From Pálína’s sheep to your sweater
Icelandic wool comes from sheep raised in isolation and shaped by centuries of harsh weather. And, as Icelandic sheep do not naturally shed their wool, they must be sheared regularly as part of proper care. The wool collected during shearing is then transformed into garments rooted in a tradition that dates back to the 9th-century Viking settlement.
Every year, on a remote farm in Skeiða- og Gnúpverjahreppur, Pálína Njarðvík, Instagram’s most popular sheep farmer, and her family carry out the timeless ritual of shearing. The wool gathered from this tradition has been used to create two exclusive, limited-edition Icewear sweaters, Elís and Fagradalsfjall. Each piece lets you wear wool that has endured Iceland’s harsh, sub-zero winters, sourced from some of the country’s most beloved and Instagram-famous sheep.
Icelandic wool at its peak
Icelandic wool is a premium natural fiber 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, cozy, and perfectly suited to Iceland’s wet and cold climate. You can read more about what makes Icelandic wool special on the Icewear blog.
Each year, shearing takes place in late November on Pálína’s farm, 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 fibers have had a chance to become matted or damaged by a full winter of wear. The limited-edition Icewear sweaters feature wool sheared during the November season, resulting in a "cleaner" separation of fibers during processing, which is why the sweaters feel softer.
Why shearing matters for Icelandic sheep
Shearing, the seasonal "haircut" is an act of care as for Icelandic sheep, because wool that grows without intervention eventually becomes a heavy, stifling burden. 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-organized precision. The sheep are guided individually to the shearing floor, where an experienced team works with practiced efficiency and a gentle touch. Because this is a familiar part of the yearly rhythm, the sheep wait in line with a quiet patience.
The manual sorting process for natural color purity
Immediately after shearing, the wool is manually sorted by shade to preserve its natural character. The process begins with white wool and concludes with darker tones to prevent color mixing. This meticulous separation allows the Elís and Fagradalsfjall sweaters to showcase the authentic, vibrant Earth tones of the Icelandic sheep and ensures that the best wool continues its journey toward becoming yarn and eventually, it could become your sweater.
