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

Calling all HKers! This book, Knitter’s Almanac (KA), is a 150-page paper-back-sized book, first written in 1974 (and with necessary corrections made in stitches and patterns in later editions like this 1981 edition), by Elizabeth Zimmermann (EZ). KA is actually a calendar filled in with 12 HK projects – 1 per month. KA, along with The Opinionated Knitter (TOK [Please read my review: https://www.amazon.com/Opinionated-Knitter-Elizabeth-Zimmermann/dp/0942018265/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 The Opinionated Knitter ])and the Knitting Workshop (KW [Please read my review: https://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Zimmermanns-Knitting-Zimmermann-1981-12-01/dp/B017MYPOCA/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop by Elizabeth Zimmermann (1981-12-01) ]) make up a mighty triad of great knitting books by the late maven, master knitter EZ. This book, like her others, sprinkles in parts of her own life with her husband (whom she affectionately calls ‘Old Man’) and her 3 children in a 1-room schoolhouse in Wisconsin (after the couple immigrated to the US from Europe right before WWII). TOK and KW give a lot more details about their lives. KA lays out a great 1-year curriculum for creating 12 knitted projects. This book contains some black and white photo and pattern-stitch graphics, but much less so than those in TOK and KW. At the end of KA, is a 6-page Appendix, with black and white stitch – needle graphics. There is also a 2-page Index following this section. As with the patterns/ lessons learned in KW, EZ set up her patterns and curricula and also arranged them in KA, from simple to complex. The 12 patterns/ chapters of this book are: 1. A Aran Sweater; 2. Some Babies’ Things; 3. Difficult Sweater (Not Really); 4. Mystery Blanket – Weaving; 5. Mittens for Next Winter; 6. Borders, Small Stuff for Summer Knitting – 3 Hats; 7. A Shawl: Good Travel Knitting, One-Row Buttonhole; 8 Christmas Fiddle-Faddle in the Wilds; 9. Nether Garments; 10. Open-Collared Pullover; 11. Moccasin Socks; and 12. Hurry-Up Last Minute Sweater (my favorite pattern in this book). This book, plus TOK and KW, should be on the bookshelves of all HK and EZ enthusiasts – as an integrated book about HK, but also a highly interesting book by a knitting genius who wants every HKer to ‘play’/ experiment, themselves, to develop their own new stitches and patterns.

This little book of a pattern for each month is the best money any knitter can invest in a knitting book. Good gift item for a new knitter or a secret sister in your knitting club, that is if your knitting pal does not already own it! (check her Ravelry page!) Some of these patterns have been adapted into other patterns by other designers for their techniques. The Pi Shawl (July) is an innovative way for designing a circular or half circular shawl based on the mathematical pi. It is one of those "Ah ha" moments when you read the instructions. And then you realize that knitting a round circular shawl does not have to be that difficult. Another favorite is the February Baby Sweater. As a baby sweater, it is a cute quick knit. This has been adapted for an adult pattern, and is a favorite on the knitting website Ravelry. For a long time, I discounted the EZ philosophy, but once I started reading her down to earth writing and instructions, I realized that this is what knitting was about. It is a practical art. Knitting should not be made so hard as to cause anyone heartburn. EZ was all about taking a lot of the mystery and complications out of knitting with her frankness and honesty.

This book does contain patterns. The writer "talks through" her inspiration, each pattern's significant design features and how to knit to fit a body. At the end of the chapter, she briefly summarizes it in a more traditional pattern form. But only in one size, be warned. If you are a step-by-step, highlighter-in-hand pattern slave, impatient for the next stitch count to be given to you, this is not the book for you. This is the book about knitting that I really wanted. This is the book that shows you how knit fearlessly and pattern-free, improvising, ripping and re-knitting to suit your own wishes and designs. The writer is self-deprecating, ironic and wry. She has a truly developed writing style; that is, only she could have written this book this way. I love this book. But that's because I never can and never feel the need or desire to follow a commercial knitting pattern word-by-word. If you like knitting that way, you probably would enjoy this book (but you don't need it).

Whether you are a raw beginner or an expert knitter, you can't go wrong with Elizabeth Zimmermann. In my case, back when I decided to learn to knit, I was having a problem with - what was it? I don't remember. Two stitches that were supposed to be different from each other kept coming out the same. I found EZ's "Knitting Without Tears" in the library, read it, and bingo! Problem solved. With this book, you can knit your way around the year. Like all of her books, you can also use it as a jumping off point; as inspiration to design your own project. ("Unventing," EZ calls it.)

Everything I expected and very prompt. Thank you

If you are expecting the usual array of patterns etc. you will be disappointed although there are some lovely items in this book. No, the real benefit of this book depends upon your being a Zimmerman fan i.e. someone who enjoys her conversational style and sense of humour. The designs can be described as somewhat "rustic" and utililitarian for a cold climate but you will be amazed at her mastery of construction of knitted garments. I have her other books and it is like listening to a lovely aunt being supportive, encouraging and witty as you tackle your knitting projects.

Un des livres les plus connus de la grande dame du tricot, regorge comme à l'accoutumée d'informations et de conseils très intéressants, mêlés à des tranches de vie de l'auteur. Attention, le livre est en anglais et les détails personnels peuvent en rendre la lecture assez ardue. Mais c'est également ce foisonnement de détails qui en rend la lecture délicieuse. Les patrons sont un peu datés, mais les conseils toujours d'actualité. Ce n'est donc pas vraiment un livre à acheter pour ses patrons, mais plutôt pour qui souhaiterait des conseils pour s'aventurer un peu plus loin dans le tricot, ou si l'on s'intéresse d'une manière générale aux travaux d'Elizabeth Zimmerman. Contient entre autres le patron du fameux châle Pi.

Maravilhoso e em perfeito estado.

Un libro da leggere, non un libro di modelli, anche se ci sono alcuni modelli da cui sviluppare poi i propri. I calzini e le mutande lunghe di lana da uomo sono mitici. Zimmermann è un pilastro nella storia della maglia, il libro risale a qualche decennio fa, ma ancora è un tuffo nell'America di Piccole donne con Jo che sferruzza nei lunghi viaggi in macchina per tutta la famiglia. Purtroppo non è tradotto. Questa è una copia che ho comprato per un regalo. Un libro del cuore