Iceland’s volcanic scenery proved to be dramatic and spectacular for the participants of our knitting group. We were thrilled to have Franklin Habit join us for the five-day exploration of this intriguing island.

Reykjavik
On Monday, our first day in Iceland started with a tour of Reykjavik’s major attractions, the architecturally striking modern Hallgrimskirkja church; Höfði House; and the Parliament; ending at the Perlan Museum. The Museum provided fascinating exhibits, interactive volcanic and ice cave experiences, and a panoramic 360° view of the city for the group.
The following day we journeyed to Mosfellsbær to visit Ístex, where lopi yarn is manufactured. The group had a guided tour of the factory showing us the process from raw wool to the finished product.
Later that afternoon, Mr. Habit gave the first of two very informative and educational workshops on design and a sense of proportion.

Golden Circle and Selfoss
The group traveled around the “Golden Circle” visiting the UNESCO-listed Thingvellir National Park’; the waterfall at Gullfoss; and the hot spring area of Geysir, where we saw Strokkur shoot it’s spectacular plume of water and steam skyward.
We finished the day at a local storyteller’s home in Eyrarbakki, getting to know her colorful family history. We were treated to a delightful concert followed by a delicious dinner of locally sourced seafood and produce.
Thursday, we spent the morning at the studio of botanist and artisan Guðrún Bjarnadóttir, or 'Hespa', where she demonstrated how she uses old traditions and local plants for dying wool. Leaving Hespa’s studio, we visited a local yarn store that had a great stock of local yarn, patterns, kits, and handmade accessories. Back at the hotel, Franklin Habit presented the second workshop on proportion.

Back in Reykjavik
On Friday, we stopped for a dive into the world-famous Blue Lagoon. Everyone suited up to swim in the steaming turquoise, mineral-rich waters; surrounded by the black lava fields. Refreshed from our swim, the group returned to Reykjavik for our last evening in Iceland, as we said goodbye to our fellow knitters and this intriguing island.