Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac (Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace)

Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac (Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace)
by Elizabeth Zimmermann

Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac (Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace)
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Book Summary Information

Author: Elizabeth Zimmermann
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1981-10-01
ISBN: 0486241785
Number of pages: 160
Publisher: Dover Publications

Book Reviews of Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac (Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace)

Book Review: My First EZ book
Summary: 5 Stars

This is the first Elizabeth Zimmerman book I ever purchased. I was excited to start knitting the projects, but found myself reading for enjoyment before I could ever start knitting. I felt like I was getting to know a personality and I'm glad I did that before I tried to knit her designs. Elizabeth Zimmerman is the most down to earth and practical knitter I've ever encountered. She doesn't elevate knitting to an art form. She talks about it in terms of mathematics, geometry, and problem solving, as well as being a solution to everyday problems like keeping warm, dressing the family in long lasting and practical garments, passing the time and providing a challenge to keep the mind agile. She is also a great advocate of finding the path of least resistance and attention to detail.

I absolutely love to read this book, even now after many years. The story about using a knitting needle for a shear pin in an outboard motor is a great illustration of Mrs. Zimmerman's mindset of keeping all things in perspective. I love the "vague" directions that are given before the "pithy" directions for the "dear unsure knitter and the blind follower." I've learned to trust my own instincts and abilities and I've learned to think by following the vague instructions. I've turned to the "pithy" directions only when I found myself in danger of wasting quite a lot of yarn with my failure. My projects probably haven't turned out to look like the prototypes, but that's not the point, really, is it?

I've knitted nearly all of the projects in this book, although it surely has taken me much longer than the year allotted in this book. My favorites are the Pi shawl, which I've done more than once or twice, the Norwegian mittens and the moccasin socks. I found the pictures of the sweaters to be unbelievably ugly, but that doesn't mean that the directions for knitting them aren't brilliant. My choices of necklines, shaping and colors don't have to be like anyone else's. I also found that the moccasin socks were quite unattractive, but the practicality of being able to resole the stockings far outweighed their appearance at first blush. Who actually sees the foot of your sock after all?

This book gave me the confidence to make mistakes and not worry about them. It gave me a friend in a woman I've never met and will never meet. It opened my mind to possibilities and made me think for myself. It has been a great instrument for cultivating common sense. After reading this book, little by little I acquired the rest of Elizabeth Zimmerman's books and got to know her even better. Of all her books, this one is the least expensive and offers the most for a knitter who has a few years of experience under the belt.

Summary of Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac (Dover Knitting, Crochet, Tatting, Lace)

A year's worth of knitting projects from "one of America's most ingenious and creative knitters." Classic patterns for Aran sweaters, baby items, blankets, mittens, moccasins, and other seasonal needs can be followed by intermediate to advanced knitters, or may be adapted into original works. Charming, delightful, informal, and instructive. 35 illustrations.

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