Knitting Out of Africa

by Marianne Isager

Book Overview

Beautiful and historic African carpets, baskets, and other textiles provide the design inspiration for these 16 sophisticated knitted cardigans, pullovers, and sweater vests. Intended for seasoned... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1931499985
• ISBN13: 9781931499989
• Release Date: March 2006
• Publisher: Interweave Press
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 1.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 9.1" x 11.2"

Customer Reviews

Great Patterns with African Themes

I love this book. Having been to Africa I can vouch for the authenticity of the patterns. They are indeed reminiscent of traditional African design. Some of the patterns are relatively easy but most require an intermediate to advanced knowledge of knitting. The kits for all the patterns can be purchased from the author. I had a question for her about one of the patterns, e-mailed Ms. Isager, and received an immediate and helpful answer. I can't wait to decide on the exact sweater I will knit. I am torn between two. I'm lucky that it's just two because almost every sweater in the collection beckons to me.

Gorgeous modern pattern knitting for the experienced knitter

"Knitting Out of Africa" employs the abstractly modern traditional designs of Mali mudcloth, Zimbabwe basketweaving and other designs to create wonderful designer garments. The knitting is mostly suitable for the intermediate to advance knitter, mainly for the colorwork and assembly techniques. My favorite designs in the book are the ones taken from basketweaving. There is a funnel neck pullover and a long tunic, both inspired by these baskets. Another great design is a modular knitting domino, rather like a kimono, with flap collar and wonderful black-white-gray geometric design. There are some intarsia animal prints, as well. All are modern looking, quite stylish and would make one-of-a-kind, elegant garments. Some designs could be adapted for men, but these are primarily women's sweaters. Big thumbs up if you like pattern or colorwork.

Inspiring ideas for the advanced knitter

As the title suggests, these are not sweaters for the inexperienced knitter. They are intricate works of art, and the recommended needle sizes show they are not for the impatent knitter. Read through the knitting techniques mentioned in the introduction, and if you aren't familiar with them, and you still want to make the gorgeous sweaters herein, then learn the technique elsewhere before tackling these sublime designs. You'll be amply rewarded for your efforts.

Beautiful Sweaters!

I was uncertain how I would like the sweaters in this book but after I saw them I realized there isn't a bad one in the bunch. They're classy interesting geometric designs. I'm not sure which one to make first. The only possible concern with this book is that a number of sweaters require fingering yarn. Well worth the purchase and well worth knitting!

Beautiful glorious patterns

I love anything that has a sort of "wild" flare to it, and this book is filled with it. The patterns will certainly give you a good challenge, which we all need now and then. The tutorials are written so well that if you are a "medium" knitter, you will probably feel very comfortable trying these patterns.