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.
love the cover sox and its traveling stitches. I've some windy valley muskox quvuit sock yarn in mossy green to make this gorgeous pattern. thanx for the chance to win a copy.
Posted by: ritainalaska | June 20, 2014 at 02:42 PM
I would knit theBunodes Crassicornis Sock in the periwinkle sheep watercolors sock yarn's Climb Every Mountain colorway.
Posted by: Mary | June 20, 2014 at 02:51 PM
So hard to choose... I'de happily knit most of the patts in that book!!! Think I'de start w/the Padina Pavonia Sock though + use the yarn she did since it's new to me. Perhaps switch to "Crisp" for a colorway.
Love the way ripple st patts create curvy edges as well as add a touch of lace.
I look forward to reading the book sometime... always enjoyable to get the back story on patts.
Posted by: AndreaW | June 20, 2014 at 03:22 PM
I'd have to knit the Bunodes Crassicornis Sock in a similar colour yarn. I just love the look of that sock and have to do it!
Posted by: Trudi | June 20, 2014 at 03:40 PM
I love each and every pattern! I love her last book, the patterns are beautiful and so well written. I am looking forward to adding all these to my vanilla sock drawer, with some beautiful SSYC Patina yarn.
Posted by: kim | June 20, 2014 at 03:44 PM
I would knit the Bunodes Crassicornis Sock in Malabrigo Arroyo.
JKnits51 on Ravelry
Posted by: Jody | June 20, 2014 at 03:45 PM
I would definitely knit the Padina Pavonia mitt in one of my stash yarns, probably a socks that rock lightweight in autumny colors.
Posted by: Nancy | June 20, 2014 at 03:48 PM
I love Bunodes Crassicornis Sock! I would knit it in a soft aqua semi solid...Love all the designs in this book!
Posted by: Jane | June 20, 2014 at 04:38 PM
I would love to knit the Bunodes Crassicornis Sock in exactly the color posted - Lorna's Laces English Rose. Mostly because I love the way the tonals in the yarn highlight the pattern and currently I do not have any pink/fuschia socks for winter, despite it being my color of choice. The English Rose is a beautiful bright color.
Posted by: Pamela | June 20, 2014 at 04:45 PM
Tough choice, but I would start with the cover socks. In an ocean blue/green color.
Posted by: Caroline | June 20, 2014 at 04:54 PM
I'd knit the Pavonia socks in Poste Patina Blue Nile
Posted by: Tanya | June 20, 2014 at 05:01 PM
Bunodes Crassicornis Sock in Malabrigo Arroyo or Pelagia Noctiluca in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in Satsuma. Shopping for yarn and spice up the white uniform and work! Love it!
Posted by: Pat | June 20, 2014 at 05:25 PM
I would love to try the Pelagia Noctiluca in the Poste Stripe Buckeye...its a beautiful crimson red, gray, and black....for my daughter. She lived in Ohio for a while, so half of her is an Ohio State Buckeye!
Posted by: Vickie Litterell | June 20, 2014 at 05:46 PM
I like the lacy curves of Padina Pavonia, and I'd love to try it in Crystal Palace Sausalito Coreopsis.
Posted by: Stacia | June 20, 2014 at 06:00 PM
Padina pavovia looks enticing! It would be nice in one of the Poste patina colors.
Posted by: Nathanne Verner | June 20, 2014 at 06:16 PM
Oh!!!! I think I would knit the Padina Pavona socks first... They are lovely!!!!
Posted by: Jeanne | June 20, 2014 at 06:41 PM
Definitely the cover socks. I think they would look beautiful in a LL Shepherd Sock color like Fjord, China Blue or Periwinkle.
Posted by: Kat | June 20, 2014 at 06:51 PM
I would knit the Padina Pavonia Mitt in Dream in Color's Smooshy, in the color Velvety Port.
Posted by: Carole | June 20, 2014 at 07:51 PM
Hmm, I'd start with the Pelagia noctiluca socks, or maybe the hat!
Posted by: Veronica | June 20, 2014 at 07:56 PM
Patina Pavonia. Not sure what yarn I would use but something in the blue family.
Posted by: Lugarda Cappetta | June 20, 2014 at 08:10 PM
I would love to knit the Padina Pavonia, with Dream in Color Everlasting Sock Yarn. The whole book is wonderful and would love to knit my way thru the book.
Posted by: Patti | June 20, 2014 at 08:40 PM
I'd choose the Pelagia Noctiluca with Jill Draper Hudson in Terra Cotta.
Posted by: Robin | June 20, 2014 at 08:50 PM
I pretty much love everything about the Bunodes Crassicornis Sock, including the Arroyo colorway she used. Lovely!
Posted by: Richelle Chambers Krotts | June 20, 2014 at 09:21 PM
I have Hunter's 1st book Silk road socks and love it! Given the chance I would knit Pelagia Noctiluca first in a light gray yarn to show off those beautiful cables and lace!
Posted by: Martie | June 20, 2014 at 09:32 PM
Padina Povonia Please!
Posted by: Allise | June 20, 2014 at 09:36 PM
I can barely pick one from the ones you showed, I can't imagine how hard it would to pick from the whole book. But I would probably choose Padina Pavonia to knit first, with Bunodes Crassicornis a close second.
Posted by: Aimee | June 20, 2014 at 09:49 PM
I would have to say that of the ones pictured,
Bunodes Crassicornis Sock is the pattern that I would probably knit first. The yarn? I would have to use either Hazel Knits in Ruby Love or a Fleece Artist in Ruby.
Posted by: Kay | June 20, 2014 at 10:30 PM
Pretty sure I'd start with Pelagia Noctiluca in a blue like DIC's Everlasting Sock Surf
Posted by: jolene | June 21, 2014 at 12:11 AM
Padina pavonia socks are at the top of my wish list. The socks would look terrific in BMFA light weight yarn in Just Right Red or Pond Scum. All the patterns are wonderful.
Posted by: Barbara | June 21, 2014 at 12:56 AM
Padina Pavonia Mitts in Blue Moon Fiber Arts STR Lightweight Pond Scum. The mitts are beautiful and, despite the hideously amusing name, Pond Scum is a wonderful neutral. I'd love to combine the two!
Posted by: Joan Spurgin | June 21, 2014 at 01:14 AM
The cover socks in a semi-solid blue.
Posted by: Jenny K | June 21, 2014 at 01:17 AM
Too hard to decide on yarn at the moment - but would have to have purple hues in the yarn for the cover socks!
Posted by: Renee S. | June 21, 2014 at 01:55 AM
I would knit Padina Pavonia first. I love the feather and fan style. I would go for a lightish blue or purple, though, like Dream in Color Pansy Golightly.
May I come join you on your porch? I hope someday to have a porch like those in the movies where everyone can sit comfortably with their knitting and a drink.
Posted by: Snowpaws | June 21, 2014 at 02:53 AM
Thanks for the offer! I would knit the padins pavonia first, in a darker mad tosh sock color way. Beautiful! :)
Posted by: Jenifer Farrell | June 21, 2014 at 03:55 AM
I would love to knit the cover socks in Unique Sheep's beautiful gradient colour "Dusk on the Fjord". It would be a real calming pleasure to work on during the hours we sit as my DH is currently sitting as he undergoes a last ditch chemo treatment. I had heard of chemo, but did not realize how long each treatment took.
Knitting is a perfect way to bring some light and love to the moment and makes it easy to find the proper recipient for the finished sock. There is always the perfect new owner lurking somewhere in that treatment room.
Posted by: Nadia | June 21, 2014 at 04:20 AM
I would knit Padina Pavonia socks using DIC Smooshy in Strange Harvest or DIC Starry in Spring Tickle. I cannot wait to knit up these socks. Thank you so much for the chance:-)
Posted by: Susan Ipavec | June 21, 2014 at 04:21 AM
It would have to be Bunodes Crassicornis Sock
Posted by: Marian | June 21, 2014 at 06:33 AM
Pelagia Noctiluca knit with Simply Sock Yarn Solids.
Posted by: Kathleen | June 21, 2014 at 06:49 AM
These socks are so gorgeous. Hunter does amazing work. I would start with the Bunodes Crassicornis Sock in Madeline Tosh Sock. I have been drooling over the cherry colorway.
Posted by: LuAnne | June 21, 2014 at 06:58 AM
Do I really need to choose one? Who am I kidding…would do any of those pictured. Love the patten and unique color combos. I think that's what make them all so special.
Posted by: Julie | June 21, 2014 at 08:08 AM
I would knit the Padina Pavonia Mitts.
Posted by: Diane | June 21, 2014 at 09:26 AM
Zostera Marina socks are calling my name…
Posted by: Barbara Kluver | June 21, 2014 at 10:09 AM
Bunodes Crassicornis Sock in a blue colorway of Arroyo, because blue is my favorite color! This looks like a great book!
Posted by: Jen | June 21, 2014 at 10:30 AM
Bunodes Crassicornis is where I would start but they all would be knitted in the end! Hunter Rocks!!! Probably use Claudia Hand Painted Yarns Fingering in Thistle because it is in the stash and close to hand.
Posted by: blogless grace | June 21, 2014 at 11:05 AM
I have become hooked on knitting socks. The pattern I would make first would be the Padina Pavonia Sock. I love the curves on the front, yet how smooth the bottom and heel are for those of us with sensitive feet. I would love to win one of these books.
Posted by: Barbara L. | June 21, 2014 at 01:37 PM
Of the ones shown, difficult choice, but I think Pelagia Noctiluca has the edge. In green shades to suggest little pea pods...
Posted by: rh | June 21, 2014 at 03:13 PM
This looks to be the best collection yet! Pelagia noctiluca Hat is one that I really like. I have some Indigodragon fly silk yarn from a club in a lovely soft gold. or would love to try the lorna's laces pearl in the lovely silvery gray.
Posted by: latifa | June 21, 2014 at 04:00 PM
I like the Bunodes Crassicornis Socks and the Padina Mitt pattern above. I would probably make both!
Posted by: Jennifer L | June 21, 2014 at 05:15 PM
I' d use Lorna' Laces Shepherd Sock in Sage for the Pelagic Noctiluca socks. These are great sock patterns.
Posted by: Sandy W | June 21, 2014 at 06:19 PM
Oh pretty patterns! I think the pattern on the cover would look fabulous in any soft solid(-ish) color, and I bet Padina Pavonia would play very nicely with busier yarns. Lorna's Laces' variagateds can be strong poolers and that one might break things up into prettier waves -- Ha! And then pick a color with a nautical theme for a perfect pairing!
Posted by: Alexis | June 21, 2014 at 06:38 PM
I would make the Padina Pavonia Mitts in MadTosh sock - Black Velvet. Really all of the patterns look fabulous, I love how the socks have no cuff but start right in with the pattern.
Posted by: susan G | June 21, 2014 at 06:49 PM
I'd start with the Bunodes Crassicornis Sock, then work through each project.
Posted by: Barbara G. | June 21, 2014 at 07:02 PM
I'd knit all but would start with Padina Pavonia in the same color "bitter". Lovely pattern.
Posted by: Lynn | June 21, 2014 at 07:31 PM
Knitting a pair of socks is on my knitting bucket list. I'm determined! I might be tempted to start with the fingerless mittens! Thank you for the inspiration!
Posted by: Barb Conant | June 21, 2014 at 08:37 PM
I'd knit the socks on the cover in either a rich burnt orange or a golden brown....yum
Posted by: Deb Holbrook | June 21, 2014 at 09:07 PM
I would knit the Bunodes Crassicornis with Miss Babs Yummy in French Marigold.
Posted by: Anita S. | June 21, 2014 at 10:44 PM
love the cover sox! gorgeous! I've some windy valley muskox mossy green quviut sox yarn i'd make them with. thanx for the chance to win a copy!
Posted by: ritainalaska | June 22, 2014 at 12:15 AM
I would knit the mitts first, exactly as shown. The color is my daughters' favorite and she's been asking for a pair of mitts. Then I'd knit the cover socks.
Posted by: Linda bee | June 22, 2014 at 02:04 AM
I would knit the Bunodes Crassicornis socks, they are gorgeous 😊
Posted by: Hannah Rose | June 22, 2014 at 04:40 AM
Padina Pavonia Sock in blue nile patina
Posted by: Cindy Carpenter | June 22, 2014 at 05:04 AM
I would knit Pelagia Noctiluca in Lorna's Laces The Bean. Beautiful book!
Posted by: Beverly D | June 22, 2014 at 09:53 AM
I don't know if it is the wonderful pattern , Bunodes Crassicornis or the beautiful yarn, Malabrigo Arroyo, this is my favorite!!!
Posted by: Elizabeth | June 22, 2014 at 10:20 AM
I love the mitts - they have an interesting cuff.
Posted by: Vickie | June 22, 2014 at 10:41 AM
Pelagia Noctiluca! I love how the little chain of cables tips back and forth as it travels. As for yarn, I would probably use Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock. I seem to be liking that one lately and "Patina" keeps calling to me!
Posted by: Christine | June 22, 2014 at 11:23 AM
Padina Pavonia Sock would be my first choice in Smooshy Cashmere Butter Peeps. Love the book!!
Posted by: Pam Bickford | June 22, 2014 at 11:56 AM
Decisions, decisions! I'm going to have to say...Pelagia Noctiluca in DIC Smooshy 170, Some Summer Sky because it reminds me of wild chicory plants. Their stems zig-zag back and forth and I almost pull them as bizarre skeletal weeds since they're mostly stems and few leaves, then their delicate flowers open in pastel purple-blue during the day, only to close at dusk and I have to smile and think oh! That's why I left them!
Posted by: connie | June 22, 2014 at 03:16 PM
I would start with the socks shown on the cover, Zostera marina Sock, quite possibly using the exact same yarn as shown. Beautiful book!
Posted by: Sarah T (3trees on Rav) | June 22, 2014 at 03:35 PM
Well - it's a toss up between the cover sock and Pelagia Noctiluca. I would select something in orange/earth tones. I can't wait for the book!
Posted by: amy g. | June 23, 2014 at 07:53 AM
I love all the patterns! Book I and II are already on the top of my wishlist. From this one, I'd pick the Bunodes crassicornis Socks and knit them in my recently self-dyed yarn in blueish-purple colours.
Thank you for hosting this giveaway!
Posted by: Laura | June 23, 2014 at 12:42 PM
I think I would start with Pelagia Noctiluca
because it's lovely and because, like 2 others in your blog post, the leg is short. I really like that in a pattern. I would love to know what you spike your ice tea with! It's pretty ubiquitous here in Southern California and a change would be nice!
Posted by: Patty McD | June 23, 2014 at 02:27 PM
I would begin with Padina Pavonia Sock. I have been enjoying a similar stitch knitting the Multnomah Shawl pattern!
Posted by: kelliinkc | June 23, 2014 at 03:20 PM
I would have to knit the Bunodes Crassicornis Sock in Arroyo English Rose. Love that color and pattern combo.
Posted by: Elaine | June 23, 2014 at 04:57 PM
Padina Pavonia Sock in a wide self-striping yarn -- something bright and cheerful.
Posted by: sprite | June 23, 2014 at 05:03 PM
First one I would knit is Pelagia Noctiluca and I just can't decide on a yarn yet...The pattern was hard enough
Posted by: Natalie McLaughlin | June 23, 2014 at 06:43 PM
Madelinetosh, Tosh Sock: Medieval
Padina Pavonia Sock
I want to cast on now.....
Posted by: jeanne | June 23, 2014 at 11:57 PM
I think the first socks I would knit are the Pelagia Noctiluca in either a MT Tosh Sock Yarn in William Morris or Malagrigo Sock Yarn in Indiecita... I love the way the movement of the pattern flows!
Posted by: Renee' | June 24, 2014 at 03:20 AM
Definitely the Bunodes Crassicornis Sock ans I love Malabrigo yarn too, that colourway is particularly beautiful with that pattern.
Posted by: Brenda B | June 24, 2014 at 08:34 AM
I would knit Padina Pavonia Sock in Bitter just as it is shown in the blog. Hopefully this color is available. Can't wait to get started.
Posted by: Charlene Gee | June 24, 2014 at 12:38 PM
All the patterns above are lovely. It was hard to decide but since I love cables I would like to start with the sock pattern on the cover page. Thanks!
Posted by: Meeta V. | June 24, 2014 at 01:57 PM
I would have to knit the padina pavonia. I think I even have that exact yarn but I might use the Madeleine Tosh Holi Festival. I've been wanting to knit similar socks for a very long time & have been putting off designing them myself.
Posted by: Donna | June 24, 2014 at 06:45 PM
Fucus asparagoides Shawl (Though the socks are also awesome). Waht would I knit it in. It would have be brown but as to what yarn - I can't decide. Anthing Hunter chooses to knit in is awesome and It's a pity I can only see them on a computer screen on the other side of the world and not squish them in person!
Posted by: Jo-ann | June 25, 2014 at 01:59 AM
So many patterns to choose from! I think the padina pattern would be first on the needles.
Posted by: Sarah | June 25, 2014 at 11:50 AM
Padina Povonia mitt in that exact color purple. Love it!
Posted by: Minnie | June 25, 2014 at 10:28 PM
I would knit the Bunodes Crassicornis Sock in DIC Smooshy Malibu Sail
Posted by: Kate | June 26, 2014 at 03:04 PM