Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop

I have been knitting for 20+ years, and had heard about EZ's books, but considered myself "beyond" them. Finally I bought this one on a whim, and have since purchased all her others. This book is the answer to the question, "How do I make knitting easy?" Forget the rigid patterns--this book explores knitting as it was probably taught for generations: Learn the CONCEPTS and the details will follow. I think this book is worth the money just for the baby "surprise" sweater pattern alone (a legendary baby sweater knit in one garter stitch piece with only 2 seams). When I learned to knit, it was SERIOUSLY not "hip," so I learned to design projects because I didn't have access to patterns. Now with books being written about how to make garter stitch scarves, I thank my lucky stars I learned when I did. This book will teach you to be an empowered knitter who does not need books and patterns to knit. If you are just learning, I cannot encourage you enough to buy this book & learn the fundamentals of knitting & designing--you can always buy the "fun" books, but you will be so much happier if you know how to alter & edit patterns to fit your taste & style. If you are a veteran knitter, it's still worthwhile. The percentage system for designing sweaters is wonderful! EZ's writing style is personable & funny--how could you not love a knitting book where the author admits that she hates to purl & sew seams???? The pictures are in black & white, but I think they still convey the ideas.

Before purchasing this book, I read the reviews, some good and some not so well. Mrs. Elizabeth Zimmerman was not trained to be a teacher in today's standards but her knowledge of the knitting is priceless. She understands the different ways to increase and decrease, different types of needles, and the various types of yarns but the most valuable part is that she can explain when and when not to use them. The basics (building blocks) are very important when learning (or relearning) anything and her explanations is very easy to follow. As a returning knitter looking for a deeper understanding, I enjoyed the step by step instructions and the explanation if something didn't go just right. It is my opinion that the Knitting Workshop book was to be accompany with the video (dvd). Since learning her method, I have been able to help others learn to knit. Just get a size 8 circular needle, cast on 72 stitches and called me when that part is completed. I would recommend this book and video to anyone with an open mind and patience to learning the conventional way.

I had never heard of Elizabeth Zimmermann and I have been knitting for 50 years! But, after reading the previous reviews I ordered the book. I was anxious to get the directions for the Babies' Garter-Stitch Surprise Jacket after seeing it on Pintrest. And the reviews made me realize she just might have something to teach me. And boy she did! And with humor that made me laugh out loud: "...back-and-forth knitting can quite easily be worked back-and-forth on a circular needle. Just practice and see - and no needle will ever have a chance to slide away into the upholstery, or under the car-seat, or, worse, INTO THE DRINK." The book has pen and ink drawing and some black and white photographs so it is a bit old-fashioned. But the writing is clear and simple. Sometimes you just have to try it and see how it goes. She uses a simple math formula [and I am terrible at math] to figure out the number of stitches required for arms, body size etc. and now I realize I can look at a picture of a sweater I like, take out my trusty "Knitting Workshop" and recreate the sweater following her directions. Soon, I hope it will become second nature to me, which I think is what she was trying to teach us all along. She certainly takes the fear out of knitting--who needs a pattern? Not me any longer!

Elizabeth Zimmermann's books are inspiring to the knitter who would like to free herself from the prison of patterns and from using specific yarns. She uses a formula for figuring out how to make any sweater from any weight yarn via swatching with various size needles. She also relies on circular needles rather than straight,, and therefore, her patterns don't require stitching up seams at the end. These innovations make her books great resources. I do have some difficulties with her methods, however. She pioneered a technique that requires the knitter to cut her finished pieces with scissors, and this I cannot bear to do. I recommend that you read Zimmermann's books but that you look to others who have followed in her tradition but who have eliminated the cutting aspect of the technique.

The book is excellent. It has very valuable tips by the expert Elizabeth Zimmerman. It is a collector’s item. I purchased the book from Abe books. It was in perfect condition.

This book is wonderful. Beautiful photos. The first book I bought on knitting was in 1970 and it was EZ's Knitting Without Tears. It changed how I approach a project or pattern. Her attitude struck my creative energy. She was adventurous about knitting. I have followed her over the years and when this new updated and expanded edition came out I knew I must get it. It is exactly what I expected. Her instructions may seem to some to be vague, but that is the beauty. With her outlines and endless knowledge you plan out your design, and make it yours. Before EZ I would follow a pattern mindlessly, exactly as written. But after reading her first book I began to have the confidence and knowledge to design my own patterns. Knitting Workshop is not full of exact patterns, but guidelines and knowledge that can help a beginner all the way to an expert. I have been knitting now for over 50 years, and I still pick up little tricks and ideas from Elizabeth. So bottom line, if you want to make your knitting an adventure in creativity, get this book!

My husband gave me a wonderful cash birthday/mother's day present (my BD often falls on Mother's day) so I promptly ordered the usual, Yarn, knitting books and the DVD Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop of EZ's workshop. I just love seeing all of that yarn that is the backdrop for her instructions, what a brilliant blue. So, after watching the video several times and checking out the book from the library, which is no easy feat because everyone wants it and the waiting list is a mile long and there is no renewing this book, I broke down (needless to say my birthday money is long gone spent on "the stash") and ordered this book because it goes along with the DVD. It is simple in its drawings, wish they would update the drawings (I know that EZ drew these herself, but how long ago) but other than that it is perfect. She is brilliant and years, if not decades, ahead of her time. I highly recommend both the book and the DVD. It is money well spent and will bring you hours of instruction and if you don't have a grandmother, like myself, it is a small price to pay to have one in your home for a few hours that will be happy to teach you how to knit and speak in that wonderful accent. Meg--to you I say you were blessed with such a great mother and I know she probably wasn't perfect but she had s spitfire personality that couldn't be contained. Happy knitting and a wonderful, fulfilling life to you all, Lisa Ray

EZ was a genius with needles and yarn... everything she wrote is a gem! Buy this book, but NEVER EVER lend it out... you may never get it back! I am on a quest to own the complete EZ library, and any serious knitter should read her... so they can start not taking themselves so darn seriously! EZ brings a fresh new perspective to this useful craft and does so with charm and eloquence, if not a bit of finger-shaking for those who MUST have line-by-line directions. She imparts her patterns as formulas, leaving the knitter to see their work from a totally new vantage. I think she is a knitter's liberator! Quick note: Her fabulous Baby Surprise Jacket is featured in this tome, and every knitter I know would LOVE working this "pattern" up... so buy this book just for that, if nothing else! And enjoy!

Mom Loves it. :)

Era un imprescindible en mi biblioteca y no me ha defraudado

Libro in condizioni perfette. Praticamente nuovo.

Although I have been knitting for more years that I care to remember I still want hints and tips on how to finish garments off to a more professional standard and this book has lots of those. It is written in a very easy to understand format so even the novice knitter will be able to follow Elizabeth's instructions and achieve great things! My main reason for buying an Elizabeth Zimmermann book is to learn how to adapt patterns to knit in the round to eliminate as many seams as possible and this book and "Knitting Around" (also by Elizabeth Zimmermann) have helped me achieve this.

I watch these videos over and over while I'm knitting. I just love watching Elizabeth Zimmermann teach her style. Novice or veteran, she'll teach you a thing or two and entertain you on the way.