S.26

Lopapeysa - experience Icelandic tradition loop by loop

Mon 27 - Fri 31 July 2026

Lopapeysa translates as „jumper made from Icelandic wool“ - but it is so much more than just a warm item of clothing. It's a piece of history, a bit of rebellion and a whole lot of creativity. In this course we will learn more about the background of the jumper and also about the material it is knitted from - the fascinating wool of the Icelandic sheep, one of the oldest and purest domesticated sheep breeds in the world.
In this course we will knit a jumper from Icelandic wool and learn how to construct a circular yoke, which is typical for a Lopapeysa. We will look at different patterns and the technique of fair isle knitting. As a material we can choose between the different varieties of Icelandic wool. Alafosslopi is the thicker version for approx. 6 mm needles, Lettlopi is a little thinner and the most exciting is Plötulopi - an unspun wool that is sold in slabs. Of course, other qualities can also be used during the course.

Group of participants: all knitting enthusiasts who want to learn about different patterns, colour schemes and fair isle knitting using an Icelandic jumper
Requirements: Basic knowledge of knitting
Number of participants: max. 10 persons
Course language: German, English if required
Course times: Mon - Thu 9:00-12:30 and 14:00-17:30, Fri 9:00-12:30 and 14:00-16:00
Course fee: 420 euros, for students 380 euros (excluding material costs)

Course instructor: MARIA NEFISCHER, Austria
Born 1968, College for Arts & Crafts & Design, courses with Di Gilpin and Kaffe Fassett, Brandon Mably, lives and works in Lower Austria and Burgenland as a knitwear designer and runs the wool shop „Zum Schwarzen Schaf“, runs courses on various knitting topics in Austria, Germany, Great Britain and Switzerland and also offers knitting trips.
More info: www.stricken-macht-gluecklich.at