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In Review
Knitting Out of Africa
by Marianne Isager
Reviewed By L'Tanya Durante

"...with the syncopated rhythm with the rat tat tat tat tat of the drums."
~Gloria Estefan~

If you're a beginning knitter, at first glance you might think Marianne Isager's book, "Knitting out of Africa" is not for you, but you'd be wrong. Yes, many of her sweater designs are for the experienced knitter. However, if there ever was a collection to inspire you, this is it.

There are so many layers to this book; so many things that I love.

The sweaters in the book are categorized according to the technique used. Entrelac, intarsia, stranded two-color and double knitting are used and illustrated.
Patterns and their names are inspired by the regions and their textiles. Two of the vest patterns are named for the animals of the region ~ Giraffe and Zebra.
Each sweater is photographed alongside the fabric from which it was inspired giving you a point of reference and a peak into Isager's talent for interpretation.

What I love most about the sweater designs is that through Isager's depth of interpretation, you're given the unique opportunity to feel the syncopated rhythm and heartbeat of many cultures. These designs take your breath away. They are that stunning.

L'Tanya Durante is the Editor-in-Chief of Black Purl Magazine. She lives in Durham, NC with her husband, two sons and cat. She spends her quiet time beading, knitting, and crocheting, or reading about beading, knitting or crocheting.