Why Kosi?

Kosi Wool is owned and operated by a mother and daughter who travel to Iceland and bring back one-of-a-kind wool goods that represent the best in Icelandic knitting.

When our family travels we seek out craftsmen. We’ve met a leather artisan in Italy, chocolate makers in Ecuador, and knitters in Iceland. On our first trip to Iceland we bought sweaters and hats. We didn’t go to a store. Instead we visited a sheep farmer’s wife in her shop—a small room in her home devoted to her craft. This is how Icelanders buy their sweaters, unless they are knitted by family.

This craftsman talked to us about her sweaters and how and when she makes them—mostly during winter when there’s just a few hours of daylight. She talked to us about her free-roaming sheep and about the unique color and texture of their wool.

We found four designs that were perfect for us. Even our son/brother wore his red zippered cardigan every day of the trip. We’ve visited Iceland four times since then and always stop to see the lady who knit our sweaters. Each time we learn something new about the craft of knitting and the challenges of farm life.

We have created Kosi Wool to offer an opportunity to experience authentic Icelandic wool goods while also creating a lifeline for knitters without whom an important tradition may be replaced by imitation. To read more about the trend--in Iceland--of selling imitation Icelandic sweaters to tourists, please read our blog, Fake Icelandic Sweaters.

Sheep having been roaming free in Iceland since 937. Icelanders have mastered the craft of creating beautiful and useful garments from their wool. We hope Kosi Wool will help to maintain that tradition and share it worldwide.

Lynne and Sophia