Dear Knitter,
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.
123 comments
Sign in to add your ownNaturalAmber says:
I love crafting and history, so this was a beautiful read. Thank you Elizabeth Zimmermann for your contribution to knitting, Happy 100th Birthday :)
1 year ago
JaniceCordeiro says:
Now that's a great article. Very well done. I think I'm addicted to all fiber.
1 year ago
VeronicaRStudio says:
I don't knit, but what has Ms. Zimmerman done for the knitting comunity is incredible! Happy Birthday Elizabeth!
1 year ago
Nikifashion says:
great article! Happy Birthday Elizabeth :O)
1 year ago
ZenAndCoffee says:
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
1 year ago
sajataeford2bd says:
Such a wonderful article.
1 year ago
buysomelove says:
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.
1 year ago
junkyardglitter says:
Knitastic!
1 year ago
voleurdebijoux says:
Fabulous article! â¤Happy Birthday, Elizabeth! :)
1 year ago
emetalworks says:
An amazing woman - thanks for celebrating her!
1 year ago
natalya1905 says:
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!
1 year ago
wantsky says:
Elizabeth please channel your knitting powers and teach me your ways! Happy b-day:) x Jane
1 year ago
BeaumontStudio says:
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.
1 year ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
I did not know about this fascinating lady. Thank you for sharing her with us! :)
1 year ago
PaintedHorse says:
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.
1 year ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
Love the quote at the end! Beautiful article and articles of knitted creation!
1 year ago
tortillagirl says:
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.)
1 year ago
emetalworks says:
an amazing woman - thanks for celebrating her!
1 year ago
purlsofcolour says:
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*
1 year ago
OffTheHooks says:
thank you to EZ for changing the way we knit!
1 year ago
Jusadreamin says:
THANKS for sharing I to love knitting an crafting check me out at www.jusadreamin.etsy.com THANKS
1 year ago
strawberrycouture says:
Wow. She looks like she is knitting what she is wearing. Thank you Elizabeth for spawning a centuries old pastime!
1 year ago
electricbluebird says:
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.
1 year ago
happyfuzzyyarn says:
Elizabeth changed my life. I love her attitude.
1 year ago
PreciousAlibi says:
Thank you Elizabeth for teaching me to knit! I still keep your "Knitting Workshop" book in my knitting bag. Happy Birthday!
1 year ago
KeepEvolving says:
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.
1 year ago
KnitFrekkles says:
Fabulous article, every piece of knitting history I discover just reminds me how much I have yet to learn.
1 year ago
ClareBears says:
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.
1 year ago
bcheri says:
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.
1 year ago
sweetpeatoadtots says:
Happy birthday Elizabeth! Thanks for all the wisdom!
1 year ago
knittingguru says:
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!
1 year ago
leelian says:
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!
1 year ago
PosyMoe says:
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.
1 year ago
stellabystar says:
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!
1 year ago
themarketintheglen says:
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!
1 year ago
sewnewthings says:
I just love collecting knitting needles (can't knit to save myself....)! You knitters are clever :)
1 year ago
branda says:
Thanks for share with us this wonderful story! Now we are fans of Elizabeth Zimmermann! :-) :-)
1 year ago
CandacesCloset says:
Great article and a great tribute.
1 year ago
AthenaCreates says:
Yup..love EZ's books! I made my youngest dd a baby surprise jacket when she was 1 and it turned out so cute. :)
1 year ago
jewellerytreasures says:
interesting read some great finds etsy
1 year ago
candacejean says:
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!
1 year ago
ikabags says:
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 :)
1 year ago
LeafandInk says:
Come check out our Pioneer Spirit here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest... Portland Oregon USA!!! http://www.etsy.com/listing/52944112/portland-oregon-fine-art-photography SUBSCRIBE to our new blog! http://leafandink.wordpress.com/ We invite you all to become a member of our LeafandInk family!!! We cant wait to get to know you better!
1 year ago
DagnyKnit says:
Great article!
1 year ago
anniecatblue says:
Wonderfully written! EZ was truly fantastic.
1 year ago
BabbidgePatch says:
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!
1 year ago
VivaGailBeads says:
Lovely article - she work is an inspiration. thank you.
1 year ago
Easy123 says:
Happy Birthday Elizabeth! Have all of your books :)
1 year ago
juliani says:
Very inspiring, thank you! :)
1 year ago
YumYumPendants says:
What a nice homage!
1 year ago
HandmaidenBC says:
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.
1 year ago
PaperPicker says:
i am not a knitter, so i have never heard of zimmerman. loved the article and the chance to hear a bit about her.
1 year ago
cridesigns says:
I love Elizabeth Zimmerman! I think what I learn most from her was to relax and enjoy my knitting. Happy birthday Elizabeth!! Smiles.....
1 year ago
twoknit says:
I love her books !!! Thank you for a wonderful article.
1 year ago
lorenabr says:
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!
1 year ago
hodgepodgefarm says:
she was such a pioneer and an inspiration; happy birthday EZ! and excellent article miss draper!
1 year ago
unitedthread says:
Great article! Thank you.
1 year ago
RubyBeets says:
Thank you! Who Knew!
1 year ago
Vegancraftastic says:
Yay for EZ!
1 year ago
sweetjane says:
Yeah, a skill/hobby that should be explored,it is a wonderful rewarding way to pass an evening. THANKS!!
1 year ago
akcArt says:
Interesting and informative!
1 year ago
damenamedredd says:
happy birthday Elizabeth!
1 year ago
Ebrown2503 says:
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.
1 year ago
breadandroses2 says:
Time to pick up those dusty knitting needles! Swell feature.
1 year ago
Joanna1966 says:
Great article !!
1 year ago
mahlicadesigns says:
Many thanks for such women who have given so much of themselves to enable us to create and grow.
1 year ago
stockannette says:
Nicely done!
1 year ago
PotterBeanie says:
I want an apple jacket!
1 year ago
VintageScriptPress says:
Great article keep on knitting!!
1 year ago
jilldrapermakesstuff says:
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.
1 year ago
Feille says:
Yay for EZ! Just a lowly crocheter myself, even I have had the pleasure of "knowing" EZ!
1 year ago
AtomicLuLu says:
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!
1 year ago
spiritetc says:
She is a blessing to all us knitters who have struggled in so many ways to become good knitters.
1 year ago
baconsquarefarm says:
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.
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Wonderful feature. I adore wonderful knits and respect a true artist who so enjoys her work.
1 year ago
Petuniapie says:
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.
1 year ago
chrdesigns says:
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!
1 year ago
WoodPigeon says:
I love EZ! Happy 100th birthday!
1 year ago
archaicdesign says:
what a lovely article, thank you.
1 year ago
lrlspencer says:
This was awesome...great fun to read. Thank you!
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
Lovely story & tribute to EZ! I am new to knitting & crocheting as of this january....lovin it so far!
1 year ago
hankietankie says:
...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
1 year ago
ravenspaperjewelry says:
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!
1 year ago
TheSecondFiddle says:
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
1 year ago
fabfashion says:
loved the article!
1 year ago
madeofsherbert says:
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.
1 year ago
SandraEterovic says:
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.
1 year ago
originalsbyannemarie says:
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.
1 year ago
atomicblue says:
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!
1 year ago
naturalblendings says:
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
1 year ago
jaknitsea says:
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!
1 year ago
wearthou says:
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!!
1 year ago
LavenderField says:
Amazing. I love yarns and fibers in general. Happy bday EZ!
1 year ago
elineof says:
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.
1 year ago
ayawedding says:
happy birthday Elizabeth:) great article
1 year ago
rolanddesigns says:
I'm a crochet freak, but I also love knitting...just wish I had more time...but then, don't we all ?
1 year ago
BeppeMartha says:
Highly inspired right now! Excelent article!
1 year ago
southernladysvintage says:
Happy 100th EZ! What an inspiration!
1 year ago
kukkilintu says:
Love EZ! She has had a strong impact on my knitting as well.
1 year ago
LifeCovers says:
Oh, and I think I'm the 100th comment!
1 year ago
CamilleMarie says:
Thank you for the introduction to such an inspirational person! I'm looking forward to reading more about her.
1 year ago
keepingfingersbusy says:
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!
1 year ago
ohbabydotcom says:
Great article.
1 year ago
beachglassshop says:
Happy Birthday to a class act
1 year ago
knitmystique says:
All she knits is love
1 year ago
LuBluDesigns says:
This is great. I just rediscovered my love for knitting! Thanks.
1 year ago
Yarns says:
What a lady! happy birthday EZ!
1 year ago
maeghaneliza says:
Very well written, Jill! I enjoyed this article.
1 year ago
TandRHandweaving says:
Knitting yet another fiberart I adore! Happy birthday Elizabeth!
1 year ago
kitschcafe says:
i've been knitting for 7 years and can't imagine life with out it. thank you EZ!!
1 year ago
lkmccray says:
My mom love EZ. Thanks for a wonderful reminder of her amazing talents.
1 year ago
mittens says:
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
1 year ago
treasuregoddess says:
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/
1 year ago
isewcute says:
Fab article! Interesting, informative, & fun to read!
1 year ago
lotusblossomknits says:
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.
1 year ago
happywhosits says:
Great article! I will have to look for one of the EZ books! Eileen...
1 year ago
mamacrow5 says:
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
1 year ago
FiberContent says:
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.
1 year ago
EveldasNeverland says:
>>> Happy Birthday Elizabeth! <<< Thank you so much, Jill for this great article! I'm honored that my scarf was featured here.
1 year ago
patchesnthings says:
What an interesting article. I would have loved to have met this lady and heard of her life experiences first hand.
1 year ago
santosleather says:
Magical hands do great work !
1 year ago
magpieknits says:
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.
1 year ago
PropShop says:
Elizabeth Zimmerman is my idol and someday I will knit just like her!!!!
1 year ago