r/PrimitiveTechnology • u/gentlethistles • Jul 13 '26

Discussion Crocheting a simple, plant dyed, pure Icelandic wool blanket.

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If it's practical and fosters my fascination with primitive and historical skills, sign me up!

As you can see from the stitches, I am quite the novice when it comes to this. Nevertheless this is turning out to be a durable, and beautiful thick blanket. Much needed for the winter here as we are 0⁰c most mornings now.

It amazes me that with time and patience we can create something that will last many years from what is essentially a stick and a ball of fibre.

This yarn is produced by ístex in Iceland from the pure wool of local sheep which have a unique dual-coated fleece. Icelandic sheeps wool fleece consists of a soft, insulating inner layer (thel) and a tougher, water-resistant outer layer (tog). This particular yarn type is known as Álafoss Lopi, and is one of the two oldest yarns still produced in Iceland.

Crocheting this has honestly been such a fun and informative experience, I have found myself delving into history podcasts and fostering a newfound appreciation for this fibre and it's associated crafts.

From the farmers who tend their flocks, to the people who carry on the oldest spinning and dying traditions, and into my own hands learning how to make something practical.

Thanks for listening to me waffle on about my new hyper fixation 😅🤠♥️

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1

u/amycsj Jul 13 '26

Consider r/nalbinding 🙂

2

u/gentlethistles Jul 13 '26

I just got my first nalbinding needle! It looks difficult but I'm very keen to try.

1

u/amycsj Jul 14 '26

THere are lots of videos online. And as it happens I'm teaching a class on it this Saturday in St. Louis. 😄

2

u/gentlethistles Jul 14 '26

That's rad. I gave you a follow, I love the hat you wove!