Customer Reviews

Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I love this DVD. I have wanted it since I first heard it was on the market, but didn't have a chance to get it until recently.

This is her original TV series on PBS and is excellent. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced knitter there is something here for you. She is a great teacher and her explanations are excellent.

I've been knitting for 40 years and considered myself an advanced knitter until I watched this DVD, I decided that really I'm a Intermediate knitter at best, but becoming better with each watching!

I highly recommend this DVD for everyone who wants to improve their knitting, especially those that don't learn well from books.

The content of this DVD is well made. I was having trouble understanding the pattern from "Knitting Workshop" and this DVD really fleshed it out. The instructor goes at a good pace for me to follow, explains things well, and the camera closeups help you see what she's doing.

I learned how to knit from books and the internet so I find it extremely helpful to see a proficient knitter in action. In addition to making the jacket I am picking up general knitting tips here and there. This DVD provided much reassurance and confidence building for a self taught knitter like me.

I had this on my wish list for a long time before I treated myself to buying it.
So my question to myself is "Why did I wait so long?"

I vaguely remember this series when it was on PBS and I was a young beginning knitter. I remember being in awe of EZ then and I am still in awe. She is amazing. This DVD and it is like having a wise and experienced mom or grandma sitting there with you and showing you how to knit.

This DVD offers solid instruction and education for the beginner all the way up to some advanced techniques.

If you are looking for step by step instructions, this isn't for you. If you are looking for general guidance and a jumping off point, then this is for you. Most of this will probably only make sense to you if you are a somewhat experienced knitter. I was a little disappointed by the fact in some instances EZ had to have help with her calculations and a few other things from someone off camera. On the other hand, I liked the fact that this is not some sterilized studio creation; the atmosphere is that of a cozy room with an old friend showing you a few tips and tricks. All in all, not bad and I consider it money well spent.

I am a seasoned knitter. I saw this DVD advertised in a lot of the knitting catalogs and rave reviews on Amazon. Finally I gave in and purchased a copy.
If you think you'd enjoy knitting with Mrs. Doubtfire, then you will probably enjoy knitting with Elizabeth Zimmermann. She is entertaining and has a wonderful sense of humor.
That being said, I gave the DVD only two stars because this is not a workshop for beginners. It is a great review of techniques for someone who already knows how to knit. It is sometimes hard to follow due to Elizabeth's self-editing of her directions and rapid speech.
I am sad to say that, for me, I was disappointed in the production. I think it was initially a PBS series which would explain the adlibs and self-editing.
If your local library has a copy, I recommend viewing it prior to making a purchase. This is an expensive DVD to just sit on the shelf.

Elizabeth Zimmerman is refreshingly witty and charming as she guides you through all the primary and advanced knitting techniques. The video close ups are excellent. She absolutely loves everything about knitting and her enthusiasm is contagious. This video captures it all as she takes you through her innovative shortcuts and helpful suggestions. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the many beautiful sweaters she created over the years. Old fashioned, perhaps; timeless definitely ! A must for any serious knitter's library.

EZ is the most intelligent knitters wo I know. The DVD contain 6 hours of pure and refined techniques of knitting and the book show us how to do these beautiful garments!!!
You can easily learn, for exemple, how to make a fair isle sweather, in the round, with wonderful colors!!! Or a gartered cardi...
And the most important... You will be able to create your own recipes for garments in YOUR fit.
If you are a crazy knitter like me, you'll enjoy it!

It's great fun to just watch EZ teach almost everything she knows about knitting and wool. The set-up was very informal, with Meg off to the side giving EZ cues and tossing her a sweater to demonstrate. I sometimes watch the video just for the company of EZ.

EZ has a typical dry British sense of humor that I find entertaining. Some won't. But, she shows all the basics I didn't get learning to knit from a magazine at age 7. That was a long time ago, and a lot of spinning and knitting ago. Wish I'd had this many years ago. Love it! Yes, I have to back up and review, sometimes often, but it's like having an instructor sitting in the room. Worth every penny.

This video can give you the confidence to take your knitting to a new level, a very rewarding thing.