EZ forever

Published on Tuesday September 12th, 2006

It was chilly in my bedroom this morning. Upstairs here in 1910 Bungalow Land is a “finished attic”, but apparently insulation hasn’t been deemed all that essential to finish construction. My aunt warned us it would be nippy up there during the winter, but I’m the girl who slept with the windows open year round in Maine. And it’s temperate Portland — it’s not like we’re going to be breaking ice on the wash basin or anything. But that tingle in the air the last few mornings means summer is coming to a close, and even the potentiality of a cold house is ample cause to cast on a wool sweater. Yes, I have several in mind for myself, including one of my own design with the yarn begging in the closet. But first I’m going to make a start on Mr. Garter’s Fishtrap cardi.

The swatchcap worked up at an acceptable gauge, so I just need to make a few notes about the math and then I’ll be off to the races. And that means cosying up with Elizabeth Zimmermann and the Knitter’s Almanac before bed tonight. Mr. Garter’s several hundred miles away with our biking friends at Cycle Oregon, hatching some crazy plan to ride about 80 miles uphill tomorrow. But I’ve got my cat (who’s had his tail badly bitten by mean Felix and requires extra cuddling and Amoxicillin for his wounds) and one of the great knitting manuals of all time, so I’m happy as a goat in garbage. Madam Zimmermann’s had a little extra media exposure recently, what with the sock patterns in the latest issue of VK (and I’m dying to knit me some wild colorwork kneesocks). I’ve long admired her fearless attitude, and the more I see of her patterns, the more I marvel at her innovation. Ever seen the Baby Surprise jacket? How exactly did she figure out how to construct that thing? She was a genius, but the best part is that her books make you feel like there’s no earthly reason you couldn’t be, too.

The point I’m coming to is this: it doesn’t matter a bit that EZ’s books were published thirty or forty years ago. I know it will make me a better knitter to follow her advice and attempt some of her patterns. And if I think a garment of hers needs a little style modification here and there, that’s perfectly in keeping with the pioneering spirit she espouses. (As long as I don’t knit it in acrylic.) Jess and I are gung ho to make Fishtrap cardis with zippers. I think a Baby Surprise might be just the thing for a friend’s little one due next month. And there are always those kneesocks… Jess and I are cooking up an EZ knitalong, which we’re calling Zimmermania. So far it’s just the two of us, but we’re friendly and we’d like company. Who’s in? Grab an EZ title, grab your sticks, pick a project (or two or three). If there’s interest, we’ll moderate a Blogger page where you can post your progress. More details to follow in the next few days.

12 Comments to “EZ forever”

  1. minnie Comment Says:

    what a lovely idea! EZ is the knit goddess, trust me. i need to buy more of her books. get me to amazon!

  2. Lisa Comment Says:

    This might me JUST the thing to motivate me to select (or construct) a pattern for all that black Cascade 220 I have sitting around. I’d love to join Zimmermanmania!!

  3. Veronique Comment Says:

    “Zimmermania” is such a great word! I was just talking to Lisa the other day about how some of EZ’s books are hard to get your hands on (like Knitter’s Almanac, which I think is only available through Schoolhouse Press). My problem is that I don’t know which one to buy, as I’m not quite sure what’s in these books! I mean, what’s the difference between the Almanac and Knitting Workshop? What about Knitting Without Tears?
    Help!

  4. Mia Comment Says:

    I want in, I’ve been eyeing the “Bog Jacket” with the shapelier shapings from Knitting Around! Did Mingus REALLY get bitten by that cat again?? Man, your vet is sooo psyched!

  5. Ingrid Comment Says:

    I’m about to cast on for the Fishtrap sweater, and feeling slightly intimidated by the airy instructions. I’d be very glad to join your Zimmermania!

  6. mamie Comment Says:

    i love the idea of an ez knitting site…take a look at the hybrid sweater at brooklyntweed. beautiful. the husband said he would wear it, and it would be great to have a place to post questions regarding the shoulder saddle shaping. i did up the surprise sweater and was absolutely clueless of the workings until, ta-da…the end!

  7. j a r e d Comment Says:

    you know i’m all over zimmermania… sign me up!

  8. Jessica C Comment Says:

    Zimmermania is the coolest! I’m totally in… as soon as I pick a pattern. We could do a Flickr group too, of all of our gorgeous FO’s….

  9. Nanc Comment Says:

    I’ve been itching to try out a Zimmerman pattern or two lately. Combine the weather cooling with your fab KAL, and I’m in! What a great idea!

  10. Kristen Comment Says:

    I’d love to participate! Do you have an EZ book you’d recommend? I’m not sure which title to start with?

    I must tell you, the phrase “happy as a goat in garbage” has me grinning like an idiot. I’m going to try to work it into conversation today, which I suppose is a good omen, as I’ll have to be happy to do so.

  11. katie Comment Says:

    Oh, I have been wanting to knit EZ’s baby bonnet ever since I saw Larissa’s. I just might get Zimmermania, too!

  12. Katie Comment Says:

    Oh boy! I don’t konw what pattern I’ll do, but I’m jumping on board! This is a knit along I can really sink my teeth into!