We are so fortunate, we got lucky and get to host the Quince & Co Sparrow Trunk Show for ten days! They’ve sent their samples from last year’s collections on tour for the spring and summer, and they just landed in store. Check out the sample garments, eyeball them up close, and try them on (one caveat: the sample sizes are pretty small, but you can get an idea). I tried them on and it was an interesting experience – what you want isn’t always what’s best for you or what will make you happiest.

We haven’t received our Sparrow order yet, but I think it might be fore the best because once you see the samples you’ll fall in love! To that end, all special pre-orders of Quince & Co.Sparrow placed in store (or over the phone) during the Trunk Show receive 10% Off!

Shai

Jerusha Neely combined an antique lace chevron motif with an open, alternating butterfly stitch to create the adventurous front panel of this tunic. With a wide boat neck, split hem, subtle A-line shaping, and the barest hint of colour blocking, this tunic is destined to be a statement piece. See more pictures HERE.

Finished Measurements

30¾ (33¼, 36¾, 39¼, 42¾, 45¼, 48¾, 51¼, 54¾)” [78 (84.5, 93.5, 99.5, 108.5, 115, 124, 130, 139) cm] bust circumference; shown in size 33¼” [84.5 cm] on a 34″ [86.5 cm], 5’2″ [157.5 cm] tall model (¾” [2 cm] negative ease)

Materials

• Quince & Co.Sparrow  / 3 (3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4) skeins sans 200 (MC) / 2 (2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4) skeins sea salt 256 (CC)
• 16″ circular in size US 4 [3.5 mm] / 24″ circular in size US 5 [3.75 mm

Skills Required

Long-tail and cable cast ons, mattress stitch, picking up stitches (links provided); increasing, decreasing. Charts included with line-by-line instructions in a supplemental file.

Observations After Trying on the Sample

The first thing I noticed when I pulled this top out was that the front and back are made with different colours of yarn! The front is a creamy marled colour and back is a solid natural colour. I’ve never really thought about doing that, but it gives it some punch, makes a simple lace tank a bit more interesting, a bit more modern. The back panel is also longer than the front, also tweaking and updating a traditional look. The lace is very pretty and the down-ward V is flattering. I’m not a wearer of knitted tanks, but if I was this sweater would be on my needles.

Kaala

I totally swooned when we saw this duster—it has such an impact and looks amazing on every height, whether the low back hem reaches the high calf, or goes all the way down to your shoes. The deep scoop neck and slim, bracelet length sleeves are so flattering, and Sparrow’s amazing drape is showcased in the front and back colour block panels. See more pictured HERE.

Finished Measurements

34½ (37, 39½, 41¾, 44¼, 46¾, 49¼, 51¾, 54¼)” [87.5 (94, 100.5, 106, 112.5, 118.5, 125, 131.5, 138) cm] bust circumference; shown in size 37″ [94 cm] on a 34″ [86.5 cm], 5’2″ [157.5 cm] tall model (3″ [7.5 cm] positive ease)

Materials

• Quince & Co.Sparrow  / 2 skeins moon 222 (A) / 2 skeins rille 257 (B) / 7 (8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 11, 11 12) skeins eclipse 224 (C)
• 24″ circular in size US 4 [3.5 mm] / set dpns in size US 4 [3.5 mm]

Skills Required

Long-tail cast on, sloped bind off, mattress stitch, picking up stitches (links provided).

Observations After Trying on the Sample

This design is too cool for skool. It’s elegant, interesting, and you’ll never find anything like it in a store. I feel a bit art-directed in it, and if I still worked in the art world this would be on my needles IMMEDIATELY. It would also make an excellent pool cover-up.

Ananke

This slinky pullover is so attractive in its deep v-neck, pretty raglan detail, and raw edges at cuffs and hem. The fantastic drape that Sparrow offers gives this piece swing and elegance for effortless style. See more pictures HERE.

Finished Measurements

28¼ (32¼, 36¼, 40¼, 44¼, 48¼, 52¼, 56¼)” [72 (82, 92, 102, 112.5, 122.5, 132.5, 143) cm] bust circumference; shown in size 32¼” [82 cm] on a 34″ [86.5 cm], 5’2″ [157.5 cm] tall model (1½” [4 cm] negative ease)

Materials

• Quince & Co.Sparrow  / sea salt 256 / 5 (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) skeins
• 32″ circular in size US 4 [3.5 mm]

Skills Required

Long-tail cast on, yarnover short rows, mattress stitch, picking up stitches (links provided); increasing, decreasing.

Observations After Trying on the Sample

I have small shoulders and I thought the raglan shoulder seams would mke them look smaller and sloped, but it was the exact opposite; it made them look bigger. The neck-line was also really flattering, and it’s fitted through the body, which my figure needs. I also really like the texture of the marled colourway, and I like the off white, which I didn’t think was really my thing. This is on my to-make list.

Aisa

The charm in Dawn Catazro’s tee lies in the simple and irresistible elements: allover garter stitch, short rows, and just a little bit of contrasted color at the shoulders, cuffs, and one-row trim at the neck. The short rows inform the shape of the deep v-neck on both front and back. See more pictures HERE.

Finished Measurements

44¼ (48, 51¾, 55½, 59¼, 63, 66¾, 70½)” [112.5 (122, 131.5, 141, 150.5, 160, 169.5, 179) cm] bust circumference; shown in size 48″ [122 cm] on a 34″ [86.5 cm], 5’2″ [157.5 cm] tall model (14″ [35.5 cm] positive ease

Materials

• Quince & Co.Sparrow  / 4 (5, 5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8) skeins rosa mundi 258 (MC) / 1 skein Port 207 (CC)
• 32″ circular in size US 6 [4 mm] / spare circular in size US 6 [4 mm]

Skills

Long-tail cast on, yarnover short rows, three-needle bind off, picking up stitches, mattress stitch, crochet seaming (links provided); decreasing.

Observations After Trying on the Sample

This sweater is definitely what it looks like: oversized, loose and drapey. I’m not sure the garter stitch is doing much for my figure, but is you have a top-heavy figure it might be just what you need. It might be really nice done in the darker colours used for Dekla (below).

Dekla

We love Leila Raven’s striped raglan, with its high, wide ballet neck and fitted yoke; its cool striping pattern; its raw-edge sleeve cuffs and hem. They went monochromatic on this piece, but Sparrow’s palette offers so much in the way of making it your own. See more Pictures HERE.

Finished Measurements

32 (34¾, 37½, 40¼, 43¼, 46, 48¾, 51½)” [81.5 (88.5, 95.5, 102, 110, 117, 124, 131) cm] bust circumference, shown in size 34¾” [88.5 cm] on a 34″ [86.5 cm], 5’2″ [157.5 cm] tall model (¾” [2 cm] positive ease)

Materials

• Quince & Co.Sparrow / 4 (5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8) skeins rille 257 (MC) / 2 skeins eclipse 224 (CC)
• 16″ and 32″ circulars in size US 4 [3.5 mm] / set dpns in size US 4 [3.5 mm]

Skills Required

Long-tail and backward loop cast ons, picking up stitches (links provided); increasing, decreasing.

Observations After Trying on the Sample

Based on the pictures, this sweater was initially my favourite, I think possibly because the photo made it look shiny. The yarn is not shiny, it’s marked and seems to come out looking glittery in the pictures. That said, it’s really nice, but it doesn’t satisfy my inner magpie. I love the boat-neck, it’s just wide enough but doesn’t show any undergarment straps. The fit through the body is straight, so I would need to add some shaping for myself.