A Book Worth Mention

A few years ago I got an email from someone I’d never heard of who wondered if I’d be willing to review a book that she was self publishing. She contacted me on Cat Bordhi’s recommendation so I paid attention. The author was Hunter Hammerson and the book was The Knitter’s Curiosity Cabinet. The book is a delightful collection of socks and small accessories inspired by the curiosity cabinets that became popular in the 1500s for collections of natural treasures, such as fossils, feathers, gemstones, skeletons, and the like. Hunter translated the idea into knitting–a collection of fancy edgings, delicate lace, and captivating stitches–that would make any publisher happy.

Fast-forward three years, and the third volume of this impressive collection has just arrived. The Knitter’s Curiosity Cabinet, Volume III  contains 18 patterns inspired by vintage marine illustrations.

KCC3 front cover

In addition to the beautiful projects, this book offers a peek into how one designer finds inspiration. Here are a few of the projects:

KCC3 swirl shawl

KCC3 socks 2 KCC3 socks 1  KCC3 fingerless mitts1 KCC brown shawlKCC3 hat

Now, you might be wondering why I’m tell you all this. It just so happens that Hunter sent me two copies of the book — one for me and one for me to share with my readers. Respond to this post — say something nice — and I’ll put your name in the hopper. I’ll draw a winning name Thursday, June 26.

46 thoughts on “A Book Worth Mention”

  1. Gosh, all the patterns look yummy. Would love to get my hands on a copy of Hunter’s latest book.

  2. Gorgeous ideas! Because of your posts, I’ve signed up for your Craftsy class! Can’t wait to make the swatches & begin! Thanks, Ann.

  3. I find it so amazing that you can actually recognize the inspiration in the finished objects. I love those pictures that were included on the Ravelry pages of the patterns.

  4. My lavender is just beginning to bloom. Hunter has so gently captured the essence of this moment in yarn and design. Thank you!

  5. Ann,

    I know I was supposed to just say something nice and not necessarily about you, but why not about you.

    I met you for the first time at the Rhinebeck fiber show last fall. You were charming, kind, and personable. Thank you for making feel like an old friend as opposed to a stranger.

    Cheers,

    David

  6. The waves in the socks on the cover are lovely and really remind me of the ocean near my home. You have definitely inspired me to try a sock artist I had only vaguely heard of. Thank you!

  7. There are some really pretty patterns that I see there 🙂 I’ve really liked what I’ve seen of her patterns before, though I’ve never made any of them. Maybe now is the time to start!

  8. This book is beautiful for the nature inspired patterns, the clear indication that the items are not just lovely to look at but wearable, and the the generosity of both the author and Ann Budd to offer a giveaway of the new book. I was inspired to look up her other designs on Ravelry and to google “Cabinet of Curiosities” for further information.

  9. I have knitted several of the designs in the first volume – it is full of wonderful things that are fun and interesting to knit and a pleasure to wear!

  10. Hunter is a terrific designer. I own one of her books and am pleased she has come out with another book!

  11. denise labenski

    These designs call out to anyone that sees them…what a gifted designer. I would love to have the book and start to recreate her little bits of wonder.

  12. Congratulations Hunter. Good for you. I would love to add your book to my library. Thank you Ann for the opportunity. Roxanne.

  13. Hunter’s first book is on my shelf
    Loved her Rosa sock from it

    Several projects in this most recent collection
    Are going into my Rav Queue

    Ann, thanks for giving us a chance to win a great book
    Hugs

  14. Mary Elaine Henderson

    It’s so exciting to see a new sock book. i can’t wait to hunt it down to daydream about the projects in the book.

  15. Hunter is very creative: history, antiques and knitting all in one book. Who wouldn’t love receiving it! I know I would enjoy it! Thanks for sharing your extra book with one of your blog readers.

  16. Nora Mackebee

    I’ve been knitting socks steadily since 2000 but I made my first pair (argyles) in 1957. Always on the lookout for something new and would love a chance to win.

  17. Brenda Pilger

    Her designs are wonderful, earthy and very inspiring. It looks like I need to get her first two books!!!

  18. Be still my heart! You are my sock guru and Hunter is my whimsy maven. I would be over the moon to win Hunter’s newest book!

  19. The designs seem lovely and interesting at the same time. I so admire you and other designers for their artistic abilities. The best I can do is try to do them justice on my needles.

  20. Jean Hoffmann

    Vintage marine illustrations translated to knitting? This sounds wonderfully amazing and delightful and right up my alley! Seeing those photos also wets my appetite for this book. Thank you for offering to give one away.

  21. I have enjoyed seeing the many completed projects on Ravelry of Hunter Hammerson. It would be awfully fun to have a chance to add to those projects.

  22. These books are a delight and a treasure. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of the latest.

  23. I LOVE Hunter’s patterns, and her beautifully written blog, and would be so happy to have her book.

  24. I love the beach, but I live in Arizona. This looks like a wonderful way to bring the beach to my home!

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