Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop Hardcover – December 1, 1981

After years of knitting, I finally decided to venture into the Zimmerman world. Since this book was described as "updated" I ordered it. There is no question that Zimmerman was a true genius. She created what at first glance I could have sworn, was impossible. It helps a great deal that the editors have translated her writing into row by row knitting instructions. A couple of things worked just fine but then I came across "Rorschach" cardigan. I could not find any row by row instructions and the original writing is not yet yielding to my grasp. An online search said that the row by row instructions are on pages 151-152 in the "Knitting Workshop". Amazon shows two identical cover books by exactly the same name. The one I bought is around 22 dollars and has a co-author but has 134 pages and of course, no instructions alluded to on the website. The other one costs more than 70 dollars. Does not show the number of pages but also says is an updated version. Whatever the whole mess is, may be legal but certainly extremely confusing to the consumer. IF THE CHEAPER PAPERBACK IS CUTTING OFF PART OF THE INSTRUCTIONS, THEN IT SHOULD SAY SO CLEARLY. I FEEL CHEATED.

I got this book with the idea of learning more about knitting, to expand my skills. I'm not exactly sure how much this particular book will help with that. I imagine this may sound like blasphemy to the devoted/enthusiastic fans of Elizabeth Zimmermann...I think it's going to be good reading, don't get me wrong! I like what she covers in the book. But I'm not sure how much I'll be helped with some skills (color knitting, for example). I personally just found it a little unclear. I will say that I understand her being well liked, because she writes with a sense of humor.I am also sorry it wasn't updated to include color photos, as someone else mentioned in a review. Finally, I wouldn't recommend this to someone looking for an absolutely beginner book. She definitely assumes some knitting experience.

I had never heard of Elizabeth Zimmermann and I have been knitting for 50 years! But, after reading the previous reviews I ordered the book. I was anxious to get the directions for the Babies' Garter-Stitch Surprise Jacket after seeing it on Pintrest. And the reviews made me realize she just might have something to teach me. And boy she did! And with humor that made me laugh out loud: "...back-and-forth knitting can quite easily be worked back-and-forth on a circular needle. Just practice and see - and no needle will ever have a chance to slide away into the upholstery, or under the car-seat, or, worse, INTO THE DRINK." The book has pen and ink drawing and some black and white photographs so it is a bit old-fashioned. But the writing is clear and simple. Sometimes you just have to try it and see how it goes. She uses a simple math formula [and I am terrible at math] to figure out the number of stitches required for arms, body size etc. and now I realize I can look at a picture of a sweater I like, take out my trusty "Knitting Workshop" and recreate the sweater following her directions. Soon, I hope it will become second nature to me, which I think is what she was trying to teach us all along. She certainly takes the fear out of knitting--who needs a pattern? Not me any longer!

This book is wonderful. Beautiful photos.The first book I bought on knitting was in 1970 and it was EZ's Knitting Without Tears. It changed how I approach a project or pattern. Her attitude struck my creative energy. She was adventurous about knitting. I have followed her over the years and when this new updated and expanded edition came out I knew I must get it. It is exactly what I expected. Her instructions may seem to some to be vague, but that is the beauty. With her outlines and endless knowledge you plan out your design, and make it yours. Before EZ I would follow a pattern mindlessly, exactly as written. But after reading her first book I began to have the confidence and knowledge to design my own patterns. Knitting Workshop is not full of exact patterns, but guidelines and knowledge that can help a beginner all the way to an expert. I have been knitting now for over 50 years, and I still pick up little tricks and ideas from Elizabeth. So bottom line, if you want to make your knitting an adventure in creativity, get this book!

This book was originally made by a genius, Elizabeth Zimmerman. Meg and Cully Swansen have enhanced what is already a great book and modernized it. I implore Schoolhouse press to please put your books on kindle. To have all of Elizabeth's work at a click of a button and enjoy her whenever or wherever you go will allow future knitters worldwide forever.

This is one of the all time knitting classics, updated, expanded and improved. The instructions are more detailed than in the first edition. The outcome results in more updated versions of classic sweater styles. If you have any doubt, take a look at all of the current knitting fashion designers and pattern writers that use the EZ method as a basis for their designs. I would recommend this book to new knitters as well as those who are ready to move on to the next step of designing your own. Well done, Meg and Schoolhouse Press!My only recommendation: I wish it were spiral bound so that it would stay flat so it can be referenced easily while knitting.

This is one of the classic knitting books. Like other Elizabeth Zimmerman books, it is humorously direct, with easy-to follow instructions in learning how to create your own knitted masterpieces. I highly recommend this book for beginners and experts. It is a wonderful resource!

Knitting instructions are always tedious to read and sometimes hard to understand. Elisabeth's book is exactly the opposite. Her writing is very entertaining, full of humor and very down to earth. She does not give instructions for one specific garment, but teaches the mathematics behind the patterns. This is math simple to understand and easy to apply. The dedicated student can use this to create an indefinite amount of amazing clothes, designing own patterns on her principles. I am having hours of fun reading this book with my knitting needles in hand!

If you've never read one of Elizabeth Zimmermanns books go do it now! A really lovely book that's part blog, part pattern all old world love. It really feels like your sat having a cup of tea with a very knowledgeable granny, comforting, gentle and helpful. The only problem you'll get is once you've read one, you will want them all.

Although I have been knitting for more years that I care to remember I still want hints and tips on how to finish garments off to a more professional standard and this book has lots of those. It is written in a very easy to understand format so even the novice knitter will be able to follow Elizabeth's instructions and achieve great things! My main reason for buying an Elizabeth Zimmermann book is to learn how to adapt patterns to knit in the round to eliminate as many seams as possible and this book and "Knitting Around" (also by Elizabeth Zimmermann) have helped me achieve this.

This short book is written clearly. Aimed at encouraging knitters to be bold and deviate from patterns, it is possibly not the best starting point for people who are less confident. However, if you want to modify or create patterns, this is a great place to look for help as it concentrates on principles (and says they are there to be broken) and not learn-by-rote formulas.

If I had one knitting book it would be this one! The percentage knitted yoke sweater is a zen moment when everything becomes clear! Elizabeth Zimmerman is like a lovely, down to earth aunty , sat by your side unravelling the mysteries of knitting. I have since bored many people to tears and become almost evangelic about "Knitting Workshop" and would heartily recommend it to anyone who wants to become a more confident knitter.