“The custom of making persons known to each other is a necessity in good society. It is the basis of an acquaintanceship which may serve for the enjoyment of an hour, or which may ripen into a friendship…”
That’s a quote from Rules of Etiquette and Home Culture: Or What to Do and How to Do It by Professor Walter R. Houghton et al., 1884 and one of many included in a positively enchanting new book. Fine Things for Plain Occasions, by Hunter Hammersen, will charm you from the get-go, with gorgeous knitting, amusing names and titles, and personal commentary.
Fine Things for Plain Occasions. © Hunter Hammersen
Hunter grew up enamored by vintage etiquette guides and in this book, she manages to bring the beautiful wit, charming explanations, and amusing rules from those guides to new life in an array of modern, fresh knit designs. A beautiful hardcover and thick, luscious pages lead you through a collection of accessories that are simple, yet stunning. Easy lace, subtle texture, and simplicity ensure true delight.
She thoughtfully used our Trinity Worsted for a cute hat called Suitable for Use, one that might fulfill an old requirement of having “no less than three hats” when traveling for a week to an old country house. It’s reversible, utilizing slipped stitches and twisted stitches for a unique ribbing effect.
- Gauge and Sizing: 20 stitches in 4 inches in pattern as shown on Main Chart (the fabric shold be quite drapey and crumple easily). Fits a head of 21 (22.5, 23.75, 25) inches.
- Shown in: Trinity Worsted in Silver. This is a worsted-weight, 70% merino, 20% cashmere, 10% silk yarn in four plies.
- Yardage: Shown with a 102-stitch cast on which used about 175 yards of yarn. You can probably make any size with 225 yards or less.
You can purchase Fine Things for Plain Occasions HERE. For now, though, how would you like to win a copy of the book right here and now? Simply leave a comment tell us which design you would love to knit and we’ll randomly choose a winner. Get your comment in before Sunday, January 24, 2016 to be eligible!
The socks are all lovely, but I must say I am drawn to the beautiful simplicity of the Suitable for Use hat. Thanks for the give away!
I think I would knit Suitable for Use first as I need a good hat for the winter. Thanks for the giveaway!
Oh, as a fellow fan of Victorian etiquette and life guidance books, I’ve been coveting this collection… They’re all lovely designs, but top of my list is Distinct Moral Support. I’m not sure just how much the name contributes to my admiration for that hat. Probably quite a lot.
I would love to knit in case of draughts. I love the cover photo, but everything in this book looks great. Fingers crossed I win. Thanks for the give away!
Definitely Women are Usually Obstinate for me. Love the quote and the design!
I love “Distinct Moral Support” the hat is sweet! Of course if I had to choose between the socks, it would be all of them♡
I like the Knowledge of What Was Sensible socks! They look sensibly warm for a cold winter!
I would knit up the Suitable for Use hat and the shawl on the cover of the book!
I have been eyeing up Distinct Moral Support since the book was released. I could use more hats and this one is both pretty and functional. Would love to win the book and knit it.
Oooo – that shawl!! Yes, please! Thanks for the chance :)
In Case of Draughts, definitely!
I love the Suitable for Use hat. I was just dreaming of hats to make!
I love the General Country Sport socks.
The “Faultlessly Neat” slippers look cozy and oh-so-perfect for working from home. Many beautiful patterns though! If only I had time for lacey socks! Thanks for the contest!
All these socks are adorable! I really like the “Knowledge of What Was Sensible”…
What a clever book and lovely patterns. I would make the Suitable for Use hat first. I love the texture of it. Thank you!
I would knit Suitable for Use. My niece has been asking for a hat, sufficiently slouchy. With the brim unfolded, the pattern fits the request.
As someone who is quickly becoming addicted to knitting socks her designs are captivating. I especially love Essential to Perfection!