An Evening with Joan of Dark
Joan of Dark aka Toni Carr will be speaking about her time in Iceland, the Lopapeysa sweater, & their culture and commerce on February 11th at 5pm!
Joan of Dark aka Toni Carr will be speaking about her time in Iceland, what she learned about not only the Lopapeysa sweater but what it means to the people as a part of their culture and commerce.
She’ll also be breaking down the construction of the sweater and why you should always, always have the confidence to cut your own knitting. (yes, with scissors)
She will be taking questions and signing copies of her books.
Register with Eventbrite here.
The Lopapeysa Sweater
In Iceland there’s a piece of knitwear that everybody has but no one has bought: the lopapeysa, or ‘lopi’ for short. This sweater made from unspun Icelandic wool is a treasured piece of the island’s culture passed down from generation to generation, used and cherished.
In this guide, Joan of Dark and Kyle Cassidy take you on an 800-mile adventure around Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes to explore and experience the island’s rich knitting tradition and to show you how to make your very own lopi-style knits. By interviewing local experts, wool producers and knitters they trace the history of the patterns and along the way meet rock stars, professors and designers who share their knitting-related stories and reveal some of their country’s hidden gems. From isolated waterfalls, hot springs and iconic movie locations to beautiful Icelandic horses, giant glaciers and erupting volcanos, the book is full of stunning photographs at every turn.
The journey inspired 12 beautiful lopi-style knitting patterns all presented here with photographs, charts and detailed instructions to carefully guide you through each project whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced knitter. So pick up your needles and spend some time in the land of ice and fire! Work your way through the projects from the traditional sweater to gloves and hats, a cosy jumper dress and stylish headbands all while finding out why the lopapeysa is so special and so individual to Iceland.
Joan of Dark is sometimes called Toni Carr, but not very often. She started knitting when her Grandmother taught her how, and then regretted not learning sooner. Former roller derby skater, former aerialist, but always and forever a crafter. She’s written four books about knitting. Knockdown Knits (Wiley) Knits for Nerds (Andrews McMeel, Geek Knits (St. Martins Press), Lopapeysa (Stackpole/Herbert Press) and has been featured in both Vampire Knits and Once Upon a Knit. She’s appeared on the DIY show Uncommon Threads and Knitty Gritty.
When she’s not knitting, she’s making coffee at her café Strange Brew in Indiana, she’s renovating a really really old house in Franklin, bringing home yet ANOTHER animal (2 dogs, 2 mini horses, 2 cats, 1 parrot and currently awaiting chickens) and watching her 5 year old daughter legitimately beat her and her husband in chess.