What is a trunk show for knitting? -- and is it worth attending?

What is a trunk show in a yarn shop?  

At a trunk show, the yarn company or designer sends a whole big box, or trunk, of knitted samples for you to see and try on. The garments are typically in the shop for at least 10 days and sometimes as long as 2 weeks.

A trunk show might feature a single yarn in several different samples, or it could be a seasonal collection, or garments from a book or magazine.  The point is to give you a chance to see the actual garment,  - how it’s constructed, the fabric, and the shape.  And you can try it on and see exactly how it will look on you.  

What's the benefit of a knitting trunk show?

Trying on the garments is a huge benefit. Without a trunk show, or shop sample, you're basing your decision to knit something on a picture or two, and maybe a schematic.  You night not even have seen the yarn knit up before, Getting to try on the actual garment can save you a ton of time and tears. 

What’s more, you might even learn something about your personal preferences.  It costs nothing to try on a garment,  and often you find that you absolutely love something that you might never have even considered.  

You might even find that the size you tried on (usually size small) is much closer to the right size than you imagined.  

Or, you might try on something you thought you’d love, only to find out that it’s really not your style.  Imagine how much time and disappointment that can save!

What is a trunk show event? How is it different?

At Crazy for Ewe, we typically do a splashy kickoff event for our larger trunk shows. These are one night events with food and drinks themed to the trunk show. If it's a dressy collection, I might serve champagne and hors-d'oeuvres, as with our Rowan trunk show events.  For Noro, I usually do a lively party with sushi, bubble tea, and other Japanese snacks. 

Often there's swag, like patterns or yarn tastings, and there's usually a drawing or two for door prizes.  

The trunk show is usually in the shop for a week or so more, but the event is a one time thing.

Is it worth it to attend a trunk show event?

Absolutely.  The energy at these events is wonderful, and you not only get to try on the garments yourself, you get to see other knitters trying them on. You get to be the first to see the trunk show items, and you have first pick of the featured yarns and colors, which often get sold out by the end of the event. 

Plus it's a party, and who doesn't love a party with your knitting friends.  With great refreshments, sometimes swag, and always prizes, I try to make it super fun and well worth the modest cost.  

Our next Trunk Show event will be our Noro Knitting Magazine Issue 21 event with lots of fun activities and swag.  Attendees at this event will receive a Noro Tasting kit and single pattern from the new Noro Magazine.   show, themed snacks, and lots of prizes.  Mark your calendars for Friday, December 2nd from 5 to 7.  The Noro parties are always a ton of fun.

I always announce the trunk show events in the newsletter, so if you're not yet signed up, be sure to get on the newsletter list here.