"This just won’t work. This just won’t suit me," I tell myself as I pull the thick, snow colored woolen knit over my head.

Before I’ve had a chance to look in the mirror, I can see my friend’s eyes light up.

"It looks wonderful on you,” she exclaims.

As I turn around to see my reflection I can’t believe my eyes. It’s a perfect fit.

Lopapeysa or the Icelandic sweater is an icon of Icelandic culture. These sweaters are worn by young children, old fishermen and tourists alike. Lopapeysa sweaters are created by using lopi which is wool from Icelandic sheep. The unique design of the sweaters originated in the mid-20th century. The most traditional pattern is that of a prominent geometric design around the neck and shoulder area.

It is highly likely that every person visiting Iceland will return home with at least one sweater. The charm in such a souvenir is that each one truly stands apart. No two sweaters are exactly the same. It’s great to carry back something to carry the Icelandic sheep by. Above all it is a practical memento.

There is usually no gauge for size or cut as the sweaters look asymmetrical and bulky. This made me hesitant. I was afraid that I would leave Iceland without my very own Lopapeysa.

Having explored several shops in Reykjavík and in the West Fjords with friends, I was unable to find something that appealed to me.

We were advised that the best place to purchase sweaters would be Isafjordor. They would be cheaper and the money from the sweaters would go directly to the craftswomen who created them. If we were lucky, we might even meet the person who had knitted the sweaters we purchased.

In a small and cozy shop in the heart of Isajfordir, my very own Lopapeysa called out to me. I saw it but I did not reach out for it. Later I sat in a café mulling over my decision. But the sweater called me back. Low and behold, I tried it on and it transformed me.

And who should enter the shop just as I made my purchase, but a pleasant middle aged Icelandic lady who spotted the Lopapeysa in my hands as one of her own. Meeting my sweater and its maker together truly made my day. Now I have a sweater and a story.

I’ve come to the conclusion that you don’t pick your Lopapeysa. Your Lopapeysa chooses you.