Knitting Around

Knitting Around: Circular Designs & Techniques with Autobiographical Digressions is an updated, full-color re-issue of the original Knitting Around book. This truly special work combines everything Elizabeth Zimmermann (EZ) is known for: innovative garment construction, technical expertise, traditional knitting knowledge, and her beloved conversational pattern writing and storytelling. Elizabeth’s designs are playful, practical, and approachable. The 9 chapters include original patterns for socks, mittens, scarves, shawls, vests, jackets, dickey style cowls, Fair Isle and Norwegian style sweaters, coats, and a bevy of EZ’s invented techniques, including I-cord variations, Afterthought Pockets, Afterthought Mitten Thumbs, Hidden Buttonholes, Phoney Seams, and much more. The update adds charts, extended directions, and illustrations, as well as bonus garments and photos. Elizabeth’s daughter Meg Swansen, a well-regarded knitting designer, author, and teacher in her own right, has written a preface to each chapter with anecdotes, knitting tips, and history related to each classic EZ design. Each chapter ends with Elizabeth’s autobiographical memoirs, in which she describes her British upbringing in the early 1900s, art school and tutoring across Europe in the 20s and 30s, and her eventual immigration and building of her life and legacy in America. Elizabeth’s drawings and paintings are included throughout, along with a newly published small gallery of work, mostly drawn from her art school period. Whether you are looking to knit small projects, learn to construct sweaters, pick up tips, or indulge in a good read from a beloved knitting icon and artist, the updated Knitting Around offers it all. Read more