Keepers of the Sheep

Book excerpt: Follow Irene Waggener's journey into the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco to learn about a knitting tradition that stretches back in time through generations to the very origins of the craft.In this collection of essays and patterns, Irene provides a glimpse of life in a High Atlas village where knitting once played a key role in surviving harsh, snowy winters.The knitting patterns in this book include traditional designs by shepherds who want to share their knowledge with other knitters and future generations. The patterns are presented against the backdrop of Irene's essays, providing the cultural and environmental context in which knitting was practiced in the High Atlas.In addition, Irene's research takes the reader backwards in time as she examines the history of knitting in Morocco and North Africa. Through historical accounts, linguistic clues, and museum artifacts - some of which have not been available to the general public until now - Irene presents a picture of early knitting and how it may have developed in North Africa. Her research is accompanied by knitting patterns inspired by historical sources, bringing to life once again the skills of early North African knitters.