"Knit on, with confidence and hope through all crisis."
~ August 9, 1910 - November 30, 1999 ~
There is so much to say about this brilliant woman... she revolutionized the art of knitting and inspired so many people all over the world. Her Pi Shawl, along with so many of her other designs and ideas, are famous. Her 'EPS' system, Baby Surprise Jacket etc. The freedom to knit your way - after all, you are the boss of your own knitting. This is the woman who gave us [knitters] permission - permission to do it our own way! The list of knowledge goes on and on - this is just the tip of the knitting needle. All of this, and Elizabeth herself, are and ever will be timeless.
To say she inspired me doesn't seem to be quite enough in describing all she has given. I remember how thrilled I was when I first stumbled upon it all. Talk about opening up a whole new world! While reading (devouring really) EZ's writings, I came upon this new word, "unvented" - complete with a [witty] explanation, which oddly enough, had a strange familiarity ... of sorts. I discovered that I had used this [her] 'technique' long before I ever knew of EZ.... long before I took up knitting needles and wool. "Unvented" was a word/action which had a meaning and all of it was OKAY! Reading her words validated this and so much more. O what joy this knowledge brought! I remember thinking - There is someone else out there who knows/understands .... and she's talking to ME! Well, that's the way it felt for this Knitter.
I could go on and on as you can probably tell .... but I won't. Please take the time to explore and learn more about this amazing woman, she will change your life - she did mine. Pass it on .... Generation after generation. Never ending, like the Moebius...... infinity and beyond.
In honour of this special anniversary, I will be knitting the EZ - 100th Anniversary Pi Shawl: Gull Wings designed by MwaaKnits who is offering Gull Wings (and two others - a 'Heart' one & a 'Camping' one) for free. What a great way to celebrate this occasion. Thank You Mwaa! Gull Wings is lovely and very EZ. It is based on the shawl from 'The Knitters Almanac'. What is really neat is that since Elizabeth was born on August 9, 1910, the pattern has been modified so that the lace stitch repeats and the number of rounds are multiples of 8, 9, 10 - the numbers in her birthday! She would have loved this, I'm sure. Here's the wool I've chosen:
The colours are: Blue Surf (bottom), Polar Moon (middle) and Purple Mystery (top).
I thought it would look pretty with the soft Blue Surf center, then the Polar Moon with the Purple Mystery radiating out to the edge. I'm not certain (as usual) but will see how I feel as it goes. No hurry on this one, just pure knitting enjoyment while remembering and soaking up all that is EZ. Bliss!
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| Yes, that is a Garlic Stitch Marker! No worries, it's glass - no smell. Though I do love me some Garlic! |
So, Dear Reader, as you may tell, it's difficult to find the 'right' words, but hopefully this expresses somewhat how I feel about this special Lady. Though it's not that well written, it's heartfelt nonetheless. Thank you Elizabeth Zimmermann, for everything!
Be sure to check out Schoolhouse Press - Elizabeth Zimmermann's creation which is now in the loving hands of her family. Knit On.......
~ Peace & Blessings ~
As Ever, Miss Stormy
