From Pálína’s sheep to your jumper
Icelandic wool comes from sheep raised in isolation that are shaped by centuries of harsh Icelandic weather. Additionally, because Icelandic sheep do not naturally shed their wool, it’s essential for their welfare that they are sheared regularly as part of their care regime. The wool collected during shearing is transformed into garments that are rooted in a tradition dating back to the Viking settlement during the 9th-century.
Every year, on a remote farm in Skeiða-og Gnúpverjahreppur, Instagram’s most popular sheep farmer, Pálína Njarðvík, and her family undertake the timeless ritual of shearing. The wool gathered from this tradition is used to create two exclusive, limited-edition Icewear jumpers, Elís and Fagradalsfjall. Each garment means you wear wool sourced from some of the country’s most beloved and Instagram-famous sheep that has endured Iceland’s harsh, sub-zero winters.
Icelandic wool at its peak
Icelandic wool is a premium natural fibre from Icelandic sheep, known for its unique dual structure. The soft inner layer, called Þel, provides exceptional warmth and insulation, while the long outer layer, called Tog, is naturally water-resistant and durable. This dual structure makes Icelandic wool lightweight, cosy, and perfectly suited to Iceland’s wet and cold climate. You can read more about what makes Icelandic wool special on the Icewear blog.
On Pálína’s farm shearing takes place in late November every year, when the sheep are brought indoors for winter. This timing ensures the wool is at its peak quality due to the wool’s harvest at the time when the Þel is at its densest for winter protection, but before the fibres have had a chance to become matted or damaged from a full winter of wear. The limited-edition Icewear jumpers feature wool sheared during the November season, resulting in a "cleaner" separation of fibres during processing, which is why the jumpers have a softer feel.
WWhy shearing matters for Icelandic sheep
Shearing, the seasonal "haircut" is an act of care for Icelandic sheep, because wool that grows without intervention eventually becomes a heavy, stifling burden. However, by skilfully removing the wool before new growth begins, farmers prevent "double fleecing," a condition that can compromise an animal's health. This careful work ensures that every sheep remains light, agile, and comfortable throughout the year.
Shearing at Pálína's farm is a masterclass in calm, well-organised precision. The sheep are guided individually to the shearing floor, where an experienced team works gently with practiced efficiency. The sheep even wait patiently in line to be sheared because it’s a familiar part of their yearly rhythm.
The manual sorting process for natural color purity
Immediately after shearing, the wool is sorted by hand into different shades, thus preserving its natural character. The process begins with white wool and concludes with darker tones to prevent colour mixing. This meticulous separation allows the Elís and Fagradalsfjall jumpers to showcase the authentic, vibrant earth tones of the Icelandic sheep wool and ensures the best wool continues its journey toward becoming yarn and eventually, it could become your jumper.
