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Rating: 
Summary: The tops!
Review: Each time I open this book, I want to throw all other responsibilities to the wind and sit down and read. No, it is not a learn-to-knit book; but for one getting familiar with the process, it is a mind-expanding experience. It is also a joyous, friendly way to meet her in print.When first published, most American born knitters made every garment in pieces. The challenge of making presentable seams was formidable for me, so I welcomed EZ's sensible approach to knitting in the round. I got a kick out of her calling us 'blind-followers,' which most of us were who were inexperienced and perhaps, as I was, self-taught. Having the traditional directions along with her smart short-cuts and the clever, sensible percentage system was enormously helpful for me. The small size of her book is also a plus--easy to digest and learn from without being intimidated. Her skillful illustrations are so clear. The information she so delightfully encloses is still valuable, no matter the year! Elizabeth was a very friendly, lovable, warm,kind woman, and an excellent teacher--in person or by books. I'm happy and proud to have known her. This book is a classic and should be in every knitter's library.
Rating:
Summary: A Book for Knitters to Read
Review: I learned to knit from my grandmother when I was a little girl, and can calculate patterns myself, so I did not need to be rescued from slavish pattern-following. I also do not think that the sweaters in this book are the most attractive, stylish, or even the easiest (I'm a top-down in-the-round knitter myself). I have made a few Zimmerman patterns, but none from this book. With all that said, I will now tell you that I pull this book off the shelf constantly, and you should buy it if you aspire to be a good knitter.
The discussions of gauge, yarn choice, finishing, color work, and other technical points are invaluable. The entire book is clear, useful, and a pleasure to read. Knowing and following this book's advice can make the difference between disappointing sweaters and wonderful ones, even if you never use any of the patterns in this book.
Don't buy this book for the patterns, but do buy it.
Rating:
Summary: Indispensable fun for the serious knitter
Review: I'd repeatedly read and heard about Elizabeth Zimmerman (or "EZ" as she was/is fondly known) but never read any of her books. I was, however, skeptical that her books could be as wonderful as they were reputed to be. The photograph on the cover of "Knitting without Tears" did little to entice me; the sweaters looked, well, a bit dowdy and boxy for my taste. Eventually I gave in and bought this book. Now I am a believer. EZ won me over with her very first sentence: "Most people have an obsession; mine is knitting." Somehow she managed to take knitting very seriously without ever taking herself very seriously. The book is full of practical tips and tricks for improving your knitting, conceptual ways to create your own patterns, and EZ's very decided opinions about the craft (worth considering whether or not you agree with them all). Best of all, anecdotes and humorous, often ironic commentary abound. Even if you never knit a seamless sweater, you'll be glad you bought this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Not exactly a beginner book
Review: I'm a beginning knitter. I bought this book because I am terrible at following directions and everything I'd read about it indicated that EZ would help you learn to modify patterns so they worked the way you wanted. They were right. This isn't really a learn how to knit book tho. It's more an introduction to sweater design book. You are walked through several basic styles of seamless sweaters, given a good stern lecture on why gauge is important, and shown pictures and charts you can use as a jumping off point. I would expect a learn how to knit book to cover several styles of knitting, multiple castons and castoffs, and lots of techniques, all with extensive illustrations for those of us who aren't very good with written instructions. This book does not fit the bill. It is one I will consult frequently as I begin to knit my first sweaters. It works very well in conjunction with Vogue Knitting or one of the other basic learn how to knit books. Don't buy it as the only knitting reference you'll ever need.
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