I hereby declare 2010 as my Year to fully embrace Elizabeth Zimmermann.
I have long wanted to delve into her work, but thus far have simply enjoyed her writings about knitting and reading her patterns (really, they're that fabulous. The woman was simply brilliant). I suppose I've been a little too intimidated to dive on into a pattern (it's the math that gets me).
But no longer - this year I will embrace that math. And embrace it wholeheartedly, I will. Right now there are no less than five Zimmermann patterns fresh off my needles, or on my needles. It is, of course, all leading up to the 'biggest' of projects I have in mind for this year (of my knitting life?)- that seamless raglan sweater (because it's about time for that yarn to stop hanging around that banner above of mine and get on the needles, already).
But before the big one, I thought I'd dip my toes in the EZ water, so to speak. Start with some smaller things. Which is where these mitts came in. From the Knitters Almanac, they are the May Mitered Mittens. And...they were a dream to knit. Truly. Her pithy (her word) directions were short but just right. All I needed to knit these mittens were in the mere three sentences provided as a pattern. I dare say, it was a little exciting, actually.
The making of these mitts, though, required perhaps the scariest knitting action I've ever taken. Cutting into the finished mitt to place the thumb holes just where I wanted them. That's right...cutting into a knitted object! Gah! But hey - what's a proper and healthy passion without a little bit of fear? I took deep breaths, read carefully, and proceeded to cut (Steve documented the event). All went well.
The mitts were made with Sundara worsted merino. I thought they needed a matching hat, so a quick Jane was knit up. With just a little bit of slouch, I'm in love with this hat, too. Such a quick and satisfying knit.(Harper's hat is a beautiful gift from Mr. Monkeysuit.)
And would you look at that January thaw? Amazing. I would like a bit of snow back, though - I have some new mittens and a hat to wear about. And some more Zimmerman knitting to do....
