I would love to support local artist/craftsmen by purchasing a handknit lopapeysa while we are in Iceland. I'm planning to go to the Handknitting Association of Iceland shop, but I am wondering if they are able to do any modifications to a sweater while I wait. I'm not a knitter so I have no idea how long it would take to shorten the sleeves by a few inches, of if this is even possible on a completed item. Or does anyone know if they offer petite sizes?
I've sent them a message but not received a reply.
Thanks,
Nancy
Posted by
Snohomish, WA
3330 posts
They have all sizes, so don't worry about that. I would be surprised if they could alter a sweater though, at least while you wait. You might contact Savinas Workshop or another local knitter that makes customer sweaters and see what they can do for you.
Posted by
Baltimore, Maryland, USA
393 posts
A hand knit sweater can not reasonably be modified for length without a lot of work. To shorten the sleeves, for example, the cuff needs to be pulled out and the sleeve unraveled to the length you want then the cuff reknit. If the sleeve is knit from the cuff up, that kind of means reknitting it backwards. That also alters the gradual narrowing of the sleeve and the cuff opening might end up too wide. Knitters sometimes do this to salvage a sweater they otherwise love (or can't stand to give up all that work), but I would be really shocked if the shop would agree to do that for you. Certainly, it couldn't be done while you wait.
Just go and find something that fits you as it is. They have a wide selection and are very friendly. I bet they could direct you to sweaters that are more likely to fit the way you want.
Posted by
OP
58 posts
Thank you for the replies. I am glad to know they have a large selection at the shop. I hope to go there on our first day so I can have a sweater to wear, especially for photos!