Knitter's Almanac by Elizabeth Zimmermann is an unassuming volume of patterns for han knitting using mostly circular knitting techniques. First published in 1974, it provides a series of now classic patterns for knitting during the different months of the year.
Here is a list of the patterns covered in the book:-
- January - aran pullover and cardigan. Both are knitted entirely in the round and afterwards instructions are provided for machine stitching and cutting steeks.
- February - Double knitted blanket and pot holder, square shawl, baby sweater on two needles practically seamless (actually this is a baby jacket), baby leggings.
- March - Difficult Sweater (not really). Fairisle style sweater again with steeks cut for armholes in which to sew the sleeves.
- April - Mystery Blanket. Consists of squares sewn together using grafting techniques.
- May - Norwegian Mittens, Mitred Mittens.
- June - Maltese Fisherman's Hat, Ganomy Hat, Three Cornered Hat.
- JulyShawl (with plain and patterned versions).
- August - Christmas decorations - Net for fruit, Star, Tree, Angel.
- September - Tights for children and adults.
- October - Open Collared Pullover.
- November - Moccasin Socks.
- December - Hurry Up Last Minute Sweater
Elizabeth Zimmermann specialised in seamless style plain knitting and although not everyone will enjoy the chatty style of writing or want to knit garments using her percentage system, there is a great deal of valuable information in this book alongside the patterns. I love it and have knitted several items from it and have yet to find a problem with accuracy in an EZ pattern.
Readers may also like to join the Knit Baby Surprise Yahoo group which from time to time covers the patterns from the Almanac in their Knit Alongs.
