Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop

A very interesting book dealing more with the science and theory of knitting rather than actual patterns. It provides the knitter with guidelines for knitting basic pieces, so that one can think independently and not necessarily be tied to any specific pattern, but potentially customize any pattern for a perfect fit.

This book has some funny moments too; the author's humor certainly shows. For example, when giving instructions for creating an afterthought pocket for a sweater, the second paragraph starts: "DON'T HAVE HEART FAILURE." (This is because you will have just deliberately cut a hole in your knitting.) this lightheartedness goes a long way in a book that is basically your grandmother spewing all of her knowledge at you, should show more you be lucky enough to have a grandmother able to do such a thing.

I recommend this book for a person who's been knitting for a while and is maybe looking for ways to go beyond published patterns. I think it might scare a newby away from the craft forever. show less

I'm not grading on the curve for knitting books--if I did, this would be a 5 star manual--but, say, compared to Middlemarch or even The Language of the Night I can't quite bring myself to go there.

That said, it's terrific--kind of makes you want to knit everything just to give it a whirl (if only knitting a shawl could be finished in a few short evenings!)--and if you did indeed work your way through it you'd come out a very competent knitter.

It's splendidly updated with colour illustrations and more explicit patterns. Well worth it!

(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s).

Do you want to knit? Are you a new knitter? Then go and buy this book.

The friend who showed me how to cast on and knit recommended it, so I dutifully purchased it. Then I knit an actual sweater. You can't beat that.

The only downside--and this applies to all of EZ's (Elizabeth Zimmermann) books--is that she has a kind of old-fashioned, northwoods esthetic. You can ignore that if it doesn't suit you, because her comments are always valuable. She will cure you of submissive obedience to printed patterns. And she's fun to read.

Quirky and opinionated, this book is nominally for beginners but offers surprising insights for the most experienced knitter.

For everyone who knits. BUY THIS BOOK. I have been knitting for 30 years and within the first few pages I learned so many things I can't even say. This book is a true treasure.

reveiwed on blog http://janientrelac.blogspot.com/ one of the best knitting books ever