Customer Reviews

Knit One Knit All

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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This brand-new collection of previously unpublished EZ garter stitch patterns includes many examples of EZ's "try anything" approach to knitting.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.

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.

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.

As with all other Elizabeth Zimmermann books, this one has expanded my mind! There are at least half a dozen patterns in here I want to make RIGHT AWAY, and many more that will give me lots to ponder as I figure out how they go together.

There are no duplicates from her other pattern books. These are new and fascinating.

If you like Garter Stitch then you'll love this book. It takes the simple stitch in many directions. Literally, Gloves, hats, jackets all made simplely by rotating and taking advantage of the regularity of rows and columns. They aren't flashy or necessarily colorful. The book has a mid west sensibility to it and isn't eye candy but rather practical garments that you will wear for years. I may want to knit a lime, plum and fusha verigated sweater but my hand naturaly gravitates to the cream mohair that hands by the door.

The book goes into the details of each pattern and I thought gave you insight into the logic of the design. I've made the Baby Surprise at least 4 times over the years and so was very interested in her style. Many might find some of the patterns 'out of date' compared to current. I still find Zimmerman timeless for the most part. Her book on opinionated knitting just pushed me right along. However, you should check around before you purchase as the book was more than $10 higher at Amazon.

If you are just beginning to knit this is a great book to start with - I am an intermediate knitter and I found several very nice patterns and I am pleased to own the book. A beginner will gain confidence and speed using this book. I've made several brimmed hats now and people are asking for more. It is an easy pattern and makes a cute hat!!

I have all of Elizabeth Zimmerman and Meg Swansen's works. I found Zimmerman's works in the mid 90s when I was coming back to knitting after a decade of doing other crafts and have been using her books ever since. I found the Schoolhouse Press single copy patterns around then, and have done some things are similar to some of these designs using those, but I am an advanced knitter and not afraid to cast on and work at it until I "get" it. From experience teaching, I also know that the three dimensional construction techniques that distinguish Zimmerman's brilliance are not always apparent to everyone.
Meg Swansen's genius has been to expand on the "blind follower", as her mom would have put it, form of directions for her mom's work, and this book is an excellent example of sometimes complex work that has been made more accessible by careful re-writing and writing of detailed directions. I have several I can't wait to get to!

I may not want to knit every garment in this book, but quite a lot of them! Elizabeths spirit shines through, that alone is worth 6 stars.

Meg and Cully Swansen, along with the rest of the folks at Schoolhouse Press, have constructed a wonderful tribute to the art of their mother and grandmother, Elizabeth Zimmermann. This compilation of dozens of previously unreleased knitting patterns interspersed with "EZ's" sweet watercolor renditions is a treat for the eyes and a learning experience for the knitter, be he or she an old hand or a recent initiate ready for the next great adventure.
A theme runs through this book: the particularly unique attributes of garter stitch knitting. The patterns feature pieces for which just about every row is knitted. As if all this were not enough, we are treated to the inner workings of EZ's design process with copies of her work in her own writing.
I used to think garter stitch was ugly and "clunky." No more. Schoolhouse Press has created a lovely balance between old and new, bringing EZ's brilliance well into the 21st century. The book is a work of art in itself and definitely a labor of love.