kestrel favorites

Here in the northeastern US, the crocuses are giving way to daffodils and tulips, and we're expecting the first lilacs in just a few weeks. We spend less time knitting perhaps, more time in the garden, or more time just walking outside after a long winter. Less knitting time means that we want our projects to go more quickly, and Kestrel fits the bill here. Our chained, worsted weight linen bird whips up into warm-weather pieces seemingly in no time. In anticipation of our upcoming Kestrel collection, with 5 brand new designs from Elizabeth Smith, Allison Jane, and folks from the Quince team, we thought we'd look back to celebrate some sweet pieces from years past.

to everything there is a season

Bragita, older cousin to Amalia, designed by Pam Allen and published in May 2016, is shown here in Pebble. This pullover is worked from the top down and features a wide scoop neck, the same(ish) peplum hem as its Sparrow counterpart, garter stitch throughout the body, and three-quarter sleeves.

Pam also designed Hamlin Peak for our first Kestrel collection with some serious twirl-worthy drape in the front panels. Also shown in Pebble, the eyelet raglan detail, bracelet length sleeves, and back waist shaping give this open cardi a pretty elegance.

Melissa LaBarre's Jessamin from our Kestrel collection published in spring 2016 is open at the front, loose and flowy in body and sleeves, and features a gorgeous mesh detail at hem and cuffs. Shown here in Turtle.

Left to right: Bragita by Pam Allen, Hamlin Peak by Pam Allen, Jessamin by Melissa LaBarre

'tis a gift to be simple

For our Kestrel 2015 collection, Pam designed Yarrow, a round-yoke, top down, garter and stockinette pullover with a sweet eyelet detail framing the shoulders. Shown in Yarrow.

Kai is one of Elizabeth Smith's contributions to our Kestrel 2018 collection published in April of that year. The color block and split hem are the details that make this simple tank so irresistible. Shown here in Wave (top) and Anemone (bottom).

Dawn Catanzaro dreamed up Tamsin, which we published as part of our Kestrel 2016 collection, as a piece for folks who love seaming (we've got some of those here for sure!). We love the deep v-neck and the exposed seams on the front and back. Shown in Anemone.

Left to right: Yarrow by Pam Allen, Kai by Elizabeth Smith, Tamsin by Dawn Catanzaro

hither and thither

Norah Gaughan's book Framework, published in spring of 2017, includes Gambrel, a unique top that uses both of our linen yarns, Kestrel and Sparrow (shown in Anemone and Paprika). The concentric circles of lace ladders in the sleeves and the crocheted seam at the center front are stunning details that make this tee stand out.

Designed by Pam for our Kestrel 2015 collection, Peony, shown here in Sand, is a pretty tunic that features a sideways knit bodice with a drop stitch panel at the center front and back, and a skirt that is picked up around the edge and worked to the hem.

Flex, designed by Heidi Kirrmaier and published in June 2016, features a yoke that decreases so that the center front neck radiates in different directions, with a simple eyelet detail. Shown here in Cove.

Left to right: Gambrel by Norah Gaughan, Peony by Pam Allen, Flex by Heidi Kirrmaier

To see all that we have to offer in Kestrel designs, click here, and be sure to also check out all of the Kestrel colors we have available. Lastly, make sure you're signed up to receive our email updates to get a first glimpse of our new designs and colors for this spring!