Classic Knits (Marianne Isager Collection) [Paperback]

Marianne Isager (Author)

Book Description

Series: Marianne Isager Collection | Publication Date: July 1, 2009

Featuring 25 traditional projects derived from basic knit and purl patterns, this timeless collection of knitwear designs offers new and innovative ideas on a variety of subjects, such as stitch patterns, yarn combinations, and yarn construction techniques that add modern finishes to classic designs. Focusing on technique, crafters will learn a variety of basic knits, from entrelac, color stranding, and double knitting to slip-stitch, and herringbone. These knits can in turn be correctly gauged and identically sized to match the measurements in each tutorial and applied to finished garments. Without requiring extensive knitting experience, crafters only need to know how to cast on, knit, and bind off to successfully complete any project.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"5 out of 5 stars. This is an excellent book with lots of great patterns, all written in great detail, many taking up to 10 pages for the instructions." — Knitting News

"Classy and classic. The sweaters in this book look like they’re easily wearable...there are detailed swatches photographed for each pattern, so you can see the stitch patterns clearly. When have you ever seen a book give that much detail?" — KnittingScholar.com

"Garments that are as timeless and functional as they are beautiful. Isager designs garments that have minimal finishing—a plus for a busy knitter." — KnitPurlGurl.com

"The book is a great choice for people who like their lines and their designs simple, but who don't think that simple has to mean boring." — About.com Guide to Knitting

"Treats gauge swatches with much respect: each design includes a clear photo of a tension swatch accompanied for full instructions...A refreshing sight to see in a knitting book!" — Knit Together

About the Author

Marianne Isager earned her degree in textile design from Copenhagen's School of Design and Handicrafts. She is the author of Knitting Out of Africa.

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (July 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596681152
• ISBN-13: 978-1596681156
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #829,097 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Selection by Mariane Isager and Interweave Press, May 30, 2009

By 

Bonnie Brody "Book Lover and Knitter" (Port St. Lucie, FL) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Classic Knits (Marianne Isager Collection) (Paperback)

Marianne Isager is one of my favorite knitting designers. Her book, Knitting Out of Africa: Inspired Sweater Designs, is so beautiful that it makes me drool. This book is not quite as good but I think there is a little something it it for everyone. It is published by Interweave Knits, editor of my favorite knitting magazine. Interestingly, the book was first published in Denmark.

When I buy a knitting book I ask myself three questions.

Are there patterns in the book that I want to knit?

Can I follow the patterns easily?

Can I use the book as a resource?

The answer to all three questions is 'yes'. The patterns are clear and easy to follow. Most are relatively easy as well. I like the fact that the patterns call for yarn of a certain gauge rather than a specific yarn manufactured by a particular company. This leaves knitters with a wide choice of yarns to pick for each pattern.

I love the sweater pattern 'Sugar' but wish it was written in a larger size. Some of us out here need sweaters bigger than size 36. Maybe Danish women are thin and svelte. The one piece garment, 'Elf' for the little one in your life, is as adorable as they come. Ms. Isager shows different color patterns that can be used to knit this up and I plan to knit this shortly. I love 'Mie's Jacket' and hat for little girls. The hat is especially cute. I think my favorite piece in the book is the men's 'Newsprint Pullover'. I love the way the author shows different color combinations that would work with each pattern.

If there are special techniques for any pattern, there is a section with the pattern that goes into how to do that technique. Ms. Isager doe not disappoint. This book is a good resource for the advanced beginner through advanced knitter. You are sure to find something that piques your fancy. Enjoy!

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Missing a pattern, June 18, 2009

By 

C. Woods (Utah Redrock) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Classic Knits (Marianne Isager Collection) (Paperback)

I agree with everything the previous reviewer said, but I want to warn people that if they are buying the book on the basis of the cover photos, beware. The back cover has a picture of a woman sitting on a fence, wearing a navy/green knitted jacket. I bought this book specifically for this pattern--not for any others in the book--only to find that pattern was not inside the book! I contacted both the publisher ("oops, sorry", they said) and the author ("I'll ask the publisher to post the pattern"). The publisher has offered to refund my money, but since I didn't buy the book directly from them, I can't return it for "credit on my account." Further, despite the author asking them to technically edit and post the pattern for sale, they tell me they have no plans to do so. Sooo...buy the book for the patterns, but not if it's the jacket pattern on the back you really want.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stylish, impeccably-designed Danish knits, May 20, 2010

By 

Song & story lover (Midwest, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classic Knits (Marianne Isager Collection) (Paperback)

This is an inspirational book, and a superb introduction to the more modern approach to knitting that has come to be called 'Danish knitting style.'

The sizes tend to be small, so one must adapt patterns if one is of 'rounder' build, but this is not difficult to do, as the pattern details are very clear, and changing yarn or needle size (along with some level-headed math calculations) is doable. It took me a whole morning to adapt the Monk for a larger build, but I'm satisfied with the results (only needed to tweak a bit in a couple of sections), and that is the point, really -- a pleasurable knitting experience and a result one can actually wear!

I would not recommend this book for anyone who wants a 'drive-through' experience. It is better suited for those who want to challenge themselves and try something a bit different. It's true (as one reviewer said) that the designer uses lace in multiple strands for the patterns, but such yarns are not difficult to find today (even in reasonably priced yarn alternatives -- think Elann or Webs). One can also use sock yarns double-stranded and end up with a gauge that matches well (or so I've found).

I am delighted with this book. It takes Scandinavian knitting into the modern day and allows me to achieve some wonderful effects with my needles that I never would have come up with on my own.

Highly recommended for adventurous and/or more experienced knitters looking for a new direction to take their knitting!