The Opinionated Knitter — by Elizabeth Zimmermann. I would be completely dishonest if I didn’t say that I avoided buying this book for a LONG time. I figured it contained many of the designs and ideas that I’d already seen before in some of Elizabeth’s other books, even if not quite presented the same way. And, until recently, I had begun to believe that some of the ideas that EZ taught in terms of garment design were getting a bit tired. Boy, was I wrong about this book. It contains Elizabeth’s original newsletters from the 50s and 60s in their original form, yes… and for that alone this book stands as an important historical archive. But, throughout the book there are notes and modern photographs that give the time-revered designs a fresh, new feel. I especially loved seeing the schematics and the journal pages in Elizabeth’s own hand. It was as if I was allowed to be a voyeur to a time that I am a smidge to young to claim as my own. I’m sorry I waited on this book. I can’t wait to read it cover to cover.

As to when that will be? I hoping for a snow day already, with a warm cup of cocoa at my side and the Knit Garter Stitch blanket on my lap. But, I’m getting ahead of myself!

I promise that this blog won’t be a book review every day, but I was just so excited about this one that I could not contain myself. Did you know Summer of Socks starts this weekend? I’m hoping to have enough progress on my baby sweater by the to put it down for a few and start a sock, just for the occasion. Also, my local Stitch ‘n’ Pitch is this Friday. I really can’t wait, and am very excited that I actually get to go. I hope to see some of you there!