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Hand Knit Merino Wool Beanie
The Eastfold
XL Beanies, Look Here: The Eastfold is particularly stretchy, so if you need XL size, a normal one will work just fine for you (unless you are an absolute giant — in that case, email us).
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From the Ancient Foldin
Angular Patterns — Viking Heritage
The Eastfold takes us back to the Oslo fjord and the Norwegian East. Of old, the fjord was called the Fold, or Foldin. And the area around the fjord was called the Vik — probably the origin of the term Viking.
The name suits us both for our beanies’ Norwegian origin, the angular Viking-esque pattern, and for the double meaning that our beanies fold at the edge.
400 Years of Heritage, With a Clever Twist
Norwegians have knit using the same technique for over 400 years. Each Eastfold is knit the old fashioned way, on the Norwegian South Coast. But this pattern stands out by alternating the direction of the knit, creating an angular, Viking inspired pattern.
The complexity of this pattern makes it about a five hour knit.
Norway made
Old Fashioned Sustainability
Norwegians already knit for pleasure, in their own houses, and we have tapped into this existing culture, offering a secondary income for passionate knitters. We don’t employ anyone, but pay per beanie.
The Norwegian yarn mill that supplies our knitters has been around since 1888, and is outspoken and detailed about their care for animals and humans along the entire line of production, whether its imported raw wool, or from Norway.
Leftover yarn from our knits is gathered, and used first for Mom’s Market custom knits, then the final leftover stubs are used for pillow stuffing.
About the Eastfold
Details
The Eastfold is a hand knit wool beanie, knit the old fashioned way with two knitting needles and a whole lot of patience. It is knit in Norway, on the South Coast, by a variety of knitters. No matter which knitter, each beanie goes trough the same quality control. Each Eastfold comes with signed Certificate of Authenticity, signed by the knitter of your particular beanie.
We knit with wool, the Eastfold being 100% merino wool. Using sheep wool is homage to our Norwegian knitting heritage, but sourcing the finer softer wool from merino sheep, adds another layer of comfort to this beanie. The raw wool is from Australia, and the yarn is produced on the Norwegian West Coast in one of Norway’s oldest yarn mills.
The thinness and softness of the merino wool yarn, makes the Eastfold a good all-round beanie with a rather uncommon alternating criss cross pattern.
About Merino Wool
Using sheep wool is our homage to our Norwegian knitting heritage, but sourcing the finer softer wool from merino sheep, adds another layer of comfort.
- Wool is great at insulating in moist conditions.
- Wool has a rough and natural look, aside from the fact that it is natural.
- Wool is naturally flame resistant, adding an extra layer of security around the campfire.
- Merino wool is softer, with finer fibers than other sheep.
The raw Merino wool we use is from Australia, and the yarn is produced on the Norwegian West Coast in one of Norway’s oldest yarn mills.
About Red Hat Factory
We also dabble in other areas of handcraft, usually in collaboration with artists, such as our handcrafted caps and hand inked artwork.
- Material 100% Merino Wool
- Optimal Wear Temperature -5 to +15°C (23 to 59°F)
- Size One-size (stretches to XL)
- Washing Temperature 30°C (Wool Programme)
- Knitting Time About 5 Hours
- Warranty 10 Years (Read More)
Frequently asked beanie questions