How wrong I was. Every knitter in the world should know and love Elizabeth Zimmermann. Her wit, talent, and, yes, opinion, is clear in every newsletter in this book. Here is my Tomten for an old friend's dear little baby. I enjoyed every minute of knitting this; I have deepened my knitting practice by allowing myself to design on the needles with the gentle guidance of EZ.
Pattern: Tomten by Elizabeth Zimmermann
Yarn: Maggi's Aran Tweed (color 03) and O-Wool Classic (I can't seem to find the color name or number)
Needles: US8s
Pattern Notes: I adjusted stitch counts for gauge and improvised to get the right vertical measurements since the vertical gauge was so different. I will spare you all the number crunching, but suffice it to say, it was not difficult. This size is about 12-18 months.
I had planned on doing an attached i-cord for the borders but didn't like the way it caused the jacket to pucker. I also really liked the way the garter stitch looked going different directions, so I just knit a garter stitch border. I'm afraid of zippers and button holes (I'll need to confront these fears one day soon), so I chose these clasps. I like the Scandinavian look.
I didn't think the sleeves were loose enough, so I didn't seam the sleeves all the way and crocheted a simple border around them. I love the look. They can be kept turned down or flipped up for a more gnomish or elfin look ...
I will gift this tomorrow and immediately start planning my next Zimmermann project. (Maybe an adult Tomten a la Brooklyn Tweed?)
16 comments:
For whatever reason, even though I like a lot of her patterns, I've never even thought to buy any Zimmerman books. I should probably at least borrow one from the library, to see what I think, huh?
That is an adorable jacket! I think the clasps make it look better than buttons or a zipper would.
Cute and stylish. I really like the personal touches you've added to it. Great job!
EZ is perfect for your aesthetic -- I've wondered what has taken you so long to get to her.
And enough with the "beginning knitter" crap already! You are so not a beginner!!!!!
That is the cutest sweater ever!
I love your tomtem! The colors, the clasps - it's seriously one of my favorites ones I've seen.
It's SO CUTE! I think this may have to be a knit for my boy. It's adorable!!! I love the little clasp closures and the grey and red, so chic!
That is so very cute! I've been wanting to make up her 'bog jacket' in stripes...all my bits of this and that. So much knitting, so little time!
I need to remember to pull out my Zimmerman patterns when I'm looking for a new project. That jacket is adorable! Jane
Adorable! Love the cuff detail. I have also never looked through an EZ book. I guess I will eventually!
Such a cute version! Beautiful work -- and welcome to the EZ club. :)
ann wrote on carol's blog:
***Humpf. I want to be in the group too. Richmond's just too far away I guess...***
I wish you could be part of my group too (sigh, sniff). you COULD move to philly - that would make liz happy and we would welcome you with open arms.
think about it, won't you...
Plus, I just think that garter st is so much fun!
EZ is my knitting idol. When I got The Opinionated Knitter, I cried when I read it. I felt that as a knitter, I was part of something really special when I read that book.
Love the sweater.
Very cute! I really like your modifications and the clasps are beautiful. Who cares about zippers and buttons when those are out there.
What an adorable sweater! Lucky little babe.
Now HOW did I get on as Anonymous?
Sorry!
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