Álafoss

There are two places in Reykjavík where prefer to buy lopi and one of them is Álafoss in Mosfellsbær (not actually in Reykjavík but close enough).

Álafoss in Mosfellsbær

It's located in a beautiful place with trees all around and a little stream flowing. Going there makes me feel like I'm out in the countryside buying straight from the farmer ... or something.

The store does not only sell lopi and knitting supplies but also a good variety of hand knit items along with different hand made and/or Icelandic product. It's actually a popular stop for tourists especially during the summer.

The store

For buying lopi this is one of the best places in my oppinion. Not only do they sell the whole collection of plötulopi, létt-lopi, Álafoss lopi, Bulky lopi, einband and Kambgarn, they also sell Reynold's lopi from time to time. The difference between Ístex and Reynold's is the colors. I've been told that Ístex produces both brands but in different colors for different markets. Lopi is also usually cheaper at Álafoss than most stores and you can buy in bulk.
Other types of yarn are also sold in the store, mostly from Hjertegarn. I've tried both the superwash DK and superwash fingering (baby). Both were reasonably priced and great to knit with. Then there's also a fine selection of buttons, needles and other knitting related stuff.

Einband

Loads of lopi

Hjertegarn and Bulky lopi

Buttons

One of the best things about shopping at Álafoss is the service. I always find the staff very informative and friendly. It's also great to be able to browse through all the Lopi knitting books and pamphlets or just browse the store and get ideas from the many, many handknit items. Sometimes it's just easier to decide which color to buy when you can see a sweater or mittens made with the ones you're trying to choose from.  

I definitely recommend this place to anyone who likes to knit with lopi (or just knit) and enjoys traditional handknit items.

(Just to make clear: I am not affiliated with any of the yarn stores I write about.)

Handprjón.is

I love shopping for yarn and knitting related products. That's why I'm going to write about my favorite yarn stores here in Iceland starting with Handprjón.is in Hafnafjörður which is among my favorites.

It's not a very big shop but the variety of yarn is wonderful. Unlike so many other yarn stores here in Iceland they do not emphasize on Lopi, Sandnes or Dale yarn. All wonderful yarns but one likes to try other things as well. Among the brands they sell are Cascade, Abuelita, Novita, Evilla and more.There's also a good selection of books and various knitting supplies.

Abuelita - One of my favourite yarns.
Buttery soft and  comes in beautiful colors.

Cascade - What a wonderful brand.

Evilla - Comes in both spun and unspun varieties. Perfect for
 shawls or combined with Lopi for beautiful Lopi-sweater designs.

But the thing I love most about Handprjón.is is the service. I'm always greeted as an old friend and basic stuff like returning or changing yarn is never a problem. There's even a Lego-table (see below) for the kids so I can spend hours choosing yarn ;)

If you are in Iceland and haven't gone to Handprjón.is yet I recommend that you do. If not, at least check out their website: www.handprjon.is.

(Just to make clear: I am not affiliated with any of the yarn stores I write about.)

Snow

It has been snowing a lot in Reykjavík the last few days. I went for a walk yesterday with my camera and tried to capture what my neighborhood looks like all covered with snow.

When the weather is like this it's really nice to stay inside and knit some lopi garments to keep warm.