This week brought the release of Hunter Hammersen's newest book, The Knitter's Curiosity Cabinet: Volume III. This final book in her a series inspired by curiosity cabinets, eclectic collections of natural objects which were popular with rich and powerful men in the 1400s. Her books take inspiration from these elaborate displays and apply it to the art of knitting. The designs she has produced as a result of her research are brimming with natural history, and she describes the history behind the designs great detail. A beautiful story that you might not otherwise ever encounter.
Shown here, Bunodes Crassicornis Sock in Malabrigo Arroyo, color English Rose
In her introduction, she has this to say about her writing journey:
We did it. I've known from the moment the idea for these books occurred to me that there needed to be three of them. Thanks to you and your support for this unlikely endeavor of mine, now there are. I really am tremendously in your debt. Can you imagine if I'd gone to a publisher and said “so, I want to write a book of knitting patterns inspired by this nifty (if somewhat peculiar) moment in the history of science. There will be pictures of plants and bugs and sea life involved. Oh and by the way, the names of the patterns will all be in Latin and will pose some alarming pronunciation difficulties. And did I mention that there actually need to be three books, not one?” I can't imagine that conversation would have ended well. But that's just what I wanted to do, and, with your help, it's just what I have done.
So now, my own knitter's curiosity cabinet (one full of beautiful stitches instead of natural wonders) is complete – or at least as complete as any collection can be. I hope you'll find something here worth adding to your own collection.
Padina Pavonia Sock in Dream in Color's Everlasting Sock, color Bitter
I love to know the details behind someone's artistry. It makes the enjoyment of a book, yarn, or craft so much more complete. And I adore that the detail included in this volume makes me want to knit every pattern. In order. Now.
Padina Pavonia Mitt in Dream in Color's Smooshy, color 450 Pansy Golightly
I'd love for you to experience this book as I have, browse through each page and enjoy the journey of natural history and fiber. So Hunter is offering a free ebook to three lucky winners. All you have to do is tell me which of the patterns shown above/below you would choose to knit first (there are many more in the book), and perhaps also inspire us with a yarn and color you might choose. Leave your one comment by noon EST on Thursday, June 26. I'll randomly choose three winners and Hunter will get the winner's their copy.
Pelagia Noctiluca in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Satsuma
I can't effectivly express how much I'm enjoying this book. Right now, I have just the ebook copy, but as soon as the paper copies are shipped out (I bought the physical + electronic version), I plan on sitting on my white-railed front porch, with the clip-clop of the Amish buggies going by, and flip through the pages slowly and deliberatly. I'm pretty sure there will be an iced tea involved. And it may, or may not, be spiked with something special. Why not join me in this treat?
All photos used with permission of Hunter Hammersen/Pantsville Press.
I love knitting socks. My sister is diabetic so I'm always knitting wool socks for her too. My favortie pair from The Knitters Couriosity Cabinet III is Pelagia Noctiluca. Cables and lace? Yes, please.
Posted by: Lisa Lopez | June 20, 2014 at 10:17 AM
I would knit Padina Pavonia Sock in Miss Babs Frog Belly!!
Posted by: Cynthia | June 20, 2014 at 10:36 AM
The first pattern I would have to knit is:
Bunodes Crassicornis Sock in Malabrigo Arroyo, color English Rose exactly as used in the picture. This is the perfect color for that pattern!
Posted by: Leslie Fehr | June 20, 2014 at 10:37 AM
The sock knitting addict in me wants to knit the cover socks in Sweet Georgia Cashluxe Coastal colorway. Swimmingly gorgeous!
Posted by: Lisa Viviano | June 20, 2014 at 10:38 AM
My oh my! My feet need the Bunodes Crassicornis Sock and that rosy color as featured would be perfect too. These photos are not only lovely, the interesting patterns make my fingers "itchy" to get started. Knitters, we really need to explore The Knitter's Curiosity Cabinet: Volume III.
Posted by: Ann M | June 20, 2014 at 10:41 AM
I would knit Bonodes Crassicornis Socks exactly as shown.
Posted by: Rose Birchall | June 20, 2014 at 10:41 AM
I love to knit socks, but the Padina Pavonia mitts are catching my eye today, probably in a wonderful shade of a Malibrigo yarn.
Posted by: PatV | June 20, 2014 at 10:46 AM
Those cover socks in a tonal blue.....I know what I will be dreaming about tonight!!
Posted by: Jaime | June 20, 2014 at 10:47 AM
love the cover socks....I'm kind of partial to teal tones.
Posted by: tami | June 20, 2014 at 10:52 AM
The Malabrigo English Rose pattern would be my choice. The color with the pattern is awesome!
Posted by: Sandi Booth | June 20, 2014 at 10:53 AM
I'd knit the Pelagia Noctiluca socks in "L" from Lorna's Laces Solemate. Love the heel flap on these socks!
Posted by: Ruth | June 20, 2014 at 10:54 AM
Ooh, I'd knit Bunodes Crassicornis Socks in Black Trillium Merilon Beach Glass (a pretty green).
Posted by: KathyS | June 20, 2014 at 10:56 AM
I would definitely knit up the Padina Pavonia Sock in the Lorna's Laces Sock Solid-Island Blue. Wow!
Posted by: CB | June 20, 2014 at 10:57 AM
I would knit the Padina Pavonia socks in Poste Patina Atlantis. I think they would be outstanding in this colour as the pattern looks like waves to me and the Atlantis colour is my favourite in the Patina line
Posted by: susan | June 20, 2014 at 10:57 AM
I would START with Bonodes Crassicornis! So lovely.
Posted by: Connie Caruso | June 20, 2014 at 10:57 AM
I love everything in this book, but the ultimate ones are the Bunodes Crassicornis Sock WOW, I would definitely knit them first.
Posted by: Joyce | June 20, 2014 at 10:57 AM
Gorgeous patterns. I would start with the Bunodes Crassicornis sock in Malabrigo Arroyo, but I think in the fresco y seco colorway.
Posted by: NancyN | June 20, 2014 at 10:59 AM
I would totally do the socks on the cover - in the malabrigo rose ;)
Posted by: Kirsten | June 20, 2014 at 11:00 AM
I HAVE to make the Padina Pavonia socks. Love the feather and fan. Bitter is a lovely choice but this looks like a pattern I would make more than once.
Posted by: Anne | June 20, 2014 at 11:00 AM
I would knit the Planorbis corneus Sock in Skein BFL sock, in the color fig I have in my stash!
Posted by: Jo | June 20, 2014 at 11:00 AM
I love the socks on the cover. I would love to make them in a fun bright summer shade! Maybe pink!
Posted by: Tammee | June 20, 2014 at 11:00 AM
I love, love the Bunodes crassicomes in the malibrigo english rose.
I have 2 skeins of it in my stash.
Posted by: Cindy O'Malley | June 20, 2014 at 11:00 AM
As an Oncology nurse a long past pt got me interested in knitting socks. I know knit my own and wear in my Birkenstock white clogs for work. Lorna's Laces would be my first choice, as they remind me of what my patient knitted.
Posted by: Cathy Holdren | June 20, 2014 at 11:00 AM
I love making socks so I would love to make Pelagia Noctiluca with Shepard Sock in Bittersweet. I love Pink!!
Posted by: Kelly Lussier | June 20, 2014 at 11:01 AM
I would do the Bunodes Crassicornis sock in a plucky knitter yarn.
Posted by: Jill | June 20, 2014 at 11:03 AM
I would knit the pad in a socks in a ssyc club kit from last summer in a beautiful blue
Posted by: Lisa p | June 20, 2014 at 11:05 AM
Padina Pavonis in Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock "beach glass" - would remind me gentle waves on the beach.
Posted by: Judy McFarland | June 20, 2014 at 11:06 AM
This was easy - I absolutely love the Padina Pavonia Sock pattern and I would knit it in Shibui Staccato Tide or UV. What a gorgeous book!
Posted by: Bonny | June 20, 2014 at 11:10 AM
I love the Zostera Marina (the sock on the cover, which I would make in Lorna's Laces Shephard sock.
Posted by: Kathi Thomas | June 20, 2014 at 11:12 AM
I would love to knit Bunodes Crassicornis Socks in Malabrigo Arroyo, colour English Rose.
Posted by: Ruth | June 20, 2014 at 11:12 AM
I love the Padina Pavonia Mitts and Socks. And every other pattern in the book. They are so beautiful.
Posted by: Julie | June 20, 2014 at 11:12 AM
The hat!! I love the color and yarn that it's shown in, but I think I would knit it in a grey/blue color to match my daughter's eyes.
Posted by: Julie Davidson | June 20, 2014 at 11:14 AM
I want to knit them all! Out of what is shown, I would probably start with Padina Pavonia using Everlasting Sock in the Gilt colorway.
Posted by: liz white | June 20, 2014 at 11:15 AM
Oops! I was so focused on the hat that I love, that I forgot there is more than one hat. It's the Pelagia Noctiluna that I love.
Posted by: Julie Davidson | June 20, 2014 at 11:16 AM
I would love to receive this book. The patterns are so beautiful. Too hard to decide which to do first but I really like the red lace socks. They may have to be first!
Posted by: Rhonda Atkinson | June 20, 2014 at 11:16 AM
I will knit the Padina Pavonia Sock in Dream in Color's Everlasting Sock, in a purple color.. Love the scalloped top edge!
Posted by: Chris Mills | June 20, 2014 at 11:17 AM
I would go for the Bunodes Crassicornis Sock!
Posted by: Erica | June 20, 2014 at 11:17 AM
I love the one on the cover! It reminds me of an octopus.
Posted by: Laura | June 20, 2014 at 11:17 AM
Loving the Padina Pavonia socks! MIL has bad feet and loves my homemade socks because store bought are too constricting. Would use some Lorna's Laces Soulmate in any color.....great sock yarn.
Posted by: Margaret Hurst | June 20, 2014 at 11:18 AM
The Bunodes Crassicornis are beautiful.
Posted by: Karen Majors | June 20, 2014 at 11:19 AM
Wonderful patterns and the marine images that the patterns are based on are lovely.
Posted by: Wendy Jovero | June 20, 2014 at 11:19 AM
The Mitt! I love fingerless gloves and wear them all the time from fall to spring, which is a long time here in Wisconsin!
Posted by: Kim | June 20, 2014 at 11:19 AM
Tough decision but I think I would make the Pelagia Noctiluca first. I don't think I could come up with a better yarn choice than the one used - Lorna's Laces Satsuma.
Posted by: Annette Poole | June 20, 2014 at 11:23 AM
Bunodes Crassicornis Sock would have to be my first pick to be my first pick from this book.
Posted by: Peg Nixon | June 20, 2014 at 11:25 AM
I would probably knit through the entire book, but I'd start with the cover socks. They remind me of a gorgeous, sunny (rare!) afternoon on a northern Caliornia beach, where a bunch of us were goofing off and turning the bull kelp into marching band instruments. After a few stressful weeks, we ended up laughing so hard that day that we could barely stand up...
Posted by: Beth L | June 20, 2014 at 11:30 AM
I would knit the Padina Pavonia first--then the fingerless gloves.
Posted by: Tobie | June 20, 2014 at 11:30 AM
Yarn - poste yarns patina colour giza
Pattern - bunodes crassicomis
Posted by: Liisat | June 20, 2014 at 11:32 AM
I would love to knit the Pelagia Noctiluca using Poste yarn Patina in Giza.
Posted by: Terri | June 20, 2014 at 11:32 AM
Wow! I've got some beautiful Kettle Dyed just aching to be use in the cover sock!
Posted by: Martha Clay | June 20, 2014 at 11:33 AM
Bunodes Crassicornes in Malabrigo Arroyo purpuras and Aguas
Posted by: Jutta Kramer | June 20, 2014 at 11:33 AM
I usually knit plain vanilla socks, but I really love the pattern in the Pelagia noctiluca socks and with a matching hat, it would make a great set. I would probably use one of the new patina colors, but it's difficult to decide on a favorite. Thanks for the chance to win
Posted by: Debby | June 20, 2014 at 11:35 AM
I am there thinking I would start with padina pavonia. Not sure if it's the pattern or the yarn color or both, that really catches my eye.
Posted by: Melanie | June 20, 2014 at 11:38 AM
I would like to knit the Bunodes Crassicornis Sock in Malabrigo Arroyo, color English Rose - I love them just as they are pictured. But would also like to try them in several other colorways.
Posted by: Cheryl Monroe | June 20, 2014 at 11:39 AM
I love knitting socks! My first choice from the book would be Bunodes Crassicornis Sock. I have some Lorna's Laces that would look great in that pattern.
Posted by: SusanB-knits | June 20, 2014 at 11:40 AM
Love her patterns! I like the Padina Pavonia in particular but they are all amazing...
Posted by: Suzy | June 20, 2014 at 11:43 AM
Wow - I actually like a lot of these! In Florida we do not wear socks too often, but where I live is known as the coldest place in the state as well as the hotest place in the state!
Posted by: Linda | June 20, 2014 at 11:44 AM
Padina Pavonia Sock would be my first knit. This elegant pattern has been catching my attention lately.
Posted by: Vicki C | June 20, 2014 at 11:50 AM
I would knit Pelagia Noctiluca first. I would use the Three Irish Girls in color McNamara that is lurking in my stash...... then buy some Turtlepurl (Angry Birds or Watermelon) to replace it!
Posted by: Karen | June 20, 2014 at 11:51 AM
Oh so very difficult to choose just one. But if I must choose to knit only one pair of socks shown from The Knitters Curiosity Cabinet Volume III by Hunter Hammersen. I would choose to knit Bundodes Crassicornis in Malabrigo Arroyo, English Rose. Thank you for introducing me to these books!
Posted by: Debra Houser | June 20, 2014 at 11:53 AM
Beautiful book full of gorgeous patterns..I really like the Bunodes Crassicornis Sock above, so would be tempted to knit this first....maybe from some handspun
Posted by: Suzette | June 20, 2014 at 11:57 AM
Definitely the cover socks! I'm thinking a lovely, watery blue...
Posted by: Geraldine Scott | June 20, 2014 at 11:58 AM
The Padina Pavonia Mitts are lovely. Don't have anything in my stash that would be right for them - this means yarn shopping!
Think I'm going to go for browns..
Posted by: Rebecca H | June 20, 2014 at 11:59 AM
Oh my! How to chose. I think I'd do the Pelagia Noctiluca just like it's shown in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Satsuma. Love socks with cables.
Posted by: Lucy Kesler | June 20, 2014 at 12:01 PM
I would start with Padina Pavonia, then move on to the mitts. I can see there is a lot of good knitting in this collection!
Posted by: Cindy | June 20, 2014 at 12:02 PM
Bunodes Crassicornis is calling me!
Posted by: cindy | June 20, 2014 at 12:03 PM
Beautiful! You are so generous. Patina Pavonia socks would be my pick if I had to choose now.
Posted by: Janet D. | June 20, 2014 at 12:04 PM
Padina Pavonia socks! I think I'd do them in Dream in Color Smooshy Sock in Peacock Shadow.
Thanks for the contest!
Posted by: Jan | June 20, 2014 at 12:06 PM
I would pick Padina Pavonia in one of the self-striping yarns, maybe the Trekking XXL - so fun.
Posted by: Jeanne | June 20, 2014 at 12:07 PM
Umm... all of the them at this same time!!! I think a SSYC ravelry KAL is in order.
Posted by: Ann | June 20, 2014 at 12:07 PM
I love to knit socks. This book looks wonderful!
Posted by: Jacie | June 20, 2014 at 12:11 PM
Definitely would start with Fucus Asparagoides . Then thru the book :)
Posted by: Jean | June 20, 2014 at 12:13 PM
I LOVE the concept of this book! I want to go back and find the first 2 volumes! Of the wonderful options you showed, I would love to start with BUNODES CRASSICORNIS SOCK in MALABRIGO ARROYO in the color ENGLISH ROSE just as you showed it. THAT is beautiful!
Posted by: Cindy Strick | June 20, 2014 at 12:14 PM
Pelagia Noctiluca would be my first choice because it fills all my requirements-knits and purls in same round to be elastic enought to pull over high instep, not too boring but with repeating pattern- and is good looking. Not sure what yarn I would use, but a semi solid with depth for sure.
Posted by: Aleen | June 20, 2014 at 12:18 PM
I'm trying to expand my sock knitting (mostly vanilla socks to date). So, I'd start with the Padina Pavonia socks, possibly with Tosh sock Cosmic Wonderdust.
Posted by: Judy | June 20, 2014 at 12:21 PM
I would definitely choose the cover sock, but all are gorgeous!
Posted by: Barb T. | June 20, 2014 at 12:21 PM
Like so many others, I would knit the Bunodes Crassicornis Sock. I have a skein of handspun sock yarn in a color I can only describe as pond scum that I think would look wonderful in this pattern.
Posted by: aliceq | June 20, 2014 at 12:29 PM
Love the swirly cables of the cover sock!
Posted by: akaemi | June 20, 2014 at 12:32 PM
The cover socks are fab!
Posted by: Aileen | June 20, 2014 at 12:37 PM
I would love to knit Bunodes Crassicornis Socks in Malabrigo Arroyo, color English Rose for my daughter. What a great way to get her out of her rut that socks need to match her slacks in color!! Color is in!!
Posted by: Dawn M. | June 20, 2014 at 12:38 PM
I love the Padina pavonia Mitts. I have some grey alpaca fingering from Queensborough Farm that would compliment their roots in nature.
Posted by: Eileen Brokaw | June 20, 2014 at 12:41 PM
I would make Padina Pavonia Sock in a pale pink color. I love knitting socks.
Posted by: Michele Cashen | June 20, 2014 at 12:41 PM
I would knit Padina Pavonia Mit in Biscotte & Cie's watermelon stripe
Posted by: Diana Kalar | June 20, 2014 at 12:54 PM
I would knit the Padina Pavonia Sock in a summer blue colour. Sock knitting is my addiction.
Posted by: Karen | June 20, 2014 at 12:57 PM
I love love knitting socks and my goal is to have one for every day which I am working on but I would love to first knit Padina Pavonia Mitt.
Posted by: Penny Tallman | June 20, 2014 at 01:17 PM
I would knit the Padina Pavonia Mitt.
Posted by: Dee Marquardt | June 20, 2014 at 01:19 PM
I really like Padina Pavonia Sock. I think it would be really pretty in a bright striping yarn. thanks
Posted by: Debbie H | June 20, 2014 at 01:20 PM
Pelagia Noctiluca in your Poste solid color of this shade of orange;)
Posted by: April | June 20, 2014 at 01:26 PM
I feel quite out of it for having to ask, but is the ebook just PDFs? Because I don't have a tablet or anything if it's in a special format.
This book reminds me of the Harvard Museum of Natural History. http://www.hmnh.harvard.edu/exhibits/index.php
I would knit Pelagia Noctiluca, perhaps in Lorna's Laces, because that's what she used.
Posted by: Alison | June 20, 2014 at 01:28 PM
I would LOVE to knit the Pelagia Noctiluca in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in English Rose. I love pink and think that combination would be darling!
Posted by: Tiffani Smith | June 20, 2014 at 01:29 PM
I love the Bunodes Crassicornis socks.
Posted by: Renee | June 20, 2014 at 01:32 PM
I'm sure I'd knit the Padina Pavonia Sock in your Poste Patina/Easter Island, I love that yarn and color. Thanks for the chance to win the e-book version.
Posted by: Cheryl | June 20, 2014 at 01:40 PM
Of all the items in the book, the socks on the cover are my favorite and I would definitely knit them first. I'm not a big fan of fingerless mitts because it's my fingers that are always cold. Maybe someone could come up with finger cozies. Ha ha ha.
Posted by: Savannagal | June 20, 2014 at 01:41 PM
Oh, I'm definitely started with Conferva villosa socks and when they are finished I'll start right in on the Conferva villosa hat!
Posted by: Marti | June 20, 2014 at 01:41 PM
I am drawn to the Bunodes Crassicornis in the BMFA ARE Spawn of Scum. Seems appropriate for marine life. Love pattern books with historical base.
Posted by: Jan | June 20, 2014 at 01:53 PM
I'm immediately drawn to the Bunodes Crassicornis Sock... Maybe with some Tosh sock in a nice tonal color that hasn't found the right project yet.
Posted by: Essjay | June 20, 2014 at 02:10 PM
I'm glad you restricted the choices to only these few! There are so many more gorgeous designs I would have to buy more needles so I can start more than just one! But of these shown, I'd probably go with Padina Pavonia first. Thanks for the giveaway and chance to win, which I really hope I do!
Posted by: susan | June 20, 2014 at 02:12 PM
I'd start with Bunodes Crassicornis with Socks that Rock, Lady Edith.
Posted by: Nancy | June 20, 2014 at 02:16 PM
Pelagia Noctiluca socks. And I'd love to knit them in Madelintosh Pashmina Baltic.
Posted by: Sara | June 20, 2014 at 02:19 PM
I would knit the Pelagia Noctiluca socks in Poste Taj Mahal or El Dorado or Atlantis first. Thanks!
Posted by: Karma | June 20, 2014 at 02:24 PM
I would have to start at the beginning (cover socks) and work my way through the entire book. I have enjoyed knitting Hunter's patterns in the past and can't wait to get cracking on these.
I would use Hazel Knits Artisan Sock in the Beachglass color way.
Posted by: Gigiformilo | June 20, 2014 at 02:25 PM