Knitting Out of Africa [Paperback]

Marianne Isager (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2006

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 knitters, these projects use domino, double knitting, entrelac, intarsia, and stranded two-color techniques worked in fingering-weight yarns. The Shoowa Vest, the African Domino Pullover, and the Arrowheads Cropped Pullover show off fancy stitching, while other designs feature colors borrowed from the mud-dried fabrics of Mali, the block patterns of Ghana, or motifs from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Zaire, and Zimbabwe. African animals decorate the Giraffe Vest and Zebra Cardigan, and elsewhere leaping antelope and birds in flight are used in repeating patterns. Full instructions and charted patterns for at least two adult sizes are provided for each design and high-quality photographs of the finished pieces showcase these classic additions to any wardrobe.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The designs are impeccable to the last finishing detail. This is a master knitting course disguised as a pattern book!"  —Spindlicity.com

"Recommended as a top choice for textile collections."  —Library Journal

"Nothing short of inspirational...Stunning garments that transcend time and culture."  —Vogue Knitting

"Every design is very unique...I am very impressed. It is an excellent book."  —Knitting News

"These designs take your breath away. They are that stunning."  —Black Purl Magazine

"Sweater patterns that will challenge the seasoned knitter and give the rest of us something to aspire to."  —Bangor Daily News"

"The book is laced with engaging wisdom and beautiful color photography."  —CNA Magazine

"Strong geometrics are the real thrill....Geared towards the more advanced knitter, there is plenty to sink your teeth into."  —Spun Magazine

About the Author

Marianne Isager is a textile designer who has taught at several design and crafts schools in Denmark, most notably the Skals School of Handicraft, where she helped create their line of knits.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (March 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1931499985
• ISBN-13: 978-1931499989
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #216,523 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous modern pattern knitting for the experienced knitter, March 16, 2006

By 

Joanna Daneman (Middletown, DE USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Knitting Out of Africa (Paperback)

"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.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring ideas for the advanced knitter, February 28, 2006

By 

Randie Cowan (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Knitting Out of Africa (Paperback)

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.

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fingering weight yarn dreams but.....there be steeks!, March 14, 2006

By 

Quickbeam (Oconomowoc, WI USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Knitting Out of Africa (Paperback)

I am very fond of this book. There is a sophistication of color in the designs that I find appealing. I prefer fingering weight yarn and if you do as well, you'll love the designs in this book. I'm not a fan of zippers in sweaters but the patterns which include zippers could easily be turned into a v-neck, etc.

I was surprised at how many of the patterns used steeks. Steeks require you to cut your knitting in a variety of ways (for sleeves, cardigan fronts, necklines). All of these can be reconfigured if you dislike steeks. Be aware of the need to noodle with the patterns if you choose not to steek.

The sleeveless giraffe pullover is to die for!