Cascading Tussock Caterpillar Cape – Rosalind Price-Cousins
Theatrical and playful, this elaborate cascading cape is made from individual ‘caterpillars’ knitted in soft kid silk mohair. Inspired by the pale tussock caterpillar, commonly found in hops in the southeast of England, where pickers referred to them as ‘Hop Dogs’.
I use my work to draw attention to the natural world, recreating the unique and beautiful forms and structures of insects, birds and animals. I source unusual and luxurious yarns fused together with vintage machine knitting and hand knitting techniques. This leads to unique, theatrical and often playful pieces.
Although it is possibly the best-known metamorphosis in nature, the idea of the caterpillar’s journey and dramatic transformation has long fascinated me, the idea that an insect can evolve from a bumpy crawling creature to an elegant moth or butterfly remains, to me, one of natures great wonders.
For this piece, I have focused on the unique beauty of the pale tussock caterpillars that are found in the southeast of England and have been affectionately referred to as ‘Hop dogs’ by hop pickers. I started studying them through a series of sketches and then experimented with a variety of experimental yarns and knitting techniques to recreate their soft and sculptural form, which resulted in the creation of individual knitted ‘caterpillars’ which are delicate, tactile and springy.
I went on to develop these individual pieces into an elaborate cape with the caterpillars cascading around the shoulders. The result is an extraordinary piece that celebrates the unique character of these incredible creatures soon to undergo a remarkable metamorphosis.