One of Elizabeth Zimmermann's dreams was to publish a book of her garter stitch designs. Though she proffered the idea to her primary publisher, and though the idea floated around their office for years, ultimately the project was not undertaken. In one of the publisher's letters that seemed promising, Elizabeth had written an exclamation of joy in the margins, and it seems fitting to us to fulfill her wish for a garter stitch book. As we looked through Elizabeth's designs, we found a wealth of material, much of it little known or unknown to knitters. Further, we were intrigued and excited by the unique construction of some of these "new"; designs (equal to her classic baby surprise jacket). You will find sweaters, coats, jackets, and vests for adults and kids, baby garments, plus a wonderful array of small projects including sideways gloves and socks, several brimmed hats, an ingenius pattern for knitted clogs and more.
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About the Author
Elizabeth Zimmermann was a British-born masterknitter who, after immigrating to the United States, wanted to supply handknitters with pure wool and circular needles (both a rarity in those days), as well as books, tools, and original designs. Elizabeth's humor and unique approach to seamless garment construction gradually attracted followers through her semi-annual Newsletter, a steady stream of designs in magazines, two television series taped for PBS-TV, the annual summer Knitting Camp and publication of her books, Knitting Without Tears, Knitting Around, Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop, Knitter's Almanac (now in two editions). The book The Opinionated Knitter was published posthumously, as was Knit One Knit All. Elizabeth's philosophy was received with glad cries by knitters who were eager to think for themselves and, through EPS (Elizabeth's Percentage System) were able to achieve perfectly-fitted garments while applying their own ideas to their knitting.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
178 of 178 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing Garter-Stitch Designs From the Notebooks of Elizabeth Zimmermann
May 22, 2011
Format:Hardcover
As the Introduction says, Elizabeth Zimmermann "was a designer who stressed independent thinking," who became famous for her creative garment construction. Probably the most famous example is her oft-knit "Baby Surprise Jacket", to be found in Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop or The Opinionated Knitter.
This brand-new collection of previously unpublished EZ garter stitch patterns includes many examples of EZ's "try anything" approach to knitting. To name a few: the Add-a-Booties (worn-out adult slipper socks become liners for their newly-knitted replacements); the Sideways Gloves (start at one side, go around the hand, fingers, and thumb, and finish back where you started), the Chambered Nautilus Tam (short rows and built-in I-cord make a lovely spiral-design hat), and the Striped Blouse (eye-popping narrow stripes run from one shoulder to the other, after forming a V in the center front of the blouse).
A special bonus for knitting history buffs are the full-color reproductions of (1) EZ's handwritten notes and sketches for selected designs, and (2) a few of her delicate watercolors of landscapes and flowers. Most of the included patterns are accompanied by EZ's original schematic drawings (and charts, if appropriate). All of the patterns are illustrated with excellent full-color photos that show how the finished garments will look when actually worn. Many of the photo captions describe the historical context of the particular designs, sometimes in EZ's own words.
I had to purchase this book for the elegant "Mitered Cardigan" pattern, in which a single garter-stitch strip replaces (1) the lower ribbing band, (2) both button/buttonhole bands, and (3) the entire shaped yoke. The garter-stitch strip uses miters to turn corners and provide shaping. When the strip is complete, the sweater body is filled in with stockinette stitch, and the sleeves are added by picking up stitches around the armholes. Lots of fun to knit, not boring at all!
Because of the full-color illustrations of EZ's notes and the unusual patterns that even relatively inexperienced knitters should be able to handle, I have no difficulty awarding this book 5 stars. EZ fans will definitely want to add it to their existing collection of her books.
This brand-new collection of previously unpublished EZ garter stitch patterns includes many examples of EZ's "try anything" approach to knitting. To name a few: the Add-a-Booties (worn-out adult slipper socks become liners for their newly-knitted replacements); the Sideways Gloves (start at one side, go around the hand, fingers, and thumb, and finish back where you started), the Chambered Nautilus Tam (short rows and built-in I-cord make a lovely spiral-design hat), and the Striped Blouse (eye-popping narrow stripes run from one shoulder to the other, after forming a V in the center front of the blouse).
A special bonus for knitting history buffs are the full-color reproductions of (1) EZ's handwritten notes and sketches for selected designs, and (2) a few of her delicate watercolors of landscapes and flowers. Most of the included patterns are accompanied by EZ's original schematic drawings (and charts, if appropriate). All of the patterns are illustrated with excellent full-color photos that show how the finished garments will look when actually worn. Many of the photo captions describe the historical context of the particular designs, sometimes in EZ's own words.
I had to purchase this book for the elegant "Mitered Cardigan" pattern, in which a single garter-stitch strip replaces (1) the lower ribbing band, (2) both button/buttonhole bands, and (3) the entire shaped yoke. The garter-stitch strip uses miters to turn corners and provide shaping. When the strip is complete, the sweater body is filled in with stockinette stitch, and the sleeves are added by picking up stitches around the armholes. Lots of fun to knit, not boring at all!
Because of the full-color illustrations of EZ's notes and the unusual patterns that even relatively inexperienced knitters should be able to handle, I have no difficulty awarding this book 5 stars. EZ fans will definitely want to add it to their existing collection of her books.
86 of 86 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I preordered this book from Schoolhouse Press and was thrilled when it arrived. The patterns inside are classic EZ--simple stitches with amazing construction. The sweater patterns are simple but will appeal to modern tastes.
A warning...while garter stitch is a beginner friendly stitch, this book is probably not your best choice if you are learning to knit. The writing style is conversational in places and there is not a wealth of handholding/baby-stepping through a pattern. If you are looking to learn, Knitting Without Tears (by the same author) is probably a much better choice.
A warning...while garter stitch is a beginner friendly stitch, this book is probably not your best choice if you are learning to knit. The writing style is conversational in places and there is not a wealth of handholding/baby-stepping through a pattern. If you are looking to learn, Knitting Without Tears (by the same author) is probably a much better choice.
68 of 69 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Okay, I've been a fan of Elizabeth Zimmerman's for years. BUT! in my humble opinion, she's the quintessential cross between an engineer and a knitter. This book of undiscovered gems is a pure delight ~ enough interesting structure and technique to keep my knitting mind intrigued, but comfortable and wonderfully wearable garments that will be reached for again and again. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to knit, and would enjoy a peek into a mind that has reached far beyond the usual pattern design. There are no repeats here, if like me, you have a library of EZ books. All new, all interesting, all garter stitch. I can hardly wait to get knitting.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Knit One Knit All
Anything by Elizabeth Zimmermann is a good knitting book. There should be a bronze statue of this wonderful woman somewhere.
Published 1 month ago by T.B.
5.0 out of 5 stars
I like this book very much!
I was on the search of easy knitting and i found this book a god source for my , as i like to knit without a lot of counting and concentration in the evenings , it covers head to... Read more
Published 2 months ago by wabbit
5.0 out of 5 stars
EZ is wonderful
I have all EZ's books now and every so often knit up things from them, but you need to read through carefully.
Published 3 months ago by Penny_P
4.0 out of 5 stars
Knit One Knit All
Not a huge fan of garter stitch but this is a very nice book. There are patterns of sideways knit socks - which is why I bought the book.
Published 3 months ago by Melinda Tramitz
4.0 out of 5 stars
I like Zimmerman
I have purchase many of Elizabeth Zimmmerman's books. I dont't use all of her patterns, but those I do teach me more about construction of knitted clothes.
Published 4 months ago by Diane G. Beatty
5.0 out of 5 stars
Elizabeth Zimmermann rules
I first encountered Elizabeth Zimmermann's book Knitting Without Tears a very long time ago, and I've been a fan of hers ever since. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Marte
4.0 out of 5 stars
Knit one knit all
a perfect knittingbook with lots of inputs and great effects by easy doingKnit One Knit All. This book is a must have for the knitting world
Published 16 months ago by schroedersocke
4.0 out of 5 stars
Another hit from Elizabeth
I've always liked Elizabeth Zimmerman's innovative approach to knitting and jumped to buy this book. I wasn't disappointed. Read more
Published 17 months ago by The Maddox
5.0 out of 5 stars
Elizabeth, on her PBS show, taught me to knit almost 40 yrs ago
Really knit -- real articles of clothing -- not just knit and purl. These are lovely recipes (I would never call Elizabeth's system "directions") to try, or even just imagine... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Sandy
5.0 out of 5 stars
more Zimmerman inspiration
Elizabeth Zimmerman did not believe in knitting patterns -- she believed in providing inspiration and a template and letting you work things out for yourself. Read more
Published 18 months ago by S. E. Simmons
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