Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

As the Introduction says, Elizabeth Zimmermann "was a designer who stressed independent thinking," who became famous for her creative garment construction. Probably the most famous example is her oft-knit "Baby Surprise Jacket", to be found in Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop or The Opinionated Knitter. This brand-new collection of previously unpublished EZ garter stitch patterns includes many examples of EZ's "try anything" approach to knitting. To name a few: the Add-a-Booties (worn-out adult slipper socks become liners for their newly-knitted replacements); the Sideways Gloves (start at one side, go around the hand, fingers, and thumb, and finish back where you started), the Chambered Nautilus Tam (short rows and built-in I-cord make a lovely spiral-design hat), and the Striped Blouse (eye-popping narrow stripes run from one shoulder to the other, after forming a V in the center front of the blouse). A special bonus for knitting history buffs are the full-color reproductions of (1) EZ's handwritten notes and sketches for selected designs, and (2) a few of her delicate watercolors of landscapes and flowers. Most of the included patterns are accompanied by EZ's original schematic drawings (and charts, if appropriate). All of the patterns are illustrated with excellent full-color photos that show how the finished garments will look when actually worn. Many of the photo captions describe the historical context of the particular designs, sometimes in EZ's own words. I had to purchase this book for the elegant "Mitered Cardigan" pattern, in which a single garter-stitch strip replaces (1) the lower ribbing band, (2) both button/buttonhole bands, and (3) the entire shaped yoke. The garter-stitch strip uses miters to turn corners and provide shaping. When the strip is complete, the sweater body is filled in with stockinette stitch, and the sleeves are added by picking up stitches around the armholes. Lots of fun to knit, not boring at all! Because of the full-color illustrations of EZ's notes and the unusual patterns that even relatively inexperienced knitters should be able to handle, I have no difficulty awarding this book 5 stars. EZ fans will definitely want to add it to their existing collection of her books.