Book excerpt: A perfect gift book for crafty clothiers, Vedis Jonsdottir's Knitting with Icelandic Wool is an exceptional resource for all knitters looking for new designs or traditional styles with a modern twist to make in this uniquely lightweight bulky yarn known as Lopi. One of the best known types of yarn, Icelandic wool or Lopi is used to make sweaters that have a long-lasting and classic appeal. This 100% pure wool yarn is lighter, warmer, and more water-resistant than yarns from elsewhere, as the long-coated native Icelandic sheep have developed over time to ensure as much protection as possible from the harsh northern climate, giving the wool its special properties. With over sixty-five gorgeous designs, there are patterns for a range of garments for the whole family—from variations on the traditional Icelandic yoked sweaters to smaller projects such as wooly hats, socks, and scarves, to stunning lacy garments and other more contemporary designs—all knit in different weights of Icelandic wool. For all of the patterns complete step-by-step instructions are paired with easy-to-follow lace and color knitting charts, and all the stitches, techniques, and abbreviations you need—including how to work two-color knitting—and more are in the back. Beautifully photographed in Iceland and created in collaboration with Iceland's largest wool manufacturer, Ístex, the book includes a brief history on the emergence of the Icelandic Lopi sweater and the Icelandic wool industry.