curiouser and curiouser

Posted on annePosted in book reviews/events

my taste in furnishings is a little bipolar. while i love rooms that feel spacious and spare, containing just few pieces of streamlined furniture, i also admit to a penchant for concentrated areas of organized clutter.

these mini museum displays are set up all over my house and so it has been, ever since i can remember—i was one of those kids that constructed alters of bird nests, broken china, and rocks. and shells. and old jewelry.

i nestled cracker jack toys and beads in bits of wool and put them to bed in matchboxes that i secreted away in my pockets or drawers (the layering is so important). i narrated their stories to myself constantly.

and so on. i never met a small box or bottle i didn’t like . . . or a baby shoe.

i see a bunch of you smiling to yourselves out there—you know what i’m talking about.

when i moved to NYC after college, a country mouse making my way to the city life, i discovered there existed a whole new level of detritus beyond my imagination. the things i found on the street, in forgotten corners, or in the trash to make art from were almost limitless in their potential to mix with other things and tell tales.

(i know—that part about the trash makes me shudder now too, but honestly, i never picked through; just took from the top and then, only clean stuff. i swear.)

i love that david has a similar affection for curious doodads, but i’m starting to see that two of us in one house can be trouble. in our current home, things have gotten a bit out of control since, with the renovation, we have never completely settled into a permanent configuration. our displays are a lot more haphazard and they grow quite organically out of nowhere and in the oddest spots, where they sit unattended. we have little time to be the curators we once were.

as we finish each room, we are very careful to edit and introduce “order”, allowing only our most favorite stuff to remain. david refinished my dad’s old desk for me and i created a curiosity cabinet within, ostensibly to keep from cluttering other surfaces and cut down on dusting.

but there’s still a ways to go; i admit i do not get carried away with organizing my surroundings—yet. and  after ten years in one place, we could use a thorough sweeping out.

one good development has been that as my design career expands, i see more and more how to process textural inspiration into my work without having to collect and assemble so many actual things; now that we live outside the city, i also use my natural living surroundings as inspiration.

and then i saw that another designer has undertaken a similar journey of converting actual collecting into a more visual reflection of her love of texture.

in the knitter’s curiosity cabinet, author and designer hunter hammersen explores the history of the curiosity cabinet, where combining objects can range from indulging in a mild interest to a fiercely fetishistic passion.

what she has done is to make the book itself into her cabinet and assembled within a collection of socks, fingerless mitts, cowls, scarves, and shawl designs, tied together by a botanical theme.

(haha, wow; that looks way too familiar for comfort)

she then uses the the curiosity cabinet as a central touchstone around which to fashion a book containing her knitted accessory collection.

each piece is a little universe swirling with interest, contained within the boundaries of its small shape. the textures captured within the projects are inspired by botanical prints.

such as the crocus versus sock, above.

there is something for every knitting level and many pieces are good candidates for gifting, even at the last minute.

and the chrysanthemum frutescens socks (cover photo) and hat (below).

there is more than one pairing of pieces in the collection; several accessory sets are featured which make good use of a larger skein of yarn.

the pattern steps are written out in paragraph form, while the stitch patterns used within appear both in row-by-row and charted format; the charts are large and easy to read.

the book is an almost-square shape that lay open nicely to individual project pages.

the collection is rich with deep, luscious color, sparked by highlights of fresh spring, such as the pink shawl above.

the palette is very appealing and in keeping with the theme with yarns sourced largely from favorite indie dyers.

the best part is that hunter is a “neighbor” of mine who lives up in cleveland, just an hour away and i got to meet her when i was at TNNA last weekend. silly me, i forgot myself entirely and did not get a photo of us together—drat.

now you might already have guessed what’s coming next, but i’m going to tell you anyway. hunter has very graciously set aside a copy of the knitter’s curiosity cabinet to send to one lucky reader of today’s post.

leave a comment at the end of this post by 9 pm EDST on sunday, july 8th to have your name included. we will announce a winner early next week.

very many thanks to hunter for providing the opportunity to share her book and to offer a giveaway copy; thank you hunter!

406 thoughts on “curiouser and curiouser”

  1. I am going to recommend that our local library buy this book; thank you for showing pictures of several projects.

  2. I recently gave away 90% of my knitting books due to downsizing and swore to only buy ebooks for the rest of my life, no exceptions.
    I just found my first exception 🙂 This book speaks to me, heck your whole post speaks to me. (I was smiling to myself, just as you predicted).
    There is room in my life for this book. Yes, yes there is.

  3. Ooh, I’ve been waiting for this book to arrive at my local shops, it looks wonderful!

  5. I have been called everything from an eccentric collector to an affectionate pack rat. I find things everywhere, from rocks that look like hares and owls during my morning walks, to rubber gumbys in a three story antique shop in the city. All my friends are the same sort of eclectic collectors so I totally relate to what you are talking about. What a great idea for a book! I’d love to have it! Thanks Anne for the morning smiles!

  6. The book looks stunning. I’ve been thinking about adding small shadow boxes of curated collections around the house.

  7. I love the inspiration for this book and I am captivated by several of the designs.

  8. I’m starting to get Christmas projects together, and I love little accessories for that. I’m midway through a pair of Plain Jhaynes, but would love to start on some of the projects in this book.

  11. I love all of Hunter’s designs and find this new collection to be inspiring. I love your post Anne and I rather fall into the eclectic collector category. Our house is filled with a variety of favorite things and my hubby and I still seem to find room for even more. 🙂

  12. Thanks for showing the photos…….looks like a very cool book! Cannot wait until my LYS has it so I can peek through it!

  13. Ah, the sock monkeys. They always make me smile 🙂 I have a little sock monkey family myself.
    Love the projects and pictures in this book!

  16. I think Hunter’s use of botanical prints as inspiration for texture and color is genius — in fact, I love the whole concept of the book. Please add my name to the “hat.” Anne, thanks for giving us a little peek at your personal sources of inspiration, too!

  17. My curiosity cabinet takes over my house, not so organized. I too admire that book. Loved reading your post, Thanks.

  18. I love the patterns in this book! It’s already on my wish list to buy as soon as my LYS can get a copy 🙂

  19. Also trying to knock back the ‘collections’ around here, but this book would help by…sorry, trying to justify when it’s really not necessary, right? Would LOVE to win this!

  20. I love Goodwill. It’s the only place I can shop without feeling guilty. I’m not freaked out by your dumpster diving days! People in America have so much that they throw away perfectly useful items all the time. It is good that you rescued them!

  22. I have been coveting this book since I first saw it. I’ve never knit one of Hunter Hammersen’s patterns but I would certainly love to.

  23. This book looks delightful. Both the patterns and the cabinet bits. I love a bit of curious whimsy setting about.

  24. That green hat looks right up my alley! I’d love to win a copy of Hunter’s beautiful book 🙂

  26. Why yes, I do remember collecting birds’ nests and broken china when I was a child. I’ve been trying to declutter for a long time, but it can be difficult when faced with treasures. And some of the treasures (silver candle sticks) came in handy this morning when the power went out! Please include me in the drawing. I have to get lucky some time!

  27. As aselective pack rat I appreciate a good Curiosity Cabinet- I have 3 currently. I want to knit almost all the patterns you showcased from this book.

  29. This book is a literal treasure trove of knitted goodies. Please count me in.

  30. Beautiful patterns in this book. I try to downsize, but, over time I start losing to my natural tendencies to collect. Thanks for the contest.

  32. Does it count if I’m not the dumpster diver but my husband is? We’re not as artistic as you two though, so instead we have a basement that would be any hoarder’s dream….

  33. Those socks are beautiful. Since I have so much sock yarn, it would be great to win this book.

  34. What a great idea for a book! And I love how you’ve written it up with experiences from your own life. (I still have all my odds and ends from childhood. I should get them out and display them somewhere.) Thanks for the review and thanks to Hunter for the chance to win the book.

  35. I always look forward to the gardening and cooking photos that sometimes go along with your knitting, your photos are crisp and always make me want more. The glimpse into this lovely book makes me want to get it in my hands, thanks for offering all of us the chance to win a copy!

  36. What a wonderful looking book! Thank you for the peek inside! Also, thank you for the chance to win this collection of beautiful patterns! By the way, I love all your little collections. They are the touches that make a house a home!

  37. Just Lovely. So many nice projects. I understand the need to surround ones self. I have a china closet that has multi generational items. Thanks for the giveaway.

  38. I would love to get this book! (the only reason I don’t have it yet is that I have a bunch of other Hunter patterns that are still waiting for me [like another designer I know!])

  39. I like the spare look too–in someone else’s house! I have so many collections for my tiny house that I box them up, store them, then rotate them as the seasons (holidays, baseball, etc) dictate! This book looks right up my alley too! I too am glad you saved other peoples throwaways from destruction–a noble cause if there ever was one.

  42. I am a collector of many items. I hope I can add this beautiful book to my collection!

  43. Lovely book! I have Hunter’s previous pattern collection and it is lovely too.

  44. What a fabulous looking book! I’ve been hearing about this one for a while, but haven’t had a chance to take a look yet. Gorgeous!

  45. Thanks for the photos from the book…..I’m lovin’ some of those projects and would love to win this book.

  46. I have listened to a couple of interviews with the author, and it sounds like a really great book!

    (My partner and I have very different collecting philosophies, but I still have a few curated items in different places :D)

  49. Your article not only brought a smile but made me get up and rearrange my collection of antique green perfume and apothecary bottles. I found some treasures that I had forgotten. Now, on to other rooms!

    I have been admiring this book on ravelry and would love a copy of its wonderful curiosities.

    Many Thanks for reminding me of the pleasure and stories of past treasures and and a renewed interest in finding more.

  50. You’re making the chaos I live in seem downright normal! (I do still have room on my knitting/spinning bookshelf, and this book would fit right in!)

  52. i think having little corners of organized clutter here and there is what makes a house a home imo.
    what’s a room without a pretty focal point?

    i hope you enjoyed your 4th of july as well !

  53. Hi Anne, Thanks for the post. I can tell you put a lot of thought into your reviews.

  54. I would love a chance to win. Thank you for the giveaway. Those patterns are amazing! 🙂

  56. I can relate to organized clutter, although, I’m getting much more selective in my old age. This looks like a lovely book and I will definitely be giving it a closer look.

  61. Oh my god, those botanical prints! if I thought I could get away with it, I woud use them like wallpaper. they make really lovely socks, too!

  62. Thanks for being willing to share a copy of this beautiful book with one lucky knitter. If I don’t receive the copy from you, I will most definitely be buying a copy.

  63. Ah…I see you know who I am and yes, it’s the layering that’s important. I have a passion for collecting tiny things…doll shoes, very old cracker jack toys and anything else that is teeny. Also sock monkeys. I shall now be known as the ‘curator’ of my home. Do you think my husband will buy that? 😉 I would adore a copy of that fabulous book.

  65. What a beautiful collection! How great to be inspired by curiosities! I see several I would want to knit. Thanks for giving someone a chance to win this.

  66. I love the “curiouser” theme! Looks like a great book and a wonderful giveaway! Thanks for the opportunity….

  67. I am trying to organize my clutter. Did get it to the bare bones when I moved to this house 10 years ago but it has since reached proportions that need culling to a drastic level. One thing I have been able to get together is the knitting books. This is a beautiful collection of projects in such nice colors. Would love to work out of this book and have it in my collection.

  69. Such beautiful designs!

    We too are in the midst of decluttering and only keeping what we truly love in our home. It’s quite refreshing, isn’t it?

  71. As a collector of pretty doodads and a new sock knitter, I would LOVE this book! It’s now on my must-buy list if I don’t win 🙂

  72. The photography from this book is just magnificent as well as the patterns. I just saw lots of socks that I’d love to knit. Winning this book would be great but if I don’t win, I might just have to put it on my holiday gift list.
    Gita
    quiltnb@hotmail.com

  73. Looks like a great book, I could definitely see several projects I would like to make!

  77. Oh this is so me…I spent the 4th of July reorganizing my spinning stash and yarn, and putting together on my new cabinet some of my very favorite treasures!

  78. You have such a way of recommending books. There isn’t a one I’ve seen on your blog that hasn’t gone on my wish list immediately. This one is no exception… so many lovely designs….

  81. I grinned big, reading today’s post – as my own home is so similar – formal rooms are fairly sparse, but my favorite little nooks hold the collections I have valued for many years. Thanks for sharing yours! Also thank you for the book review, and the opportunity to win a copy. The designs look lovely!

  82. I would LOVE to have a copy of the book…I have seldom seen a book that has so MANY items that I would consider knitting!

  83. Thanks for letting me learn that I am not the only collector of curiosities (only yours are much more organized than mine). Hunter’s book is calling to me.

  84. Very interesting collections you have! I’ve had this book at the top of my to-buy list ever since I saw it – love the theme and how the designs are tied together. I was thinking – a collaboration between the two of you would be sensational…

  85. Anne, In following your blog this morning, I thought a plan for pilgrimage to write a book. Which I may say would be so very interesting, time to start!
    I too, am a collector of things, as I travel to various country and areas, they warm my heart and sole when life gets dreary. Moving has made some of them move to new spots.
    It has been so nice of you to share Hunter’s Book. I would be so happy to be the one to have it join me in my own ventures.

  87. I think your home looks quite charming. The book has some lovely patterns and I would love to win the copy up for grabs.

  88. Those crocus socks are breathtaking!

    I have little collections throughout my house as well. We just bought a new house and moved in April so they’re just starting to grow elsewhere, but my office/knitting room is rife.

  90. Such gorgeous photos. That book looks divine and I would love to win it. Thank you for the opportunity.

  93. I love a house that’s filled with displays of its dwellers’ personalities! The Knitter’s Curiosity Cabinet sounds right up my alley; I’m crossing my fingers for the draw.

    How do you keep your own curious collections looking so neat? Have you an Edwardian house staff to dust twice daily? My own would look so much better if it weren’t for the. . . you know. . . dust.

  95. Those red fingerless gloves are so fantastic. I love most of those patterns though… sounds like a dangerous book.

  96. Thank you for sharing your collections. I too love to collect whatever catches my eye or hand at any given time. I love the little oddities or worn and rusted items from an earlier time. And rocks, I love the feel and color of rocks.

    I love Hunter’s book, that would be right “at home” with me.

  97. Oh how I would love a copy of this book. Every pattern you show in your blog “speaks” to me. I, too, am a collector and rather haphazardly at times. We are moving from Washington state to Arizona in 3 weeks, and boy is there a lot of “stuff” to pack!

  98. Whether it’s our collections, our writing, or life in general, the most difficult part is the editing – choosing what to keep and what to part company.

  99. I am so much curiousier and curiouser, the more I read your blogs. This book would be an excellent to all my curiousity collections. I would love it.

  101. Between my knitting and my writing, little bits of this and that are all over our house. But then it looks like a home, not a show room. I love the diversity of patterns you showed us in this post. Thank you for the effort you put into these reviews.

  103. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the book. I love the connection to botanic prints. I’d love to knit the crocus socks.

  104. thanks for the chance to win. I love the spontaneous mini-displays you showed. Just wonderful. Love, love, love the Eiffel Tower!

  106. Please enter me in this drawing. I’d love to try some of those patterns. As a former botanist, this approach appeals to me.

  110. What a beautiful book, I know that I will have to look for it on my next visit to the book store.

  111. Hunter has really lovely designs. I have “favorited” several on Ravelry. I would love this book.

  117. I took a class with her a at KNOTS In Chardon,Ohio in June and she is really a great person. Her book was not yet done but she came back for a book signing. The class was a sock class taught by Brenda Daynes, form Cast on pod cast on the Sherman toe up.

  118. What a lovely book.
    I’d love toknit the crocus socks as I can never seem to keep purple crocuses as the local wildlife seem to prefer them over the yellow or white varieties.

  120. Oh I see several patterns in that book I would love to make. Thank you for the chance to win it!

  122. I love these kinds of books that combine one interest with another, to the benefit of both. Would be nice to have it!

  126. ‘Curiouser and curiouser.” I saw this book cover last week but lost track of where. Thanks so much for sharing more of this gorgeous book. My collections tend towards a scary number of books which become like my children. (sigh) So hard to part with them.

  127. OH…MY….GOSH! What a wonderful idea!! I am the same way with cute or sentimental clutter, but DH certainly is NOT. This is a really great way to express this concept and have a nice compromise between the collector and non-collector.
    The patterns are all so lovely, I would love to win a copy. Thank you for presenting us with yet another wonderful resource we might never have know about.

  129. I saw this book mentioned somewhere else earlier and was intrigued. I’d love to have a copy of it.

  131. Just this morning I thought that it was time to “thin out’ the shelves in my office. It is so hard to turn away memories… The book is wonderful.

  134. This is such a gorgeous book. Thanks for sharing it. The projects in it are wonderful.

  140. Hello!

    This is a beautiful and delicious book. I love the designs and how the patterns are interwoven throughout the Curiosity Cabinet. I would love to have a copy.

    Blessings,
    Naomi

  143. What an interesting idea for a book, and oh, those patterns! Love those old botanical prints. Thanks for the giveaway!

  148. Thank you for sharing, what beautiful collections! I am a “collector” also it’s a lot of fun, and what a beautiful book!!

  150. I love how you collect “things”, Anne. Those sock monkeys freaked me out though. At least they looked like sock monkeys. I’m glad you no longer pick through the free things on the street. It doesn’t fit my image of you. LOL.

  151. I too am a bit of a collector. I try to weed out every so often, but one thing I’m having the hardest time editing is my book collection. I have books everywhere and can’t seem to let go of any more of them. I’d love to add this book to my collection. Thanks much for the giveaway.

  152. Gorgeous! The book had me at the socks! Please add my name to the contest. Thanks!

  153. Love it all! This book is starting to pop up and I think it looks like a great one – not to mention that my favorite designs usually end up being leaf or flower patterns. I love that you are a collector, too. Sometimes little things are just so totally fascinating.

  155. I’ve been interested in the concept of curiosity cabinets ever since I got introduced to it in one of my anthropology classes. It’d be nice to read that author’s take on it, and to see how she’s reframed the knitting patterns in that context. Thanks for offering us a chance at winning a copy of that book!

  156. I never quite know what to do with my collections of things… Maybe I need a cabinet.

  159. Such a lovely book. I love how each pattern is inspired by a plant. Your collections are LOVELY – it make a house look lived in and have a heart which makes it a home.

  160. I curio collections. I just got back from Spain, where they have some great museums based on the assemblages of a few hundred years ago, mixing crafts, minerals, tools and the like. My favorite items were the feather tapestries collected in the South Pacific in the 18th century. Just stunning!

  161. I’ve been knitting a lot of simple sock patterns lately … would love to try one of these, especially the ones on the cover!

  162. I too have my little altars everywhere. Inspniration can come from anything. I’d love to see how things come together in the book.

  163. Im so glad to know Im not the only one collecting oddities! There are some that have survived every move (9 times in 13 years). A porcelain Cinderalla head that I found at a farm I lived at, a little cat statue that I found in two pieces on different days, and the best prize of all is an original blue glass Peptobismal bottle found in the woods where I grew up.

  164. Wow! There are a lot of people who want this book, me included. Chances are slim, I know, but since the budget is just as slim it’s worth a chance. Count me in! I’m fascinated by the patterns in this book.

  165. I too have little colllections of oddments. It can be a challenge to keep them under control. Hunter’s book looks like a winner.

  167. Love all your little collections, makes your house seem so inviting! I have that book on order at my LYS, more food for my sock addiction! Thanks for the review and pictures! Blessings

  168. Oh boy, I’m throwing my hat in the ring for this one.

    It has been a long time since I’ve made space for a curiosity cabinet, but I think now would be a good time. Thanks for the inspiration!

  169. Yay! I’m knitting my way through Hunter’s _Silk Road Socks_ and it’s wonderful. Would love to add this book to my collection, too.

  170. WOW! That book looks AMAZING! I am already inspired just by reading this post!

  171. I love to group found objects…toy sewing machines, darning eggs. antique snuff boxes… I even have a curio cabinet filled with antique dolls. Thew only problem with that, however, is that is scares my grandchildren, who sweat the eyes “follow” them!

    I would love to have a copy of that book. The patterns look delightful.

  173. Ah yes…altars and shrines. It is so hard to part with these bits ‘n pieces of our experiences. Better to create their own small area of worship and meditation.
    These designs are so lovely. What a wonderful share…thank you!

  174. I just have to ask where the skull in your collection came from…and whether it has inspired any designs of yours!

  175. What a gorgeous post this morning, Anne. And Hunter’s book looks like it’s right up my alley. Thanks for this early morning inspiration!

  176. I am extremely inspired along with your writing abilities as neatly as with the structure on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see a nice weblog like this one nowadays..

  178. I would love to add this book to my collection. Love that it has written patterns.

  179. There is something so appealing about a book of patterns themed around collections of beloved objects. I love both sets of assemblages: the ones around your house and the lovely bits of knitting. Beautiful. Thanks always for sharing them with us.

  180. So glad to know about this book! Love the theme, and see several things I would like to knit!

  182. Choose me…choose me…lots of detris (love that word!) in my house…
    Thanks a bunch for the opportunity…

  190. I have those little nook & crannies all around my house-my inspirations. The book looks like a great inspiration.

  191. What an inspirational book. Looks like a great read too. I love your sock monkeys in your Dad’s desk too. Thanks for the opportunity to learn about designers that interest you. 😉

  192. I know exactly what you mean, I have many corners of my house with my little treasures displayed. Such beautiful patterns in that book. Thanks for highlighting it, I would never have known about it otherwise.

  193. I love curiosity boxes. A lot of the yarns in the book, remind me of your choices.

  196. What a beautiful and unusual book. Would love a copy of this book – very inspiring!

  197. Glad to see I’m not the only one with unusual collections nestled here and there.

  198. What a beautiful little book! I confess, I wrestle with the same opposing urges, toward collecting on the one hand and maintaining a lack of clutter on the other.

  199. Thanks for reminding me of this book! I had meant to get it when it first came out, but it had completely slipped my mind.

  200. What a lovely book. So many pretty patterns to choose from.

    You now need to go read Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick. It’s a an illustrated juvenile fiction book inspired by curiosity cabinets/rooms. It is a wonderful story with beautiful illustrations.

  204. This looks like a great book with many different patterns. Love the collectibles you have as I love unique things and have then all over my house in any spare space.

  207. Yumm, the lovely detail, saturated color and “take it with you” projects included in this beautiful book make me want to hold it in my eager hands, explore and make. Definitely, in my plans to include in the texture of my space!! Thank you for sharing.

  208. I remember looking at those patterns quite a while back before they were released, looks like a great book!

  209. I love your cabinet! And the book is one I will have to hunt for, because those mitts are gorgeous.

  211. Anne, I would just like to say that your blog never disappoints. There’s always something interesting, either from your work, your garden or kitchen, the state of renovations, news and previews of other knitterly publications, ruminations, or heady mix of many things all in one post.

  212. I have always loved Hunter’s wonderful sock patterns. Would lovethechance to knit more of them.

  218. Even though it is 102 degrees and the A/C is broken (and won’t be fixed for at least another week), I will need knitted items again at some point. (Right?!?!) Looks like another fun source of knitting projects. Thank you for the opportunity to win!

  219. Love how the thoughts on collections morphed into the book on designing knitted objects reflecting botanical themes. You’re right; the photos of the curio cabinet are all too familiar! Struggling likewise to keep favorite artifacts in a way that allows them to be enjoyed without taking over the home. Hunter’s designs remind me of yours, Anne. Beautiful, intricate in appearance, well thought out. Would enjoy this book. Thanks for the review with lovely pics.

  220. It’s nice knowing that I’m not the only one who obsessively collects little treasures.
    And that book looks lovely!

  221. Love all your little treasures. Looks like some nice patterns in this book.

  223. I’m thinking I’ll be buying that book if I don’t win it! Texture is MY thing.

  225. I’m one of those people that was smiling while reading this – loved your post Anne! And I’d love the opportunity to add this book to my collection.

    Thanks!

  226. I loved this entry both for what you shared about yourself and for what I learned about this book. I would LOVE to win it.

  227. Hmm, we’re all collectors. Yarn, books, ha! Would love to add this book to my collection 😀

  228. Can’t wait to show your pics to my husband who seems to think I am the only one that creates these little still lifes:)

  229. I love the concept of this book, in addition to all the lovely projects!
    Thank you for offering a copy to one lucky person.

  231. I’m glad I’m not the only one with collections of inspirational “treasures”. Would love to be included in the drawing for the book.

  232. the book looks lovely, but i must confess that my favorite part of this post is hearing that you too have altars and collections throughout your house as well. so many of your photos are pristinely located and edited, your decor comes across as beautifully (and enviously) scandinavian — smart, clean, functional, and well-curated. the occasional peek of your bowl/box collection or that glimpse of the sock monkeys awhile back seemed like brief interludes of “stuff” amongst your tidy, minimalist lifestyle. what a pleasure to see your assortment of masks, bones, shoes, hand figurines, and more, as a secret “other” part of your life and home!

  233. I love Hunter’s book, “Silk Road Socks” and will be buying her new book also (unless I’m lucky enough to win a copy)!

  237. I would enjoy a copy of the book, not only for motivation, inspiration and just plain knowledge.
    Thank you
    Bev

  238. It looks like there’s a lot nice patterns in the book. I would like adding it to my library.

  239. I actually already bought this book and just got my copy a few days ago, so if I win, draw again; but I can assure anybody who hasn’t already decided from Anne’s lovely photos and descriptions that the book is WELL worth it. I suspect I’ll knit at least all the socks, and maybe all the patterns, in it before I’m done; in fact, the crocus vernus socks are my next project. It’s a lovely book!

  241. I have an ebook copy, but would love to put my name in for a paper copy of Hunter’s book.

  242. Pretty part of content. I simply stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I get actually loved account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing for your augment or even I success you get right of entry to persistently rapidly.

  247. What a gorgeous collection of patterns. Yes, I would love to try my hand at these beauties…one collector to another that loves books too!

  248. First time commenter but long-time visiter to your site and HUGE fan of your designs… this post hit WAY to close to home!! Here’s to all “collectors”, “organizers”, “editors”, and nature-loving, gardening, running/cycling knitters out there!!! Let love rule!!!!

  249. oh my! It is beautiful and my birthday is Monday – what a wonderful surprise present this would be.

  250. This looks like a wonderful book and beautiful patterns. Thank you for the opportunity.

  251. Looks like a great book! Nice collection- I like books with patterns and groups of things.

  253. Me! … me! over here (waving arm madly) What a lovely looking book, I’d love it!

  254. I *get* your inner collector. I am that way, too. Trying to just appreciate and do with less… Thanks for the chance on the book.

  257. Ooh, ooh, lacy patterns for yarn from indie dyers — my favorite kind of knitting! 🙂

  259. I’m always amazed with the knitting books you find…this one is fascinating and I’d love to have a copy. It’s not your grandmother’s knitting anymore. The possibilities are endless.

  265. I love those small projects! They would be so satisfying to knit and to wear. Would really like that book. Thanks for the chance to own it.

  266. Your collections look very interesting, I love to see your home. And of course if I won the book that would be nice too!

  271. There are some beautiful patterns in this book. I would love to add it to my collection.

  272. I especially love the rust/brown/red of the fingerless mitts about halfway down the entry. How clever of the author to translate botanicals into kniticals! Love your patterns and your photography, Anne.

  273. What a wonderful looking book! It’s full of neat looking patterns, and colors, and textures. Thanks for sharing!

  274. What a wonderful book. I can’t decide which pair of socks I like the best. They’re all spectacular.

  276. I love the crocus socks and want to make them now! Would love to win the book. It looks lovely.

  278. How could one resist such a collection, especially after such an introduction?

  279. Yes this book looks really great. Lots of great reading, photos and patterns.

  280. Mmm, I’ve had my eye on that book for a while… Thanks for the chance to win it!

  283. These projects are wonderful! The socks alone make me want to abandon everything else on my needles right now and get started…….

  284. Oh, I’m a clutterbug too and I find it quite inspiring! That book looks lovely – eye candy and some beautiful patterns

  285. That book looks lovely. I could easily fall into the collector category, I must have all of a series of whatever.

  288. Thank you for sharing this book. It looks to be full of beautiful projects.

  289. Oh please let this be my turn!, are you listening Universe? All of the things I adore in one book?… Sigh

  290. I, myself, much prefer a house with some curiosity spots. Such character, such stories!

    Thank you for introducing us to the book…I’d love to have it.

  293. Oh, this book must have my name on it! But if the giveaway copy doesn’t, then I will surely buy it. Thanks, Anne, for bring it to my attention!

  295. Those raspberry socks look great, as did your lemon meringue pie in the last post. Do you have a recipe for it?

  297. I love Elizabethan “Wonder cabinets.” This book makes me think of them. It would be fun to knit some curiosity-inspired socks!

  298. I have to “hand” it to you… I’ve never seen such an organized collection! So eclectic!
    I love this post, Anne.
    And, not just because you referenced an “Alice” quote!

  299. What a beautiful book – I love the botanical themed projects, especially the socks!

  300. Collections, gardening seem to me to have natural connections to knitters and knitting. Thanks to Hunter Hammersen for putting them together and to you, Anne, for the offer of the book to one lucky person.

  301. I just bought Hunter’s Silk Road Socks, and I love it. This book is on my wishlist! Thanks for giving away a copy.

  304. Would love to win if it’s not too late – love that frutescens hat – the color! Also enjoyed a glimpse into your world, Ann – your ‘curiousity cabinet’ is wonderful!

  307. Great concept for a knitting design book. I am all about texture – so I am quite taken by the innovative patterns. Anne, thanks for the chance to win a copy of this book.

  311. What an interesting idea, and the projects look so good! I would love the opportunity to give it a try.

  312. Saw this book earlier and love the pairing of patterns using the same basic pattern stitch. Very creative! Thanks to Hunter for her generous donation.

  314. Oh my gosh that is a spectacularly beautiful book, one that would match my sentiments so well. I would love to win a copy.

  315. These designs inspire me to look closer at my own surroundings. Thanks for the review!

  316. Foot art! What a great reason to put one’s feet up in public.

    Leslie

  317. Great looking book, I’d love to see it (and owning it would be even better!)

  318. Oooh, I have been coveting this book. Thank you to you and Hunter for making this offer.

  319. The photos are gorgeous! I guess I’m going to have to get this book added to my collection. **sigh**. I think I need to buy a ‘knitting house’. I am being over run in my own home by yarn, books, spinning wheels, weaving looms, etc., etc…….help!!

  321. I live in Australia – can I be included in this please? I think the crocus socks are great, and the colour is fabulous – exactly like the purple of the flower in nature. Thanks for a chance to win this book.

  322. the book and the socks are exquisite. I believe much of my knitting even has the feel of a collection of sorts. Thank you for offering to share.

  324. As time goes on, I find myself drawn more and more to things either found in nature or having elements of nature in their design, as well as things handmade or having some sort of history. The collections and book all seem wonderful!

  327. I love this book , have been thinking of buying it , which I will do if I don’t get lucky and win it. Thanks for the chance!

  333. Thanks for sharing some of your collections! I love finding out that I am not as strange as I seem (my craft room shelves collect all sorts of things!)!

  335. I love the variety of patterns – quickies for the soul. Please include me in the drawing. Thank you.

  336. I ave been admiring this book from afar, and would love a personal copy! Thank you.

  337. I just finished reading Hunter’s post about the Fall Club 🙂 I’m a big fan of both of your work so it was fun to read that you just finally met in person.

  338. Wow! My kind of book! Small pieces but with enough going on to make them interesting to knit and special to wear.

  340. I am so totally with you on the collecting of smallish things! I also like the idea of an enclosed space with less need for dusting!

    The book looks so lovely, it would be fabulous to win it.

  341. That is a fabulous looking book! I love the wrist warmers and quite a few of the sock patterns.
    I like setting up different display sections in the house and then change them around periodically, not quite seasonal but close.
    I like to use the great colours of yarn as an embellishment but the cat would wreck it all.

  348. How exciting! It’s such a beautiful collection… those fingerless mitts are so very me!

  349. Lovely selection of projects, and she chose pretty yarns. I like the cover socks.

  350. How yummy! This book would be a lovely addition to my library. Several patterns in it are calling to my stash!

  354. Anne, I was laughing with your collections – I’m an inveterate collector myself and got a strong case of deja-vu. There’s something about objects that makes them so interesting. And boxes are always a mystery: yu have to find what’s in them!

    The book looks lovely – I know a lot of people knitting the socks already.

  356. Looks very intriguing- and small projects, a good thing for me.
    Like the pictures of your collections and like the idea of “curating” them–something I should try in my home…

  359. curiouser and curiouser and curiouser … the above stories could be my own AND I also live an hour away from Cleveland. hey~maybe it’s an Ohio thing 🙂

    The book looks very interesting and I really enjoy reading your little stories.

  360. I keep seeing this book – it feels like one of those collections that I should own.

  363. how lovely! Definitly a title to add to my wishlist for my upcoming birthday 🙂

  365. This post really resonated with me. I too love to collect weird little things and spend time arranging them. However, I have a toddler now who has learned to climb all the furniture and my collections have been packed up or given away. I love the idea of knitted useable and wearable objects as a different kind of collection, and I especially love the botanical theme. Just beautiful!

  367. Just from the peek that you gave us, I know that I’m going to make several of the designs!

  368. Thanks for letting us know about this cool new book (and this amazing designer)!

  369. I love your little collection spots and treasures! That’s a very cool book–thanks for the giveaway. It’s been a crazy week–power out for 56 hours, but I became a grandma to new twin girls, so all in all it’s been a good one. 🙂

  370. The colors she used in the book are stunning! Can’t wait to tackle these patterns.

  371. Ooh, the photos from that book are gorgeous. I bet they would look even better at my house! The list of books I want just keeps growing!

  375. I love this book and the projects in it. Thanks for featuring it in your blog.

  377. Hi Anne, great post & thanks for offering the drawing! Very exciting!!!
    Sharon

  383. i love curiosity cabinets. i have a friend who, like you, has little collections around her house and i love looking at them. this book look awesome. thank you for the giveaway!

  389. Thank you for showing this delightful book. I will be getting it, whether I win it through you or not. Also thank you for giving a name to what I have been doing for years. Now I just need a cabinet, or two.

  390. There are so many lovely knitting books around. Now I make a rule that I won’t buy one unless there are at least three patterns I would actually knit. This book qualifies, but I will wait to see if, with luck, I can save the money to buy yarn for at least one! Thanks for the review.

  391. Your wonderful curiosity cabinets bring back childhood memories. My mom had this big, at least it seemed big 50+ years ago, “hutch” that did not have doors on it and it was filled with antique doll dishes she had collected since she was a child. My Saturday job was to dust the hutch and doll dishes…ugh!
    My mom now lives in a Senior retirement community and the doll dishes have found there way to different family members and the Saturday morning dusting forays have left me with an aversion to curios. However I do still have my stash of special objects…they are just a much more manageable lot!

  393. Book looks interesting – my collections tend to center around sugar and creamer collections and pretty rocks

  395. Wow!! I would love to win, but if not I’m ordereing this book. It looks like great reading and all of the patterns are gorgeous!

  396. I seem to be collecting a lot of knitting books! I just love looking at them, dreaming about what I might be ambitious enough to try. This book has some lovely, dream-worthy patterns! Love the lacy socks and the pink shawl! Thanks for all your inspiration, Anne!

  397. That is so sweet of her! I saw this book on Rav a while back, and adored it. The pink shawl is so full, and the socks are to die for!

  398. Looks like a lovely book that would find a good home here… I have knit some of Hunters patterns before, and they are lovely…

  400. OK – true confession time. I’ve never knitted socks before. But the gold socks in this book make me me want grab some needles and yarn right now! I love the combo of lace and collectibles – my favorites are little boxes made of this and that, from here, there and everywhere:)

  402. I love your displays and curiousity cabinet. I am not very good at containing clutter myself, and keep all sorts of bobs and ends. I need to emulate you and David and make it art! The book looks lovely.

  403. Oooh, I have curiosity cabinets too. My favourite one is near the entrance to my house, it’s got some painted egg cups from my childhood (a pirate and a sailor), my collection of strange little china owls and other felt doo dads that I’ve made.

    The cabinet itself is built into a section of doorway so that you can see the things from the front and when you walk through the doorway you can see them from the back too, where the door to it is. I think it’s a very 1950’s kind of thing to have in a house, but I love it.

    it’s great to see a giveaway and I read Hunter’s blog too. You’re both wonderful designers 🙂

  405. This book looks amazing! I don’t have room for a curiosity cabinet, but my grandmother had one, and as a child, I loved discovering all the treasures inside. Wonderful memories of a blessed childhood.

  406. Mr. Rogers said it is good to be curious about many different things. What more do I need to say? If Mr. Rogers gives the okay, then ……….. curiouser and curiouser.

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