In a 2006 interview at Sjónþingi Gerðubergs, Steinunn talks about the influence her mother and grandmother had on her early life and how it shaped her professional career.
[2] After finishing her studies in Reykjavík, Steinunn moved to New York City to attend Parsons School of Design.
Her knitting skills came of good use; within a month and a half she had gotten a job as a pattern sample knitter which allowed her to earn extra money to cover the expense of living in New York City.
The two began a close relationship and Steinunn quickly moved on to become the Director and Senior Knitwear Designer for Calvin Klein Inc., Collection, CK Sport, and Jeans Division.
[2] Steinunn left Calvin Klein Inc. in 1995 and began working as the Director and Senior Designer for Gucci Group.
She began experimenting with sheer fabrics and silk to bring out texture that reminded her of freshly fallen snow.
Steinunn re-designed a building which used to be a small repair workshop for fishnets, but kept the authentic rustic charm.
She has served on boards of numerous companies and organisations, and frequently teaches as a guest teacher in design schools around the world.
[citation needed] In 2013 Steinunn introduced Rhythm Knitting as a part of the Nordic Cool 2013 festival organised by the Kennedy Centre.