Continuing on last week’s theme of a book that is as much about a specific place as it is about knitting – The Lopapeysa Sweater is about the sort of trip to Iceland you’d like to take if you are a knitting nerd. Knit designer Toni Carr and photographer Kyle Cassidy take a trip around Iceland’s Ring Road investigating the knitting culture, the history of lopapeysas, sheep farming, and much more. They and some friends more or less traveling along with them see the sights, meet Icelanders and basically immerse themselves in Iceland and sweater knitting.

They do talk to knitters and knitwear designers, but also to other Icelanders, all of whom have some stories to tell about their own lopapeysa and where they come from. Interestingly, the attempt to find this history of this type of sweater is kind of slippery and vague. Mostly because the sweater’s origins are slippery and vague. Also, what exactly defines what is and isn’t a lopapeysa? There are people with firm opinions on both these topics, and others who aren’t so sure. But it’s an interesting discussion in any case.

The travelogue part is written by Kyle, who also takes the photos. Although he does not seem to have been a knitter at the beginning of this journey, Toni teaches him to knit, and he completes his own lopapeysa by the end of their travels.

In addition to the text and photos on traveling through Iceland, there are some lopapeysa-inspired patterns. Some of them are pretty easy – a headband, a few hats – these would be good if you are looking to dip a toe into this type of knitting. There are also patterns for a couple of capelets, a few sweaters, and a dress. I have to be honest – I don’t love any of these patterns. They are fine, but not my deal. 

If all you want is a pattern to knit a lopapeysa of your own, this is probably not the book for you. If you want to read about traveling through Iceland from a knitter-centric perspective, then this book will fit the bill!