160 of 160 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
This review is from: Knit One Knit All (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This brand-new collection of previously unpublished EZ garter stitch patterns includes many examples of EZ's "try anything" approach to knitting.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.
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80 of 80 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Instant Classic, June 9, 2011
This review is from: Knit One Knit All (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.
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64 of 65 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
the knitting adventure continues..., June 22, 2011
This review is from: Knit One Knit All (Hardcover)
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.
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