wine. It was very productive for me and I made this sweater:

This is a custom order that I received through Etsy. I really like the colors and kind of want to keep it for myself ;). It's knitted with Létt-lopi and Evilla preyarn.

Two Lopi vests

I just finished these vests made with Létt Lopi and Evilla preyarn. I just love ... no LOVE yarn that changes colors gradually.

Over the rainbow

Autumn foliage

Both vests are for sale in my Etsy store if you are interested ;)

Einband

I have a love/hate relationship with the yarn called Einband. It's all Icelandic lace weight wool that comes in a variety of beautiful colors but stings like crazy ... or at least it stings me like crazy.

I have loads of it in my stash and buy even more from time to time. Why? ... Well the colors. They're just so beautiful. They range from muted natural sheepish colors to vibrant, bold colors in almost every shade. I'm such a sucker for colors.

Click here to see all the colors available.

Einband is a great yarn for shawls and delicate lace designs. But like I said, it stings me like no other yarn. I'm able to wear regular lopi next to my skin without problems but Einband I almost can't wear. For example I made this dress in 2009 but never wear it, mostly because of the stinging.

The only use I have for Einband is when I combine it with single strand plötulopi. By doing that it doesn't sting as much. I often use this method with shawls to strengthen the plötulopi which tends to tear easily.

It would be so great to be able to wear it and make beautiful shawls or light but warm garments out of it. It helps a little to wash it with a hair conditioner but sadly not enough for me. But I do know a lot of people who can wear it without problems so do not be to discouraged by my bad luck and sensitive skin.

Although it's lace weight, Einband can be knit with bigger needles with good results. My dress was knit on 4 mm needles (US size 6) and I'm currently making a sweater on 6 mm needles (US size 10). Both look great but very different. I think it's the fuzziness of the yarn that makes this possible, kind of like mohair but less fussy.

Istex has published a pattern book with a few pattern made with Einband. Click here for the online preview.
There are also a few designs in Lopi 30 and Lopi 31 (not available online yet).

New traditional Icelandic

I love traditional Icelandic sweaters especially in muted, natural sheep colors. But from time to time, being the lover of colors that I am, I love to mix the designs up a bit and use beautiful colors that complement the natural earth tones. Actually it's not uncommon here in Iceland to use colored lopi but I really like to think about what colors I put together.

Another thing I like to do is to change the cut of the garments and modernize them. In my opinion many of the sweaters, vests and dresses are far to wide, shapeless and have short bodies and sleeves. I usually custom make every item to fit the body of the owner if I can. It takes a few tricks and some math to do that successfully but I think it's part of the fun.