Description
Embodying Iceland's sustainable living tradition
Organic wool crafted sweater
After years in the making, we are proud to offer our one-of-a-kind Icelandic sweater (lopapeysa) for purchase with your Mr Iceland experience. Handcrafted with uniquely textured, locally sourced organic Icelandic sheep wool, our sweater embodies our farm’s spirit: harmony with nature, sustainability, and connection with the land.
When designing this sweater, we wanted to exemplify the traditions of sustainable living that we have upheld since our establishment. This is why this sweater is crafted from locally sourced organic wool from a neighboring sheep farm, keeping to the original colors of the sheep wool.
At our farm, we combat biodiversity loss by adopting nature-positive production practices such as minimal tillage and organic farming keeping. The production of our sweater is no different.
Woven in its threads are the runes, ancient symbols of power and protection. Our design incorporates a bind rune, two runes drawn together for a specific purpose. The runes we chose represent Fenrir, an enormous wolf in Norse Mythology. The gods of Asgard feared Fenrir and his strength, so they bound him in a magical ribbon where he would remain until Ragnarök, the doomsday of the gods prophesied in the Eddic text Völuspa.
The wolf symbolizes nature’s unbridled passion, freedom, and adaptability. Like nature, the wolf cannot be controlled. To coexist with it requires respect, adaptation, and harmony.
Our sweater’s design and craftsmanship reflect these traits while adhering to the traditions that make Iceland distinct. It symbolizes our respect and awe for nature’s power, the definition of the Mr Iceland experience, and our pagan legacy.
Iceland is dynamic, rich in rugged landscapes, lively volcanic activity, and unforgiving weather. It is beautiful and harsh, requiring an innovative and adaptable attitude to survive. Living on a farm welcomes you to nature’s rhythms daily, and the Icelandic horses exemplify the resilient spirit it takes to thrive here.
The lopapeysa is a distinct garment that symbolizes Icelanders’ innovative spirit. Whether venturing into the highlands or out on horseback, the warm and water-repellent lopapeysa is ideal for your journey and beyond.
Icelanders’ settlement and this special sweater would not have been possible without the Icelandic sheep, the source of our organic wool.
The Icelandic sheep
Symbol of freedom and resilience
Icelandic sheep were brought to Iceland from Norway in the 9th and 10th centuries and have remained genetically unchanged since then. Treasured for their wool, meat, and milk, The Icelandic sheep have robust immune systems, enabling them to survive in the North.
Inseparable from the Viking conquests and explorations, this rugged breed is known for its resilience and freedom, much like our beloved Icelandic horse.
During Iceland’s Settlement period, every part of the sheep was used. Exceptional tales were told of sheep, and most farm chores revolved around them. Like our horses, the Icelandic sheep have remained a timeless icon of Iceland.
When you visit Iceland in the summer months, you will see them along every road, and it is no surprise that Icelandic sheep outnumber our human population. In the summer, the sheep graze freely on vegetation, and in September, during Rettir, they are rounded up to be kept indoors for the winter. Rettardagur is a special day where children even get a holiday from school to attend!
Another unique characteristic of the Icelandic sheep is the dual-coated wool, which comes in various colors. The top coat is called a tog, whereas the coat underneath is called a þel. When the two are woven together, they form lopi, the yarn used to make Iceland’s one-of-a-kind lopapeysa sweater.
The Icelandic wool sweater
A historic and timeless garment
Knitting has been part of Icelandic culture for a long time. The first proof of knitwear in Iceland is a pair of mittens dug out in Southeast Iceland from the first half of the 16th century. Hand-made mittens and socks were an in-demand export for Iceland in the 17th century, but it wasn’t until the Second World War that knitting solely lopi became popular.
The first knitting pattern characteristic of the lopapeysa was featured in a knitting magazine in 1956. From then on, more sweaters were published in knitting books throughout Scandinavia, giving birth to the Icelandic sweater. In the 1970s, the Icelandic Handknitting Association, Handprjónasambandið, was founded. This warm and versatile garment didn’t take long to gain popularity and has since become a staple in the Icelandic wardrobe.
The lopapeysa is an excellent insulator, water repellent, and highly versatile, making it the ultimate multipurpose garment in Iceland. Another favorable feature of the lopapeysa is that they can be washed infrequently. Wool is naturally antibacterial, water and dirt-repellent. It is usually sufficient to air the sweater out; however, if you need to clean it, it is best to do so by hand.
The lopapeysa is not just a piece of clothing; it’s a symbol of a rich cultural heritage, representing the innovative and adaptive spirit of the Icelanders.