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FAQs
Blocking Hand-Knit Garments E-mail

Once I have washed my garment, when you advise to dry flat, does that mean I have to block the piece again?

In a sense; yes! I don’t mean you have to pin each piece as I do in the initial blocking process. I do advise that you measure your garment prior to washing. Once you have washed your piece, it will be very pliable and will stretch easily while still wet. Lay the piece on a large absorbent, clean towel, and roll tightly to “press” out as much water as possible. Never twist your piece to remove water. Once you have removed as much water as possible, lay out on another large towel and measure the piece to make sure it is back to the size it was prior to cleaning. Simply “pat” into the desired shape and size and allow to dry completely.  

Last Updated ( Saturday, December 02, 2006 )
 
Storing Your Hand-knit Garment E-mail

What is the best way to store my hand knit scarves and shawls?

Do not store by hanging on a hanger, especially a shawl. No matter how light-weight a yarn is, once it has been knit, it becomes “heavy” in relation to the weight of the yarn. Hand knits will stretch when hung, particularly those that have been knit more loosely. I store all of my scarves and shawls by rolling them. If it is a large piece, I will fold in half  and then roll. You want as few fold creases as possible, especially if stored for a lengthily period of time, such as seasonal storage.

Last Updated ( Saturday, December 02, 2006 )
 
What is "Blocking?" E-mail

You refer to blocking, what exactly do you mean?

After the knitting has been done, every piece has to be blocked to the desired size and shape. If a garment consists of several pieces that are then “sewn” together, each piece is blocked prior to assembling. I pin every piece onto a large padded board. Once I have decided the exact shape and size of the piece I am going to block, I typically space the pins one inch apart around the entire perimeter of the piece. This is very time intensive, however, it is the best way to get the most accurate result. Once pinned, I use either steam or preferably I dampen the entire piece and leave it pinned for at least 24 hours. Once the piece goes through this process, it will retain the desired size and shape. This is when I measure each piece.

You may find a slight difference between the approximate dimensions listed for each piece and its actual dimensions upon arrival. Every piece will “relax” slightly after being removed from the board. Dimensional differences within ¼” to ½” should be expected.

Last Updated ( Sunday, April 29, 2007 )
 
PRK Designs Return Policy E-mail

We strive to offer the finest collection of "wearable works of art." Because art in any form is very personal, both for the artist and the patron, it is our greatest desire that you are truly delighted with anything you purchase from PRK Designs. Great care has been taken to ensure that each finished piece meets or exceeds our stringent standard of quality. Please remember that, as with any artistic endeaver, minor material inconsistencies (not flaws), inherent to natural and/or handmade fibers, may normally exist. Often, in hand-knitted works, such "inconsistencies" artistically define the piece without which would diminish the creative intent. Such normal "anomalies" are intended and integral to the piece's design, uniqueness, and visual appeal (evident in its online representation herein) and should not be considered "defects" or reason for return. We are happy to accept returns for any other reason or cause you may have. Please return the article within 10 days for a refund or exchange.

Please note on your invoice the reason for return and the action we should take (ex: return/refund, exchange for another item, etc...). Please include this information, along with a copy of your invoice, when you return article(s) to us. To ensure a full refund, please return the product to us in the same packaging as it was received. Poorly packaged items may cause damage in delivery to us and are then non-returnable. We require that returned items be in the same condition as when they were received (see "APPAREL RETURNS" below) and reserve the right to deny the return of any artlcle we determine inconsistent or incongruous with this policy.

Returns should be mailed to:

PRK DESIGNS
620 W. Huntington Drive #105
Arcadia, CA 91007
ATTN: Customer Service

Discounted items are considered "final sale" and are not returnable.

Damaged/Defective shipments: If you receive a damaged/defective item or shipment, please contact us IMMEDIATELY at (626) 445-1962. Our returns department will make arrangements for your replacement/return. Please have your invoice number ready when calling.

Please note: SPECIAL ORDERS are not returnable/refundable since they are ordered per your request/specifications.

APPAREL RETURNS:

To ensure the utmost quality of our "wearable works of art," we must confirm that returned items have not been worn. Therefore, any item returned to us must arrive in the same condition as when it was received by you. Original tag(s) must not be removed and bag(s), sticker(s), etc. must be attached in their original location(s) and fastened as they were when shipped. Any Item that does not meet this requirement will not be accepted for return. If we determine that the item has been worn, washed, or altered, it will not be accepted for return. If, for any reason, the apparel is not in the same pristine condition as it was when shipped to you, the item will not be accepted for return. If a return by mail is denied by us, you will be notified. If you decide to have the item shipped back to you, normal and customary shipping charges will be incurred by you. If UPS has damaged the item in shipment, your are required to notify us within 48 hours of receiving the item so that we may file a claim for replacement. Claims filed after 48 hours of receipt cannot be processed.

We want you to be happy with your purchase and your shopping experience at PRK Designs. If, for any reason, our service or products fail to meet your expectations, we hope you will let us know. Your feedback is very important to us. If you have any questions regarding our return policy, please feel free to This email address is being protected from SPAM "bots." In order to view it, you must enable Javascript in your browser's preferences !

Last Updated ( Monday, April 23, 2007 )
 
Rolling or Curling of Garment Edges E-mail

Why do I have a problem with some of the edges rolling / curling on my garment?

This is a natural and normal characteristic of hand-knit garments. Though each piece is carefully blocked as a normal procedure in finishing, unless its edge is ribbed or fringed, some "rolling" or "curling" will occur.

You will find that in all of my pieces where there is a “raw” edge, some slight rolling will occur. Each piece is blocked by hand which helps to minimize this natural effect but, because rolling and/or curling is an inherent characteristic of hand-knit natural fiber garments, it won’t/can't completely prevent it. Some very exclusive, hand-made yarns may be somewhat more susceptible than others while most manufactured, synthentic yarns aren't susceptible to rolling/curling. This minor anomaly is typical of a hand-knit product...  and not considered a flaw.

Last Updated ( Friday, February 15, 2008 )