"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. Knitting Out of Africa
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.
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!
I was hoping for more true tribal/regional patterns but this book is more about the author's interpretation of what "seems" african-like.
The patterns are all shapeless and look more like standard fair-isle/intarsia patterns to be found elsewhere.
Do not buy if you are looking for true African-inspired 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.
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.
The designs in this book are truely gorgeous and though the patterns are well written, I would strongly recommend reading through very thoroughly before embarking on any of the projects. My only issues with the book are first, a small one, and that is that the lengths of the sweaters are not given in the overall Materials/Guage/Measurements section before the instructions and secondly, as another reviewer has written, so many of the sweaters require steeks. I understand the appeal of steeks but don't exactly love them myself nor did I think they were necessary for a lot of the sweaters. Also, not all of the sweaters were shown on models and that's something I think is really necessary to get a feel for how it hangs and looks on a real person - or even a mannequin. I would have given the book of five star rating if there were fewer steeks or alternatives to using the steeks. Otherwise, it's a lovely book even if you're only going to look at the patterns and imagine wearing them.
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!
I like this book--although the patterns are very involved and not for a beginner. I intend to try some of them when I get a chance. I am an advanced knitter and the colors of the projects are stunning. - Knitting Books - Ethnic - Africa - Interesting'
Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Click here for more information
