Happy Canada Day - Our 140th birthday!

I have mentioned, I think on this blog, about how much I admire Elizabeth Zimmermann. This is her Baby Surprise Jacket and I was skeptical during the knit, but after a bit, I could see just what was happening! How did this woman's mind work? I have also said that if I were having a dinner party and could invite people alive or dead that I would invite Elizabeth. I am sure she would be a witty and enjoyable dinner guest. I would ask her about how she came up with her wonderful patterns and what does she think of blogs, podcasts and all the renewed interest in her gifts to the knitting world. Would you like to join us!

Above looks like a 'marigold' blob, but below is the sweater folded. I have not blocked it and the buttons are just lying on the sweater. I was not sure about one part of the knitting - the part that after you m1 on either side of stitches 44 and 135 and then there is talk of 3 ribs. I am beginning to think the 3 ribs are the ones created when you are increasing and you do not need to knit 6 more rows to get a further 3 ribs. I knit the six more rows! However, I am happy with the sweater and think it is brilliant. This is not the last baby surprise sweater I will knit. I have not sewn on the buttons, as I will await the arrival of the baby and also get some turtles or something boy like! I found it interesting when a gal wrote in to a website and asked why Elizabeth put buttons on both sides. Young women probably know the sex of the baby they are awaiting, but way back in the 'good old days' you did not know until the baby was born. Also some folk are not aware that boys/men and girls/women actually button their shirts on different sizes. It is not important to me which side it buttons on, so long as it fits!!

I will say this about Elizabeth Zimmermann's patterns - they are short, to the point and you have to do some thinking for yourself. All that said, they are just the nicest patterns and get the most compliments of any patterns I have knitted!

I am following along on an Elizabeth Zimmermann KAL that uses her 'Knitter's Almanac' book. For the month of July, the project is a Pi Shawl, so I will post some pictures later on. It is knit on a circular needle, as was Elizabeth's favourite tool!