Situated on the northwestern edge of Iceland in the seaside town of Blönduós, the Icelandic Textile Center finds itself in an area rich in textile heritage, within walking distance of the Textile Museum and the site of an ongoing community project to embroider the Vatnsdæla Saga in a 46-meter tapestry. For nearly two decades, the center has focused on textile research and collaboration with connections to the local region and further afield. Its home in the historic Kvennaskólinn building, a former women’s college, provides an extensive resource center, workshops, studios, the Ós Textile Residency program, and Prjónagleði—the annual Icelandic Knit Festival.

Ós, Icelandic for “estuary,” focuses on providing artists with time, space, and—perhaps most importantly—access to a range of looms and equipment all in one place that are often too large or expensive to have in a home studio. They welcome residents working with weaving, digital weaving, fashion design, surface design, embroidery, knitting, and felting. Eight to ten residents at a time are invited for periods of one to three months and provided with a private bedroom with a view, and access to both studio space and an open-plan communal work space. (And yes, artists-in-residence have the opportunity to learn and contribute to the 12-years-and-counting progress of making of the Vatnsdæla á refli tapestry!)

Summertime fees start at €830 per month for a standard room, which includes access to all facilities and equipment.  Wintertime residency periods and group fee discounts apply, and applications are open on a rolling basis all year round. Learn more and apply at textilmidstod.is.

All images © Icelandic Textile Center, shared with permission. Photo of knit swatches by Arielle Walker, and photo of books on a window sill by Ginni Seehagel.