NOT FOR EVERYONE...
EZ's Knitter's Almanac was, to me a beautifuly done book. Half story book, half knitting instruction, EZ's wit and wisdom really shine in this lovely colection of patterns and shared stories.

I do not, however, feel that this book is for everyone. If you are a straight forward, k1,p2 type of knitter, you may want to borrow a copy from the library or a knitting friend. What is meant by that is this book is a guide, not a set pattern book. (Do this with these needles and this yarn, then that, this is the result.)

EZ lets you decide how your item will look... If you like a lace pattern, insert it in the shawl! Don't like a certain stitch in your Aran sweater? Do something differant there! But overall, enjoy it for the process, not only the product.

Knitting Mania
In this great little book, elizabeth Zimmerman, that great knitting guru who is no longer with us, has given us a ton of great ideas to keep us busy much more than the 12 months of the almanac. She has included some of her true classics in a chatty format, so we learn not just how to make an item, but how she went about creating it in the first place. Then, for those that need a quick read for a pattern, at the end of each chatty pattern, she gives the pithy, no-nonsense version.

This is a book that will be used over and over many times, so it might be a wise ides, when using a patterns, to xerox the pithy version and keep that in your knitting bag.

But don't ignore the chatty parts of the book. You learn how her mind worked in the creative process, and you might decide that there are some techniques that don't suit you for this pattern. If so, just drop that part and use the rest as a springboard for your own techniques. After all, as Elizabeth said, you are the boss of your knitting.
Priscilla Bouic

Elizabeth Zimmerman condensed and at her best
As always, EZ gives great, although not specific, instructions. As many of us learned from making our first Baby Surprise Jacket, if you just have faith in her ability and follow through, the results are exactly what she said they would be. I bought this for the February Sweater pattern (baby sweater on two needles), but I think I'll be using many of the patterns here. EZ strikes again.

EZ is always recommended reading
EZ is a wonderful writer - entertaining and also very informative. If this book was republished with better photographs, it would easily be a five-star product.

Zimmermann = quality
I love Zimmermann's technic and pattern. The only negative thing I could find is that the object isn't so top fashion. But the book is absolutely quality and something you need in your knitting collection.