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Knitting Around
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191 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1989
11 people are currently reading
655 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Zimmermann
16 books130 followersAn influential knitting pattern designer, teacher, and writer, Elizabeth Zimmermann advocated knitting techniques to speed progress and simplify pattern creation. She enthusiastically championed Continental knitting, where the working yarn is carried in the left hand, as opposed to the English or American style where the working yarn is carried in the right hand. She also advocated knitting in the round on circular needles rather than back and forth on straight needles. Zimmerman encouraged knitters to understand the mathematical and geometric concepts inherent in knitting.
Zimmermann and her family moved from the UK to New York, eventually settling in Wisconsin. There, she established Schoolhouse Press, arguably the most important knitting publisher of the 20th century. Zimmermann's daughter Meg Swansen took up the reins of Schoolhouse Press upon her mother's death.
Zimmermann and her family moved from the UK to New York, eventually settling in Wisconsin. There, she established Schoolhouse Press, arguably the most important knitting publisher of the 20th century. Zimmermann's daughter Meg Swansen took up the reins of Schoolhouse Press upon her mother's death.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 3, 2009
You either love Elizabeth Zimmerman or you hate her, particularly when it comes to her style of pattern writing. She very deliberately does not use 'standard' pattern writing style, in part because of some very bad early experiences when magazine editors seriously changed her pattern designs to fit in with the style, and partly because she is more interested in teaching people to think in terms of design than she is in teaching particular techniques or patterns.
Personally, I love her. She is so encouraging and relaxed in her descriptions that on reading her I want to try things I wouldn't otherwise consider (such as steeking). Almost every project in the book is one I'd like to do some day.
I found the 'digressions' fascinating, though I often wondered about the omissions. She must have left a lot out, but the parts she put in were obviously chosen to be the most interesting and informative, not the most flattering to herself or her loved ones.
Very different, but a definite winner.
Personally, I love her. She is so encouraging and relaxed in her descriptions that on reading her I want to try things I wouldn't otherwise consider (such as steeking). Almost every project in the book is one I'd like to do some day.
I found the 'digressions' fascinating, though I often wondered about the omissions. She must have left a lot out, but the parts she put in were obviously chosen to be the most interesting and informative, not the most flattering to herself or her loved ones.
Very different, but a definite winner.
March 28, 2017
The part memoir/part instructional booklet is always a hard thing to pull off. The two things don't always feel like they belong together and generally it seems like a fit of arrogance in the author or the desperate need for book filler. However, Zimmermann pulls it off, because her past contains many insights as to what made her such a creative and innovative designer. The book also contains some of her more historic patterns (seamless sweater, bog jacket, moebius scarf, artistic socks, etc.).
I like Zimmermann's casual style, and her insistence that knitting is not a set of instructions but a deeply creative and satisfying endeavor. She wants to give you outlines. She wants to give you basic percentages so you can tweak it to work for you. She wants to give you reasons things are done. She doesn't really want to give you a pattern. I do love that about her.
I like Zimmermann's casual style, and her insistence that knitting is not a set of instructions but a deeply creative and satisfying endeavor. She wants to give you outlines. She wants to give you basic percentages so you can tweak it to work for you. She wants to give you reasons things are done. She doesn't really want to give you a pattern. I do love that about her.
November 22, 2014
I found samples of Elizabeth Zimmerman's writing on Amazon and enjoyed her wit and humor. I ordered this book because several reviewers named it as their favorite of the five or so available. It arrived yesterday and I was in for such a treat! The book is loaded with knitting patterns and inspiration, as expected. What I didn't expect was the story of Elizabeth's life up until retirement. It is beautifully told, complete with photographs. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
February 12, 2011
when i first got this book from the library, i idly flipped through it admiring the genius patterns. i noticed that there were some 'digressions' along with a healthy dose of family photographs scattered throughout the book but i didn't really study them as much as the patterns. then, a few days later, i picked the book up again and started at the beginning. non-knitters, you CAN read this like an autobiography and it is fascinating! elizabeth zimmermann describes her wild life from growing up in england to youthful adventures in switzerland, czechoslovakia, germany, and even finland before moving to the new world with her german beer-brewer husband in order to escape hitler in the late 30s. of course, knitters will enjoy personal yarn-centric glimpses into EZ's amazing life. she's a genius!
January 16, 2016
Finished EZ's "Knitting Around" yesterday because it was the Ravelry Goodreads pick for January. I enjoyed the memoir part because it's just such an alien childhood to my own,a nd I loved hearing about NYC in the 30's when she finally got there. I skimmed the knitting patterns but made sure to read the note parts where she discussed options. I liked her Phoney Seams and will have to remember that. :-)
November 11, 2023
I really loved this book for inspiration and pure enjoyment.
May 29, 2019
In the 1970s knitting was not a fashionable hobby. In North America the craft was rescued by one charismatic immigrant from England. Elizabeth Zimmermann seemed to fit the hippie ideal of the perfect grandmother: quiet, modest, independent, earning a living by having fun. She demonstrated knitting on television, sold yarns and patterns out of a converted school building (hence Schoolhouse Press), taught people how to design whatever they wanted to knit through her books and newsletters, hosted a summer knitting camp, and eventually mentored a young immigrant from Greece who built what she'd been doing into a real commercial empire.
EZ is gone now, her protege Alexis Xenakis has retired, and her daughter Meg and grandson Cully Swansen are elders of the knitting tribe. While her other books are evergreen, this is the one of her books that was specifically aimed at the generations after her--at us, that is. In this book "The Busy Knitter" is still newslettering along, explaining how to design and knit quirky little things other than the standard sweater patterns discussed in her earlier books. Here we learn to shape mittens knitted in one flat piece, design and knit a collection of neck warmers, and knit socks to fit individual legs. Sweaters in this book aren't standard, and may be fun to design. Here, also, EZ includes her memoirs of escaping from Europe during the war, raising her baby-boomer children, and reviving what some had called a dying craft. The color picture sections even include photos of her drawings--EZ was an artist as well as a crafter.
For knitters studying the mathematical theory behind the craft, "Knitting Without Tears" was the primary reference book; this book, like "Knitter's Almanac" and "Knitter's Workshop," were postscripts. However, "Knitting Around" is the most personal, quirky, and arty of EZ's books, and the one I personally most enjoy rereading.
EZ is gone now, her protege Alexis Xenakis has retired, and her daughter Meg and grandson Cully Swansen are elders of the knitting tribe. While her other books are evergreen, this is the one of her books that was specifically aimed at the generations after her--at us, that is. In this book "The Busy Knitter" is still newslettering along, explaining how to design and knit quirky little things other than the standard sweater patterns discussed in her earlier books. Here we learn to shape mittens knitted in one flat piece, design and knit a collection of neck warmers, and knit socks to fit individual legs. Sweaters in this book aren't standard, and may be fun to design. Here, also, EZ includes her memoirs of escaping from Europe during the war, raising her baby-boomer children, and reviving what some had called a dying craft. The color picture sections even include photos of her drawings--EZ was an artist as well as a crafter.
For knitters studying the mathematical theory behind the craft, "Knitting Without Tears" was the primary reference book; this book, like "Knitter's Almanac" and "Knitter's Workshop," were postscripts. However, "Knitting Around" is the most personal, quirky, and arty of EZ's books, and the one I personally most enjoy rereading.
February 3, 2018
This was not your average knitting book, it was more like a mini-memoir with lovely inclusions of Elizabeth's art & photos helping to illustrate her journey literally & figuratively. And for this reason, I enjoyed it immensely! The knitting projects, other than the Aran coat are a bit on the 'old fashioned' side having been designed in the mid to late 20th century and would need to be updated for the 21st century. Definitely more advanced knitting than my novice self is capable of; however, when the time comes for large items, I'll definitely be trying the Aran coat. EZ was a fascinating & extremely creative Woman and her style lives on.
April 9, 2020
Elizabeth Zimmermann opened up the world of knitting by showing knitters how to be the boss of their knitting, rather than blindly following directions — unless the want to. Her dry, very British, wit shows up in her writing, even in the patterns. But this book is more than just patterns, in between are her "Digressions" — the story of her life, and fascinating it is, from a childhood in England, art school in Germany, to the United States. Even non-knitters may well enjoy these reminiscences. Highly recommended.
January 2, 2020
I've had this book for years but always considered it more of a reference than a "sit down and read" type of book. But yesterday (New Year's Eve) I did just that: skimming the pattern passages - which are interesting and chatty in themselves - but really reading the Digressions, which are a soft of an autobiography overview.
Nearly done now, only the final Digression to read and will do that tonight, and feeling like I know EZ so much better now! Glad to have finally read this!
Nearly done now, only the final Digression to read and will do that tonight, and feeling like I know EZ so much better now! Glad to have finally read this!
October 21, 2024
❤️ The Moccasin Sock
❤️ Knitted Dickeys
✨ The Bog Jacket ✨
❤️ Mittens / Selbuvotter
This pattern book is sensational. I could do without the sketches and personal history stuff, but I get why some fans would be into that. Absolutely hooked on the first pattern (no pun intended) --I love those moc socks. I just adore Elizabeth Zimmerman.
❤️ Knitted Dickeys
✨ The Bog Jacket ✨
❤️ Mittens / Selbuvotter
This pattern book is sensational. I could do without the sketches and personal history stuff, but I get why some fans would be into that. Absolutely hooked on the first pattern (no pun intended) --I love those moc socks. I just adore Elizabeth Zimmerman.
March 12, 2018
I wish I discovered her and her books earlier - the years of knitting evolution I had to learn on my own, when all along she was here with all these beautiful secrets, ideas, and advice. And that's without talking about her patterns, and sweater calculations...
December 1, 2018
I have read this book several times and knitted garments using E. Zimmermann's percentage system. This is a wonderful book for beginning and advanced knitters but it's Elizabeth's story that is so compelling.
September 10, 2019
Did not read from cover to cover, but did admire the beautiful Edwardian photographs of the author and her family. I’m totally intrigued by the moccasin sock construction. I’m sorely tempted to try it for myself.
February 10, 2021
This is much more than a book of knitting patterns. Over half of it is devoted to the story of Elizabeth Zimmermann's life and her bits of phlosophy thrown in to the story and her chatty patterns. The patterns are the basic sort that could be made into something the knitter loves and may not turn out like the picture except in the basic construction-- the architecture of the item not the decoration.
That is why I consider that this should count as a book read.
That is why I consider that this should count as a book read.
April 10, 2018
Variety of projects.
August 8, 2018
I loved hearing about EZ's life - almost more interesting than the knitting patterns!
December 27, 2018
Outstanding, as all of her books are! I particularly enjoyed the segments outlining the history of her life, but since I am a knitting nerd, I enjoyed everything about knitting also.
August 10, 2019
Another great Zimmermann book which is extra special because of her "digressions" into her own personal history
February 13, 2020
This is awesome. If you want a classic knitting instructional book, with some great pattern starts, read this.
November 5, 2020
Knitting and memories. And how the February Baby Sweater came to be.
July 7, 2025
4.5 // my first Elizabeth Zimmerman read! The knitting goat!
September 23, 2016
I hadn't intended to read this book in a week, but it is so engaging I wound up reading two chapters a day instead of one. Elizabeth's writing style is so chatty and fun, I could scarcely stop reading.
This book is less a book about knitting than it is a memoir, but since it's the memoir of a knitwear designer, you get some knitting instruction as a bonus. Some reviewers looking for a knitting book have expressed disappointment about this. I find it part of the book's charm. Elizabeth Zimmerman was one of the greatest knitwear designers of the twentieth century, and learning about her life and what made her unique—her upbringing and art school studies—was delightful. As if that weren't enough, Arnold Zimmerman's account of his escape from Nazi Germany gave me chills.
My only disappointment with this book is how much of the knitting information seems duplicated from her other books. The state mission of the book is to teach you to be boss of your own knitting. But Elizabeth's other books do the same, so once you've read them, this book adds little new material, although the bog jacket and pie are square shawls are perhaps enough.
Which doesn't alter the fact that I love this book. A lovely, nostalgic memoir by one of the best writers in the genre.
This book is less a book about knitting than it is a memoir, but since it's the memoir of a knitwear designer, you get some knitting instruction as a bonus. Some reviewers looking for a knitting book have expressed disappointment about this. I find it part of the book's charm. Elizabeth Zimmerman was one of the greatest knitwear designers of the twentieth century, and learning about her life and what made her unique—her upbringing and art school studies—was delightful. As if that weren't enough, Arnold Zimmerman's account of his escape from Nazi Germany gave me chills.
My only disappointment with this book is how much of the knitting information seems duplicated from her other books. The state mission of the book is to teach you to be boss of your own knitting. But Elizabeth's other books do the same, so once you've read them, this book adds little new material, although the bog jacket and pie are square shawls are perhaps enough.
Which doesn't alter the fact that I love this book. A lovely, nostalgic memoir by one of the best writers in the genre.
July 24, 2016
A sort-of biography with knitting. Elizabeth wants to teach everybody how to analyze their knitting and do their own thing, instead of blindly following someone else's pattern (even hers).
English Elizabeth, aka Betty, Lloyd-Jones went to Germany to study art. There she met German brewer-apprentice Arnold Zimmerman. How she grew up in England, her life in Germany, their eventual marriage, and how they came to the United States. Their lives in various locations there.
After all, she wasn't always Elizabeth Zimmerman, knitting guru to so many.
Recommended. Someday I hope to get good enough to try one of the patterns/suggestions in this book, perhaps the Bog Jacket, maybe the Pie Are Square shawl.
English Elizabeth, aka Betty, Lloyd-Jones went to Germany to study art. There she met German brewer-apprentice Arnold Zimmerman. How she grew up in England, her life in Germany, their eventual marriage, and how they came to the United States. Their lives in various locations there.
After all, she wasn't always Elizabeth Zimmerman, knitting guru to so many.
Recommended. Someday I hope to get good enough to try one of the patterns/suggestions in this book, perhaps the Bog Jacket, maybe the Pie Are Square shawl.
April 28, 2010
My favorite parts of the book came at the end of each chapter when Elizabeth gave her digressions. Don't get me wrong, I love reading about knitting, and I really love reading about Elizabeth's approach to knitting. In her own words, she is an opinionated knitter...and I love it. Nonetheless, my joy in reading this book comes from Elizabeth's memories of her life growing up in England, going to art school in Germany where she met her husband, and finally their life together in the states. The part where her husband talks about his escape over the German border in WWII was particuarly interesting.
September 27, 2015
Another of Zimmermann's primers on her EPS system of knitting. (See my reviews of her other books for greater detail.)
Much like KNITTING WITHOUT TEARS, this book features patterns for pullovers (aka jumpers) knit in the round on a circular needle, each with several variations, either in design or dimension (e.g., a different neck opening or a Child's version). Here the patterns include the "Seamless Yoke Sweater", a round-yoke pullover design first published in 1958, and "a Norwegian Sweater", a drop-shoulder fair isle pullover first published in 1955. There is a also doublesided/reversible ski cap pattern called the "Very Warm Hat".
Much like KNITTING WITHOUT TEARS, this book features patterns for pullovers (aka jumpers) knit in the round on a circular needle, each with several variations, either in design or dimension (e.g., a different neck opening or a Child's version). Here the patterns include the "Seamless Yoke Sweater", a round-yoke pullover design first published in 1958, and "a Norwegian Sweater", a drop-shoulder fair isle pullover first published in 1955. There is a also doublesided/reversible ski cap pattern called the "Very Warm Hat".
April 17, 2008
This book was meant to accompany the $50 DVD set. If you don't have the DVD set you are at a distinct disadvantage.
If the book was going to be released written in a conversational style with the purpose of TEACHING others it should be much more detailed.
I just couldn't/can not visualize where most of the stuff is going. So, the first run of EVERY pattern is an experience in figuring out what the author actually means.
An exercise in frustration and just not worth it with all of the other knitting books out there.
If the book was going to be released written in a conversational style with the purpose of TEACHING others it should be much more detailed.
I just couldn't/can not visualize where most of the stuff is going. So, the first run of EVERY pattern is an experience in figuring out what the author actually means.
An exercise in frustration and just not worth it with all of the other knitting books out there.
December 27, 2007
I'm excited to try some of the patterns, especially for the Norwegian mittens--I've never done mittens, and I'm inexperienced in color work, but I'm up for a challenge.
Pattern/instruction chapters are interspersed with EZ's autobiography, and I was surprised to find myself bored with those sections. I'll probably get around to reading them, but I was impatient to flip past them to get to the patterns.
Pattern/instruction chapters are interspersed with EZ's autobiography, and I was surprised to find myself bored with those sections. I'll probably get around to reading them, but I was impatient to flip past them to get to the patterns.
December 1, 2008
I'd owned this book for about five years before I actually sat down and read the biography interspersed throughout the book. It was a fascinating read.
Elizabeth Zimmermann's conversational style in pattern writing takes a bit of getting used to but she truly walks you through each step of the pattern. She gives the knitter a lot of credit and doesn't tell you how to knit but allows you to be a thinking knitter (something that can be very scary to a lot of new knitters).
Elizabeth Zimmermann's conversational style in pattern writing takes a bit of getting used to but she truly walks you through each step of the pattern. She gives the knitter a lot of credit and doesn't tell you how to knit but allows you to be a thinking knitter (something that can be very scary to a lot of new knitters).
August 11, 2008
I need to own this book. Any EZ book will do, really, but she's got specific pattern breakdowns in this one, and not just general tips with a few patterns thrown in (which is great too, mind you). Specifically her sweater constructions that are all circular and amazing and gaugeless so I can make it with my chosen density and my chosen fiber so HAH. There are also snippets from her journals and family photographs and stories from her life, which are pretty cool too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews