In the middle of Covid, Garn Í Gangi took shape in the hallway of textile designer Sveina Björk Jóhannesdóttir’s home. In February 2021, it moved to its current premises in central Akureyri, northern Iceland, with artist Íris Eggertsdóttir joining as co-owner. Since then, Garn Í Gangi has grown into a thriving yarn boutique and meeting space for handicraft enthusiasts.

“We have a passion for everything yarn, its colours and textures; it’s the driving force behind our store,” says Eggertsdóttir. “We sell yarn from European brands, as well as Icelandic yarn that is hand-dyed by local dyers, and we also dye our own yarn in store.”

Garn i Gangi: An Icelandic hub for crafts and yarn

Customers come from all over Iceland and with the online store, Garn Í Gangi is also able to easily supply customers around the world. Locals come for the yarn but also for the community. Once a week, the store hosts a craft morning where people can work on their craft and enjoy the cosy and inclusive environment. “Travellers from abroad mostly want to buy Icelandic wool while our local customers are looking for a place to meet, a local shop where they can talk about patterns, yarn and ideas,” says Eggertsdóttir. “People are always welcome to come in, hang out and seek guidance for their projects.” The shop also holds pop-up sales with local dyers and designers throughout the year, as well as a series of knitting seminars.

Garn i Gangi: An Icelandic hub for crafts and yarn

Besides the meetups, Garn Í Gangi offers regular workshops in knitting, crochet and embroidery, as well as other crafts. “We listen to the interests of our customers and what they want to learn,” says Eggertsdóttir. Yarns come in a variety of price ranges and materials and are ethically sourced and plant dyed.

Crafts such as knitting and crochet have seen a resurgence in recent years as people look for shared activities that allow them to spend time with others without the use of screens. “Making things with our hands has always been really important to us,” says Eggertsdóttir. “It’s particularly nice to see interest from young people.”

Garn i Gangi: An Icelandic hub for crafts and yarn

In the future, Garn Í Gangi would like to expand its own brand of yarn and develop more exciting new products for the Icelandic market. “As long as we’re still having fun and are passionate about the craft, we’ll be here.”

Garn i Gangi: An Icelandic hub for crafts and yarn

Web: www.garnigangi.is
Facebook: Garn í gangi
Instagram: @garnigangi
YouTube: Garn í gangi

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