Knitting With EZ

Can you believe there was a time I didn't know who EZ was? YOU know who Elizabeth Zimmerman is, right?  I worked in a needlework/yarn shop in the 1970s and have no memory of ever hearing her name mentioned.  I didn't learn to knit until after I'd left the needlework shop (I was the embroidery expert) and still don't remember ever hearing her name over the next 20 years of my knitting life. I vaguely remember seeing her articles in Knitter's magazine, but I rarely bought anything except Vogue Knitting in the 70s-80s.  It was in the mid-90s, while hanging out at the Wooly West that I heard about the EPS (percentage sweater), and bought Knitting Workshop in anticipation of a class I never did take. 

At one point I took a class based on EZ's Rib Warmer and made a couple of them from other knitter's patterns (Sidna Farley and another from a local teacher). While I remember EZ being mentioned, it must not have made an impression because I was never curious enough to find her original pattern.  Over the years I bought all of Meg Swanson's books and read about EZ.  I was impressed with her expertise, but never wanted to knit her patterns and didn't even read (or look through) the one book I had.

It was my entry into Blogland, in 2004 that brought to light just how big her impact on knitting was. It was Susan , in a long ago blog post about decreases, which lead me to think more about EZ and her publications. After that post I started to collect all of her books.  (If Susan thought she was something...).  Peg, Vicki and many other bloggers knit EZ's patterns and talk about her often and that has inspired me further. I realize my knitting education is incomplete, bereft in fact, and that must be corrected. 

To wit, the decision to become a Zimmermaniac has come about and I will spend September 2007, and all through 2008, rectifying this glaring error. For the first step in my educational process I'll be taking Susan's Baby Surprise class at the Wool Cabin.  Yarn has been purchased, class fees paid and I’m ready to begin my year of EZ.  Here's the basic plan...

Baby Surprise Jacket - Sept. 07 (Class)
Norwegian Mittens (isn't that a cool pair?)- Knitter's Almanac (Finally I WILL be knitting mittens!) and, perhaps a second pair, Mitered Mittens (also in Knitter's Almanac - SO cool!) - Oct.-Nov. 2007
And the culmination: Fair Isle Yoked Sweater - January 1, 2008 - My usual January 1st 'get the new year of to a good start' project, Opinionated Knitter-  The SnB grrls have been cajoled coerced talked into decided to join me in this adventure.

EZ will make a great start to 2008!

Comments

[Lene]

Planning new projects and taking on a new knitting adventure sound very good! I have often thought about following EZ's year as well.

[DebbieB]

I have the 'OK' book - just got it last week - but haven't had a chance to crack it open. Is that Fair Isle sweater doable for a fair isle newb like me?

[Carol]

Better late than never right? I can't wait to see what you come up with!

[ruth]

I bought my first EZ bk in 1972, I think. I learned so much from her. She will totally liberate you from being a blind follower. What a mind she had! Her designs are classic.

The BSJ is brilliant. I'm in the process of making one now for DD's friend, who just had a baby. Wait until you see how this bizarre piece of fabric becomes a sweater. Just so neat.

[Manise]

I have a number of her books that I've yet to knit from. No time like the present to dive right in an knit a few. Good for you. Susan's class should be a lot of fun.

[marie in florida]

even though i've made a few BSJ; i can't really explain how it works. brilliant, yea?

[Kathy]

I have 3 of her books, including the Knitting Workshop book, but didn't really "get it" until I watch the Knitting Workshop DVD's. It took me 2 months to get the DVD's from my library, worth the wait. I found myself watching the videos over and over again. I now have this urge to make a Norwegian sweater! I think I'll make a hat though first.

Sounds like you've got your year planned out!

[Kim]

Nice classes! When I look at EZ's books, my brain freezes just like it did when I had to do math word problems. Hopefully someday I will get beyond that :-)

[Nancy J]

An Excellent decision, indeed. ...but be warned: you are now entering the EZ Zone and will be totally enthralled, captivated and intrigued. Gee, must be why my EZ/Meg collection grows at an exponential rate...

[Wool Winder]

The BSJ has always fascinated me. I have the pattern and I'm sure I have some yarn. I just need to do it.

[Joan Hamer]

I am older than you are but we won't discuss that! I discovered Elizabeth Zimmermann in the 70's and as many other knitters, a light bulb came on in my head. I have every Woolgathering (do subscribe), all the books and even notes and swatches from herself, much treasured. Her Knitting Without Tears is just that and I made every thing in it. Her methods have been a springboard for many designers. You'd be surprised how much an experienced knitter can glean from her writings. The DVD's and videos are great too and there is a new DVD out by Meg on the Baby Surprise now that is wonderful. Knit on!

[sue]

Cool. I have been slowly collecting her books too but haven't dived into making anything yet. It will be interesting to follow your EZ year of adventure. There is a KAL for Zimmermaniacs too... but you probably already know that.

[bellamoden]

What a great idea! The only EZ thing I've made is the neckwarmer from the Vogue book... I should finish that, eh? The sweater is definitely a tempting idea.

[Carole]

Sounds like a wonderful plan. I'm knitting a BSJ right now.

[jess]

oh, fantastic! I can't wait to see how your EZ year goes. :)

[Vicki]

Can you believe I'm not an "official" Zimmermaniac? Must rectify that situation...

I agree with all who said to watch the Knitting Workshop DVD (for starters) -- don't settle for VHS, if you borrow, because the DVD has a fabulous interview w/Meg at the end. I can't wait to borrow it from the library again and, I'm sure, someday I'll have to own it. Our knitting group was talking about having a "movie night" -- featuring EZ, of course. I find her quite entertaining. And amazing.

[carla]

With every single book of hers, I purchased it, flipped through it, thought, "eh," and put it on my shelf. Then I went back to them later and actually read them and my opinion completely changed. Once I started reading and knitting EZ, I haven't wanted to knit anything else.

[Marcia Cooke]

I'm giggling hysterically here...Margene didn't know who EZ was either! Now I don't feel so bad, although I did become a fan a few years ago and have already made the Tomten jacket for my grandson. (Check out Cully's Epaulet Sweater in Knitting Around, then go read back through www.brooklyntweed.blogspot.com to see his Adult Tomten Jacket and other EZ projects.) I said not too long ago that I could easily spend the rest of my knitting life doing nothing but EZ! Welcome to the fan club!

[Tonia]

Yay for finding EZ she has some great stuff for sure. Good luck in your venture.

[Kathleen]

Hey, the top sweater is my moms! I wore that all through high school. EZ was a household name in my house. I am planning on making the Fair Isle Yoked Cardigan. I would love to go to Knitting Camp--how about you? I have been many times when I was a kid but it would be nice to go as an actual knitter.

[Cayenne]

I fell in love with EZ's stuff while reading KNITTING AROUND. I love that book. I can't wait to make the sweater. I have so much knitting and spinning to do before then, though! AHH!! I wish I could take the class too. Someday I'll be more free for that sort of thing.

[Kathy]

I think we must be on the same page -- The Opinionated Knitter just arrived on my doorstep a few days ago. I think that Jared is inspiring a new/renewed interested in EZ that's terrific.

[Heather Joins The Round]

I am really excited about your idea! I think it will be really fun to work on our sweaters together!

[Kelly]

That sounds like a great idea! Can't wait to see the knits.

[michelle]

I was lucky enough to find EZ right off the bat. Knitting Around and Knitting without Tears are two of the books that I checked out of the library in learning to knit. I was still totally unaware how big she was though (Barbara Walker fall into this category also) referring to them all as these old knitting books. It was when I found knitting blogs (2004) that I realized that these two woman were knitting icons. Oh the ignorance :)

I was going to make 2008 the year I (attempt to) follow the almanac. We shall see how I do.

[CindyCindy]

This post blew me away. I have decided to knit the Baby Surprise Jacket, too, but am waiting for the book from the library. I, too, want to learn all that EZ can teach me, but unlike you, I have absolutely no organized plan.

[Em]

What a great idea! I took out "Knitting Around" from my local library, and enjoyed reading her personal memoirs as much as the innovative, clever pattern ideas. I shall have to pick up her books to own soon, and perhaps also use 2008 to explore EZ!

[Judy]

OK Margene, I now own the Thelonious Sock pattern, I have dug out all my EZ books, I am ahead of you on the Mitten as I am doing a pair from Anna Zilbourg ( I think that is the author) and started a pair called Nordic Mittens from Beth Brown-Reinsel published in Interweave Knits Winter 2004.Ha!
Who Loves you?
Judy

[Peg]

EZ - I love her patterns and her thoughts! Now you have convinced me to try the mittens. She has a way of getting hold of us and making us see things the EZ way! Too bad we pronounce 'Z' differently in Canada, as EZ does not come out sounding like 'easy'. She is not always easy, but I have found that I just now knit as she says and hang on, 'cause 99% of the time it just works. Once you do it one time, you get it, but sometimes the first time can be tricky and make you question the directions - at least it did for me!

[Rahel]

Those designs look incredible. All I can say is...wow.

[AmyP]

You know, I thought everyone was saying "easy". My reasoning? In American English EZ does sound like that. Of course in British English "ee-zed" doesn't mean anything!
Good luck with the classes.

[Beth S.]

I don't own a single one of her books, can you believe it? I should put some on my wish list, because the arey obviously life-changing.

Looking forward to the mittens in particular! :-)

[Beth S.]

er, 'they are'

[Chris]

I have some old VKs and EZ had a column there!

[Julie]

Ohh - sounds fun! I took a class from Sidna Farley at Stitches West in the 80's and have used the percentage system on every sweater since - I've even got a spreadsheet in Excel that figures all the numbers for me!!
See my blog about another book you might be interested in!

[minnie]

my library actually did not have any of her books, so i asked the librarian how to recommend them. she told me how, i did, and now they have knitters almanac, opinionated knitter and knitting without tears in. i haven't gotten them yet, but i'm first in line!

[claudia]

Knitting Without Tears was my only knitting reference book for about the first 10 years of my knit-life. She was so awesome!

[Judy]

I have made two!! And I am finishing up my third EZP sweater. I love them and they fit like a much loved and worn glove.

[jillian]

What a wonderful plan! I love EZ - just having "discovered" her blilliance this year. I can't decide what to make first.

[Cookie]

No clue.

Sounds like a the start of a great adventure.

[Wanda]

Sounds like a fabulous idea. I've been thinking about it too. I definitely want to make the Baby Surprise Jacket.

[Lucia]

I have several of her books, one acquired more or less by accident. I mostly refer to all of my knitting books for inspiration (as opposed to recipes), and EZ has plenty of that to offer.

[Jessica]

Once you go EZ you never go back. That FI yoke sweater is a very simple knit. The one I made last year is my favorite sweater. Can't wait to see what you do.

[anmiryam]

I did a lot of EZ stuff early in my knitting years (mid-90s), but then wafted off deep into Rowan land. Over the last year, as I've moved back towards more traditional forms of knitting I've been pulling out EZ books again. I recently finished my first baby surprise (so fun and so quick) and am having a great time re-reading many of her books and letting ideas percolate. Have fun!

[Kristy]

Fun stuff planned!! I have knit a baby surprise, and it was so much fun. It's almost magical the way it comes together. And I love the yarns you chose to knit it with.

I have knit mittens, but not those in particular. They are beautiful! And that sweater is gorgeous!

I can't get to SnB because of the distance, but I'd love to join in on some of the knitting projects.

[Teresa C]

Oooh! Can I join too? I've been looking at the Fair Isle Yoke sweater for weeks and would really love to make it. In the queue it goes!

[Sarah]

Oh, those last pictures have me so tempted. Your 2008 will have a wonderful beginning. I have thought about picking up some of her books. I have Knitter's Almanac. I am also interested in the mittens in that book. You have chosen wonderful colors for your BSJ. That sounds like such a neat pattern.

[Pat K]

I had already been thinking about getting Knitter's Almanac since I saw it advertised in the KnitPicks catalogue a few days ago. Very, very tempting! I have read so much about her on other blogs, that I think I need to see what everyone is so excited about. The yarn is very pretty.

[Jane]

The Opinionated Knitter is hands down my favorite knitting book. You'll love making the Baby Surprise, I'm sure.

[Ann Rose]

EZ won me over when I saw her demonstrate an "alternate method" cast on (my own wonky but workable method) on DVD and said, "This is not how most people do it, but it makes a perfectly servicable cast on." Knowing that I was not, in fact, "wrong," may have led to knitting with a few happy tears. :)