Einband
Einband is the laceweight Icelandic yarn, new for those of us outside of Iceland. Who would guess this wonderful, warm wool could take on such a delicate and feminine persona?
Einband is a "fingering" weight lace yarn spun mostly from the undercoat of the sheep. What it lacks in water resistance it more than makes up for in softness. When you have finished knitting your garment it is necessary to wash it carefully by hand in lukewarm water and wool wash or other delicate detergent. After washing, it becomes soft and manageable. Use a creme rinse or hair conditioner in the last rinse for extra softness, roll in towels and block to size.
Garments made with Einband stretch in a way similar to very fine lace weight yarns -- as it comes off the needles it will look small and shriveled. Thus it is imperative to knit or crochet a gauge swatch in the pattern stitch, then wash and block it before measuring. When the swatch is dry it is easy to measure and find the right needle size to meet gauge so that you will be sure to get accurate measurements in the finished garment.