I have the good fortune of having spent some time with Hunter Hammersen. If you also have the opportunity to do so, I hope that you take it. She is a force of nature, and her enthusiasm and creativity are inspirational. Although she is quite a bit younger than I am, I consider her a role model in dealing with the new world of communication and technology. She is the one who encouraged me to start this blog, for instance. She is generous, savvy, and gets stuff done.
Hunter has a passion for vintage writings and interests, which led me to suspect that she would be older. That will teach me to stereotype! Her first book, Knitter’s Curiosity Cabinet, was filled with thoughtful, romantic designs. Now she is publishing a sequel, KCC2, and the new designs show increased confidence and originality, impressive for a second volume.
Hunter’s new designs are really incredible, and here are some of my thoughts, based on the photographic preview she gives in her pre-order information (full disclosure- I have already pre-ordered both the e-book and the printed copy)
Hunter names her projects for butterflies in this collection. Very cool, but not easy. I predict that the projects all will soon have nicknames, which should actually be fun.
The first sock that got my attention was Vanessa antiopa, which I think of as the “swirly sock”. I love the neutral color, which really shows the graceful arched patterning. This looks fun to knit and comfy to wear, and I want a pair. That means I will probably knit this one.
Lycaena Virgaureae (if I spell these wrong, please forgive me) has a pattern that would be great for hand-dyed yarns, to avoid pooling.
Erasmia pulchella does very interesting things with changing the rate at which cables are formed. I like the way the foot is flat, for a tight shoe. Again, fun to knit, easy to wear. This is an elegant sock. I think my husband would love them. Hmmm.
The accessories have the same names, but the patterns are completely different. This is a bit confusing. I can see how Hunter may have used the same butterfly for inspiration, but in different ways for different patterns. I’ll have to ask her. Since I won’t be calling them by their real names, anyway, it won’t be a problem!
Thanks to Hunter, for allowing me to include these beautiful photos from the book. We are all in for a treat when the entire book is launched! The book is available for pre-order at pantsvillepress.com (see link below)
The Polyomatus mitts have amazing construction, and will be a real attention-getter. I think that the vivid blue is an excellent choice for this bold pattern.
I like the look of the Smerinthis mitts. Wouldn’t this make a fantastic sleeve? I want to make a simple cardigan with these as sleeves. Ooh la la!
For gift-giving, I don’t think you can beat the Metopsilus cowl, which would be great for any age/gender, and would look good in lots of types of yarn. I’d like to see one in a rough, string-like yarn, maybe Habu textiles knitted linen tape. It would dress up a simple top beautifully.
Bobbie
annetarsia