I am one of those people that when I take up a new hobby, I like to read the “classics” in the field, both so I can get up to speed and so that I don’t appear completely ignorant when the subjects come up. So I took up Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Knitting Without Tears because of its numerous recommendations. I find her sense of humor utterly delightful, although I am only a few pages into the book so far. I offer you these words on this last day of summer:
Properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn’t hurt the untroubled spirit either.
When I say properly practiced, I mean executed in a relaxed manner, without anxiety, strain, or tension, but with confidence, inventiveness, pleasure and ultimate pride.
If you hate to knit, why, bless you, don’t; follow your secret heart and take up something else. But if you start out knitting with enjoyment, you will probably continue in this pleasant path.
Consider the agreeable material and tools.
. . . . . . .
Really, all you need to become a good knitter are wool, needles, hands, and slightly below-average intelligence. Of course superior intelligence, such as yours and mine, is an advantage.
Now, really, how can you not love this woman?
Now I *HAVE* to try knitting.
Some of EZ’s contemporaries and “must-read” authors: Ida Riley Duncan, Mary Thomas, and Barbara Walker. All of these women were responsible for laying the foundation of knitting in America today, and were part of the inspiration behind Priscilla Gibson-Robers, Jaqueline Fee, and some other more recent writers. And, of course, your library needs to include an edition of the Knitter’s Handbook, by Monste Stanley (a HEAVY volume — over 40 different ways just for casting on, just for example). All of these authors focus on technique and stitch patterns, rather than fashion patterns that come and go.
Oh, great, Ray, now you’ve done it …. gone and given me a whole BUNCH of new knitting authors to add my knitting book wishlist at Amazon. Thanks a lot guy! 😉