This salutation begins each of the originally typewritten newsletters (with hand drawn schematics, no less) sent out semiannually by the dear and cherished knitter, Elizabeth Zimmermann. Although I entered the “knitting world” long after publication of these newsletters had passed on to her daughter, Meg Swansen (now they are composed on a computer), and after the two seasons of “The Busy Knitter” were no longer aired on public TV, I still felt Elizabeth was writing just to me. That was one of Elizabeth’s great skills: making each reader feel they had received a letter from a far away, but incredibly skilled, friend. Elizabeth Zimmermann was born 100 years ago today and the knitting world hasn’t been the same since.
Elizabeth Zimmerman is still a mentor to many who, like myself, never had the pleasure of sharing her company. Elizabeth’s name has become shorthand throughout the knitting community. “EZ” is referenced often without further explanation, and a search of Ravelry (a social networking site for fiber lovers) currently shows almost 14,000 projects tagged with “EZ.” Some of the patterns Elizabeth created have become staple samples hanging in just about every knitting shop. From New York to San Francisco, you can find a “Baby Surprise Jacket” knit in the yarn of the moment and accessorized with the latest shipment of buttons. “Pi Are Square” shawls decorate windows and walls — not to mention shoulders — from Charlotte to Chicago. The hearty and useful “Moccasin Socks” have at this point graced several generations of feet. These patterns are truly amazing!
Simplicity, utility and ingenuity are Elizabeth’s hallmarks. The “EPS,” or Elizabeth’s Percentage System, has guided the design of countless in-the-round sweaters. It’s a simple algebra equation that correlates the size of the chest measurement to each of the sweater’s parts. This method is so popular that the New York Times felt it important enough to mention several times within Elizabeth’s 1999 obituary.
In A Knitter’s Almanac, Elizabeth knits her way through a year of projects and patterns that are woven with snippets of personal stories. Each chapter is closed with “pithy directions,” if one does not have the inclination to sift through the prose for the pertinent details. In my opinion, those who simply knit Elizabeth’s patterns without reading her words are really missing out — not just the friendly guidance and ample tips and hints, but also the stories. Elizabeth freely shares the inspiration for the patterns, design decisions she made — or in some cases, un-made.
Knitting Around includes dozens of useful patterns interspersed with “digressions,” creating a brief autobiography of Elizabeth’s life. She writes about her childhood in post-war Great Britain and her experience studying art abroad. She even touches on her immigration to America, which occurred because her soon-to-be-husband had to escape Hilter’s Germany after comparing some of the dictator’s architecture to outhouses! Elizabeth’s words are filled with honesty, optimism and a British steadfastness, lest we forget which country came up with the motto “Keep Calm and Carry On.”
Elizabeth encourages experimentation and customization in her patterns, and she often references other author’s books where she found wisdom or a good technique. Elizabeth was not a designer that wanted her patterns to exist in a static state, and she often gently pushed the knitter to “try it with a hood” or think about “how would it be with a lace pattern here?”. A major proponent of circular knitting and simple finishing, Elizabeth’s favored yarns were natural fibers, as this point is made several times throughout her writing. However, her patterns could be customized to the knitter’s preferred yarn and gauge.
Elizabeth writes on the absolute pleasure of knitting: the joy of a wandering mind and busily stitching fingers. Her generosity of spirit and inquisitiveness is carried on by her collaborator, co-conspirator and daughter, Meg Swansen, who been writing the Wool Gathering newsletters since taking over for her mother. She also runs Schoolhouse Press, a publishing house (and much more!) that spreads not only Elizabeth’s work, but also many other amazing knitting titles. You can still go to Elizabeth’s beloved Wisconsin and attend Knitting Camp, hosted by Meg each summer, or order the Sheepsdown yarn Elizabeth had specially commissioned by a local mill.
Although Elizabeth herself is no longer here to answer the letters or “unvent” more techniques, we can each curl up with one of her books and feel as though a great friend is sitting at our knee, whispering words of encouragement as we knit.
“Knit on, with confidence and hope, through all crises.” — Elizabeth Zimmerman
About the author: Jill Draper, a.k.a. jilldrapermakesstuff, is a magpie, collecting sparkly bits and bright colors, filling her pockets with smooth stones and feathers. Jill has been a knitter for almost as long as she can remember and currently writes hand knitting patterns and creates yarn in her cozy craftsman bungalow in Upstate New York. Jill teaches classes and won’t be satisfied until each and every person has something handmade hanging in their closet. You can read her random (usually fiber-related) ramblings on her blog.
Did you learn to knit with Elizabeth Zimmermann? Tell us about it in the comments below.
127 comments
NaturalAmber said 9 years ago
I love crafting and history, so this was a beautiful read. Thank you Elizabeth Zimmermann for your contribution to knitting, Happy 100th Birthday :)
JaniceCordeiro said 9 years ago
Now that's a great article. Very well done. I think I'm addicted to all fiber.
VeronicaRStudio said 9 years ago
I don't knit, but what has Ms. Zimmerman done for the knitting comunity is incredible! Happy Birthday Elizabeth!
Nikifashion said 9 years ago
great article! Happy Birthday Elizabeth :O)
ZenAndCoffee said 9 years ago
This is fantastic! I keep meaning to break into the yarn I have and learn to knit again! Beautiful article. Thank you for sharing this piece of history with us! ~Wren ZenAndCoffee.etsy.com Arm Warmers & Fingerless Gloves for all seasons & styles! <3
sajataeford2bd said 9 years ago
Such a wonderful article.
buysomelove said 9 years ago
Happy Birthday Elizabeth! Enjoyed this lovely read. Love all the knitted goodies. I myself, learnt to knit but am nowhere near as talented as many of the sellers featured. Should really polish off my knitting needles and give it another go.
junkyardglitter said 9 years ago
Knitastic!
voleurdebijoux said 9 years ago
Fabulous article! â¤Happy Birthday, Elizabeth! :)
emetalworks said 9 years ago
An amazing woman - thanks for celebrating her!
natalya1905 said 9 years ago
No doubt, Elizabeth Zimmerman is a knitting guru and legend. Her books are amazing, her techniques are flawless. Thank you very much for this article, Jill!
wantsky said 9 years ago
Elizabeth please channel your knitting powers and teach me your ways! Happy b-day:) x Jane
BeaumontStudio said 9 years ago
I have a special place in my heart for knitters. My aunt is a knitter and would send me on treasure hunts for her warm winter hat creations.
SimpleJoysPaperie said 9 years ago
I did not know about this fascinating lady. Thank you for sharing her with us! :)
PaintedHorse said 9 years ago
What a beautiful, engaging article! Not a knitter, I had never heard of "EZ" but thanks to you, Jill, I feel like I not only know her but admire and respect her as well. What a lovely homage. I'm certain Elizabeth would have been very pleased. Thank you for sharing this.
girltuesdayjewelry said 9 years ago
Love the quote at the end! Beautiful article and articles of knitted creation!
tortillagirl said 9 years ago
I am a better knitter because of Elizabeth Zimmerman and I knit while reading, thanks to her. (Props to Montse Stanley, too. Beginning knitters: sleep with her handbook under your pillow. Seriously.)
emetalworks said 9 years ago
an amazing woman - thanks for celebrating her!
purlsofcolour said 9 years ago
Woah, I have never heard of Elizabeth Zimmermann - and I am a knitter - but she sounds like a really interesting person. Must get my mitts on one of her books! And I agree on the natural fibers :) Happy Birthday, Elizabeth *waves knitting needles*
OffTheHooks said 9 years ago
thank you to EZ for changing the way we knit!
Jusadreamin said 9 years ago
THANKS for sharing I to love knitting an crafting check me out at www.jusadreamin.etsy.com THANKS
strawberrycouture said 9 years ago
Wow. She looks like she is knitting what she is wearing. Thank you Elizabeth for spawning a centuries old pastime!
electricbluebird said 9 years ago
I came across one of her books at a yard sale and I was inspired to learn. I had been crocheting for years. She is an inspiration in so many ways. I am still a beginning knitter but she always keeps me from giving up.
happyfuzzyyarn said 9 years ago
Elizabeth changed my life. I love her attitude.
PreciousAlibi said 9 years ago
Thank you Elizabeth for teaching me to knit! I still keep your "Knitting Workshop" book in my knitting bag. Happy Birthday!
KeepEvolving said 9 years ago
She has such a beautiful face and she looks so content as she knits. I too love to knit and what a joy to be able to spend your time working the craft that you love.
KnitFrekkles said 9 years ago
Fabulous article, every piece of knitting history I discover just reminds me how much I have yet to learn.
ClareBears said 9 years ago
Wow, what a lady. I am going to have to get the re-release of her book when it comes out in the UK. It's already on my letter to Santa.
bcheri said 9 years ago
Years and years ago I found Elizabeth at my local library in a book called "Knitting Without Tears." Though knitting rarely drove me to tears (but it has happened), I was engaged by the writing the moment I opened the book and was captivated by the idea that mere mortals like me could actually take control of their knitting. EZ showed me the common sense and logic that could be applied to knitted items, for which I've been grateful these many years since.
sweetpeatoadtots said 9 years ago
Happy birthday Elizabeth! Thanks for all the wisdom!
knittingguru said 9 years ago
I've been knitting since I was four years old, but it was "Knitting Without Tears" that encouraged me to design my knitwear from scratch rather than just adapting patterns. Since then I've never used a pattern I didn't design myself. Zimmerman's style of writing gives courage to knitters. She's the Julia Child of the knitting world!
leelian said 9 years ago
Ms Zimmerman - she's awesome. I got her book 'knitting without tears' which made me see knitting in a more 'fun', relax way, and it made making your own sweaters seem really easy..I used her book as a guide for my first cardigan design - sweater knitted in a round and then cut in half to be a cardigan!
PosyMoe said 9 years ago
Oh how I adore Mrs. Zimmerman. She's been my hero since I looked through my grandmother's copies of her publications. She was a true pioneer.
stellabystar said 9 years ago
We have so many vintage knitting books in our shop right now that I'm tempted to look at a few to see if they make any sense to me (although I doubt they will since I don't know the first thing about knitting!). I'm always in awe of people in waiting rooms or whatnot who knit or crochet away, without even having to look at what they are doing! Happy birthday, Elizabeth!
themarketintheglen said 9 years ago
I am a total knitting newbie, so this is an awesome tribute article and I can't wait to go get "Knitting Around". Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm about such a great crafting role model!
sewnewthings said 9 years ago
I just love collecting knitting needles (can't knit to save myself....)! You knitters are clever :)
branda said 9 years ago
Thanks for share with us this wonderful story! Now we are fans of Elizabeth Zimmermann! :-) :-)
CandacesCloset said 9 years ago
Great article and a great tribute.
AthenaCreates said 9 years ago
Yup..love EZ's books! I made my youngest dd a baby surprise jacket when she was 1 and it turned out so cute. :)
jewellerytreasures said 9 years ago
interesting read some great finds etsy
candacejean said 9 years ago
I never knew about her.. then again I know nothing about knitting. I love her quote though: "Knit on, with confidence and hope, through all crises." Adore the apple jacket! I think I need one for my momma!
ikabags said 9 years ago
Fantastic and really so happy for this awesome history ! Thanks for your time ! I hope when we can live long time with our energy and with crafting :)
LeafandInk said 9 years ago
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DagnyKnit said 9 years ago
Great article!
anniecatblue said 9 years ago
Wonderfully written! EZ was truly fantastic.
BabbidgePatch said 9 years ago
A true legend ~ I'd like to think that she would be so proud to see the many knitters that are represented on Etsy! Happy 100th!
VivaGailBeads said 9 years ago
Lovely article - she work is an inspiration. thank you.
Easy123 said 9 years ago
Happy Birthday Elizabeth! Have all of your books :)
juliani said 9 years ago
Very inspiring, thank you! :)
YumYumPendants said 9 years ago
What a nice homage!
HandmaidenBC said 9 years ago
I love Elizabeth Zimmerman's books. She is soo compelling, I have knit the Baby Surprize Jacket many times with nary a baby in sight! Happy Birthday.
PaperPicker said 9 years ago
i am not a knitter, so i have never heard of zimmerman. loved the article and the chance to hear a bit about her.
cridesigns said 9 years ago
I love Elizabeth Zimmerman! I think what I learn most from her was to relax and enjoy my knitting. Happy birthday Elizabeth!! Smiles.....
twoknit said 9 years ago
I love her books !!! Thank you for a wonderful article.
lorenabr said 9 years ago
I love her designs.It's a great article. I knit and crochet since I was a little girl and my passion is now my lovely job. So cast on.... it's so relaxing and great fun!
hodgepodgefarm said 9 years ago
she was such a pioneer and an inspiration; happy birthday EZ! and excellent article miss draper!
unitedthread said 9 years ago
Great article! Thank you.
RubyBeets said 9 years ago
Thank you! Who Knew!
Vegancraftastic said 9 years ago
Yay for EZ!
sweetjane said 9 years ago
Yeah, a skill/hobby that should be explored,it is a wonderful rewarding way to pass an evening. THANKS!!
akcArt said 9 years ago
Interesting and informative!
damenamedredd said 9 years ago
happy birthday Elizabeth!
Ebrown2503 said 9 years ago
I didn't learn to knit from Elizabeth Zimmerman. My mother taught me and watched me struggle with my leftie tendencies. But it's funny because I picked this book up at the library the other day during my lunch hour. Her writings started with a newsletter, as humble as many of the blogs sprinkling the internet these days. It's exciting to imagine new brilliance being born. Nice article.
breadandroses2 said 9 years ago
Time to pick up those dusty knitting needles! Swell feature.
Joanna1966 said 9 years ago
Great article !!
mahlicadesigns said 9 years ago
Many thanks for such women who have given so much of themselves to enable us to create and grow.
stockannette said 9 years ago
Nicely done!
PotterBeanie said 9 years ago
I want an apple jacket!
VintageScriptPress said 9 years ago
Great article keep on knitting!!
jilldrapermakesstuff said 9 years ago
Thanks to everyone for the nice comments! If you've never read Elizabeth's books or seen the videos I suggest buying them or borrowing from your local library, I think there is lots of inspiration to be found in her words & work.
Feille said 9 years ago
Yay for EZ! Just a lowly crocheter myself, even I have had the pleasure of "knowing" EZ!
AtomicLuLu said 9 years ago
I borrowed my first sweater book a few years back and just love this woman to death. I follow her daughter online and just believe this legacy is something every knitter should know. What a great article!
spiritetc said 9 years ago
She is a blessing to all us knitters who have struggled in so many ways to become good knitters.
baconsquarefarm said 9 years ago
Wonderfully written article about EZ thanks for sharing a tidbit about her life and yours as well. I learned to knit as a child from my mom who was a very talented creative person unlike myself. Keep on knitting to carry on the tradition.
Parachute425 said 9 years ago
Wonderful feature. I adore wonderful knits and respect a true artist who so enjoys her work.
Petuniapie said 9 years ago
What a pleasure to read! I came to knitting late in life...just learned a year and a half ago. I love the Elizabeth Zimmerman books, and I find her enthusiasm and common sense to be a real help to me. My goal is to knit a baby surprise sweater this winter.
chrdesigns said 9 years ago
What a great article! My mom tried to teach me to knit, and though I love the zen state one can achieve with knitting a scarf, that is about as far as I got. I will need to read some of EZ's writing for inspiration....I know I have some yarn around here waiting to be something other than another muffler!
WoodPigeon said 9 years ago
I love EZ! Happy 100th birthday!
archaicdesign said 9 years ago
what a lovely article, thank you.
lrlspencer said 9 years ago
This was awesome...great fun to read. Thank you!
bhangtiez said 9 years ago
Lovely story & tribute to EZ! I am new to knitting & crocheting as of this january....lovin it so far!
hankietankie said 9 years ago
...thank you for the educational article about a truly inspiring mother & daughter legacy. if i ever do take up knitting, i will get one of their lovely books! XO
ravenspaperjewelry said 9 years ago
I never met EZ in person but have loved her as a friend through the words of her books for many years. I wasn't even a knitter when I first met her in Knitting Without Tears, but I loved reading what she had to say about knitting, about inventing, about bending the rules and playing with new approaches. At that time I was a weaver so we were fellow travelers. I'm not a knitter now, either, but have always enjoyed the bright spirit and good nature I sense in her as I read her writing. Last week I was perusing shelves of used books in a local store and saw Knitting Without Tears and it was like greeting an old friend. I couldn't just leave it there ---- so I brought it home and I'm glad. Happy BIrthday, Elizabeth!
TheSecondFiddle said 9 years ago
That's for the wonderful article! I'm planning on reading some of Elizabeth's books soon. I'm also learning to spin my own yarn. Thanks so much, The Second Fiddle
fabfashion said 9 years ago
loved the article!
madeofsherbert said 9 years ago
I hate modern pattern book that are use as a advertising ploy for you to buy there yarn. They don't tell you what ply it is just there brand name. It makes it hard to use alternate yarns.
SandraEterovic said 9 years ago
On this rainy afternoon in Melbourne, I want to leave the office and go home, back to my knitting. I love EZ, not least because she would knit while sitting on the back of her husband's motorcycle.
originalsbyannemarie said 9 years ago
I always heard about Elizabeth Zimmermann but very much enjoyed this article. I am knitting for years - and there have been many - and so have been coming across the pioneers and their classic works in our craft by keeping involved in everything about it.
atomicblue said 9 years ago
I've always done everything out of the box. It's comforting that EZ did it far before.....truly an innovative knitter. I can't help wonder what she would have thought about the art yarn movement. It's one that I'm thrilled to be a part of!
naturalblendings said 9 years ago
Great article. Have been a knitter for many years, have not read any of EZ's books, but will look them up. Love the choice of shops, the yarns, patterns, and notions for knitters. There goes my favorite list again, growing growing !! Thanks
jaknitsea said 9 years ago
Love the article! Love Elizabeth Zimmerman! I became aware of her in the 80's from Vogue Knitting Magazine and have coveted her articles and books since. Happy Birthday Elizabeth! Happy Birthday to my Mom Mary Jo as well!
wearthou said 9 years ago
I would have been a better knitter if I had known about her! Thanks for celebrating her and giving her the honor she deserves!! There is hope yet for me!!
LavenderField said 9 years ago
Amazing. I love yarns and fibers in general. Happy bday EZ!
elineof said 9 years ago
What a great article. As a Norwegian knitter I learned about Elisabeth Zimmerman a few years ago. I have all her books and find her a source of inspiration not only in my designs but also in giving the gift of knitting to new generations.
ayawedding said 9 years ago
happy birthday Elizabeth:) great article
rolanddesigns said 9 years ago
I'm a crochet freak, but I also love knitting...just wish I had more time...but then, don't we all ?
BeppeMartha said 9 years ago
Highly inspired right now! Excelent article!
southernladysvintage said 9 years ago
Happy 100th EZ! What an inspiration!
kukkilintu said 9 years ago
Love EZ! She has had a strong impact on my knitting as well.
LifeCovers said 9 years ago
Oh, and I think I'm the 100th comment!
CamilleMarie said 9 years ago
Thank you for the introduction to such an inspirational person! I'm looking forward to reading more about her.
keepingfingersbusy said 9 years ago
What a great article. It's a pleasure to read something so well written on someone who I worship as much as EZ. Happy Birthday!
ohbabydotcom said 9 years ago
Great article.
beachglassshop said 9 years ago
Happy Birthday to a class act
knitmystique said 9 years ago
All she knits is love
LuBluDesigns said 9 years ago
This is great. I just rediscovered my love for knitting! Thanks.
Yarns said 9 years ago
What a lady! happy birthday EZ!
maeghaneliza said 9 years ago
Very well written, Jill! I enjoyed this article.
TandRHandweaving said 9 years ago
Knitting yet another fiberart I adore! Happy birthday Elizabeth!
kitschcafe said 9 years ago
i've been knitting for 7 years and can't imagine life with out it. thank you EZ!!
lkmccray said 9 years ago
My mom love EZ. Thanks for a wonderful reminder of her amazing talents.
mittens said 9 years ago
interesting, i have been knitting for year and I am sure I have come across her patterns and never even knew the history. how cool
treasuregoddess said 9 years ago
I fell in love with EZ and with garter stitch from her patterns and books. It's such a lovely read! I also posted a tribute to EZ in my blog, my very own knitting through the wilderness...http://treasuregoddesschic.blogspot.com/
isewcute said 9 years ago
Fab article! Interesting, informative, & fun to read!
lotusblossomknits said 9 years ago
I love EZ, her patterns and knitting sense are inspirational. I'm currently knitting her tomten jacket from knitting without tears and it's been a pleasure. Happy birthday EZ.
happywhosits said 9 years ago
Great article! I will have to look for one of the EZ books! Eileen...
mamacrow5 said 9 years ago
I FOUND THIS ARTICLE ENLIGHTNING, I AM FROM DONEGAL,WHERE THE MAJORITY OF WOMEN IN THE EARLY PART OF THE LAST CENTURY EARNT A CRUST KNITTING.....IT IS THE COUNTY IN IRELAND OF WOOL AND WEAVING, AND UNTIL THIS ARTICLE I HAD NOT HEARD OF E>Z. THANK YOU FOR SHARING. MARY.LORRAINE
FiberContent said 9 years ago
Love EZ's patterns and books. One of the very first thing I ever knitted was the gnome jacket. I love her inspiring words and clever mathematical way with a pattern. Her legacy is strong.
EveldasNeverland said 9 years ago
>>> Happy Birthday Elizabeth! <<< Thank you so much, Jill for this great article! I'm honored that my scarf was featured here.
patchesnthings said 9 years ago
What an interesting article. I would have loved to have met this lady and heard of her life experiences first hand.
santosleather said 9 years ago
Magical hands do great work !
magpieknits said 9 years ago
EZ was an inspiration from the very beginning of my knitting life. I was lucky enough to learn how to knit from one of her proteges and heard wonderful stories of EZ and her kntting. She has and is still inspiring me after all these years. Thank you for paying homage to this great pioneer of knitting. I wish you were still with us, EZ.
PropShop said 9 years ago
Elizabeth Zimmerman is my idol and someday I will knit just like her!!!!
Keep Calm and Carry On Writing | Charlotte Rains Dixon said 4 years ago
[…] well, calming. It reminds me of another favorite saying, from the late doyenne of knitting, Elizabeth Zimmerman (also a Brit): Knit on with confidence and hope, through all crises. […]
Latest “showings” | Skein Lane - IN THE LOOP said 4 years ago
[…] Elizabeth Zimmerman said……”Knit […]
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