. . . Designs from Schoolhouse Press. . .

Schoolhouse Press Patterns

Elizabeth Zimmermann began producing her own patterns for sale with Newsletter #1 in 1958. In 2008, we introduced Schoolhouse Press Pattern #1, EZ's Butterfly Jacket/Vest. We will continue to expand our pattern collection from Elizabeth Zimmermann, Meg Swansen and other designers. All patterns include written instructions, charts when necessary, sizing information, plus technique photos. Patterns are between 4-12 pages, with color photographs, and housed in a sheet protector. *Note: We are researching the possibility of downloadable patterns.

Scroll down for Archival binders for your Schoolhouse Press patterns.

Snow Sky (SPP 29)

Ann Swanson

Our dear friend and Knitting Camper, Ann Swanson, was an amazing designer. Her Snow Sky sweater was featured in the now Out of Print book Sweaters From Camp. Snow Sky is a drop-shoulder sweater knitted from the lower hemmed edge to the neck; 3/4 length sleeves are knitted from armholes to the rolled cuff. Knit in Shetland Jumper-Weight wool. 4 pages. $8

Ritual Dance (SPP 28)

Ron Schweitzer

Ritual Dance is the third pattern in Ron Schweitzer's Remembered Voices collection. An intricate design in reds, blues and purples wind over the cardigan, knitted in the round from the lower edge to shoulders. As with all Ron's designs, this is knitted in Spindrift Shetland Jumper Weight wool. $8

Jump to Ron's Sacred Trees Design

Jump to Ron's Flowers of Life Design

Pansy Shawl (SPP 27)

Amy Detjen

This shawl has a simple pansy flower pattern and has the shape of a traditional Faroese style shawl; however, it is knit from side to side using Short Row shaping to create the wedge in the back. The shape is full of opportunities to adjust the size, length, and gauge, so you can use the pattern for a wide triangular scarf or an elegant long shawl with lots of drape. It's a challenging and fun pattern for knitters who want to try lace for the first time, because they will learn both the Centered Double Decrease and the Centered Eyelet; those same details make it engaging for more experienced lace knitters too. $8

Doll Clothes (SPP 26)

Elizabeth Zimmermann

These wonderful designs to fit 16.5" Sasha dolls were copied from one of Elizabeth Zimmermann's knitting journals. Many decades ago, Elizabeth bought two Sasha dolls for her grand-children (a girl, Belinda, for Liesl and a boy, George, for Cully) and fashioned an extensive wardrobe for each. When the dolls were sent away, Elizabeth pined for them and purchased her own (the brown-haired Martha) to try out new garment-construction ideas in miniature. This collection includes cursory notes for making The Tomten Jacket, Tights/Leggings, Bootees, Bonnet, Hat, Jumper, Shorts, Bellbottom pants, Tam, Yoke Sweater, Mobius Vest, and Suspender Sweater. 6 pages. $8

If I Could Fly Faroese-Style Shawl (SPP 25)

Bridget Rorem

If I Could Fly was inspired by a rubbing of a stone angel given to Bridget by a friend. She was taken with the stylized patterning of the feathers on the wings, and she thought it could be made in lace, specifically a Faroese style. Faroese-Style Shawls are popular for their beautiful shaping; they narrow toward the top and sit snugly on the shoulder. Knit in Icelandic Laceweight or Shetland Laceweight. 8 pages. $8

Jump to Bridget's Near Solstic Shawl Design

Jump to Bridget's Lace Alphabet Pattern

Icelandic 3-cornered Neck Scarf & Shawl (SPP 24)

Marilyn van Keppel

Marilyn van Keppel's work never fails to amaze and inspire us. This design has a stocking stitch background with an all-over lace pattern and lacy border. The finished size of the shawl is 70" across the top and 35" deep; the neck scarf is 32" across the top and 16" deep. You may want to try the scarf first to familiarize yourself with the pattern on a smaller scale. $8

Marilyn is a retired professor of mathematics who has been knitting for over 50 years. Her interest in shawls led her to visit the Faroe Islands and translate the patterns in the book Bundanaurriklaedid (Faroese Shawl Book). Marilyn also translated the patterns in the book Three-Cornered and Long Shawls. Originially, Schoolhouse Press sold Marilyn's translation with the book from Iceland. Inspired by Marilyn's work, the author of Three-Cornered and Long Shawls has produced a new translation with both the patterns and the history in English. The newest edition of Three-Cornered and Long Shawls includes that translation.

Sacred Trees (SPP 23)

Ron Schweitzer

Sacred Trees is the second pattern in Ron Schweitzer's Remembered Voices collection, a spectacular Fair Isle pullover in a rich pallet of 11 Shetland shades.

Ron writes:
"The design stimulus for this series is the art, the rituals, and the lives of indigenous Americans and their ancestors from North, Central and South America. They all lived in harmony with the natural world, and drew their livelihood from the land, the elements, animals, plants, and trees. Beliefs that certain trees are portals for spirit energy are central to many Native American civilizations. To the Salish Nation of the Pacific Northwest, the Arbutus tree was sacred; Mayan culture considered the Ceiba tree central to their mythology and cosmology; and the Aztecs venerated the Copal tree, whose wood provided incense believed to be the 'scent of heaven'. Sacred Trees captures the essence of these and similar beliefs using 11 colors of Spindrift Shetland Wool and an allover tree motif I developed from Celtic artwork." $8

Welcome Back Sun (SPP 22)

Marilyn van Keppel

Marilyn's sweater design was inspired by a painting in the frontispiece of the touching children’s book, Welcome Back Sun, by Michael Emberley (Little, Brown,1993), sadly now out of print. With Michael Emberley’s permission, we have reproduced his painting (see at left) to accompany Marilyn’s knitted version; a yoke-style cardigan in 3 sizes, knitted in Shetland Jumper Weight wool. 4 pages. $8

Turkish Maple/Turkish Ocean (SPP 21)

Meg Swansen

Two designs from the out-of-print book, Meg Swansen's Knitting, have been combined into this pattern booklet: The Turkish Maple and the Turkish Ocean. Both all-over patterned Shetland pullovers are knitted from the lower edge and have Modified Drop Shoulders. The Maple has a standard shoulder; the Ocean had a knitted-on Saddle Shoulder. Sleeves are worked from cut armholes to cuffs, and are shaped down the sleeve top.
8 pages. $8

The Aspen Yoke Sweater (SPP 20)

Meg Swansen

This lovely yoke sweater was Meg's first contribution as a guest designer to Elizabeth Zimmermann's Wool Gathering publication. Later, it became part of the book Meg Swansen's Knitting (out-of-print). It is knit in unspun icelandic two-ply by pulling from the inside and outside of the wheel. The sweater is worked in typical EPS (Elizabeth Zimmermann's Percentage System) style: body from lower edge to underarm; sleeves from cuffs to underarms. Sizing 40 (42, 44). Plain collared or turtleneck. Techniques include: Short-Row Wrapping, Stocking Stitch Weaving and Long-Tail Cast On, plus the directions for EPS. 4 pages. $6

The Tomten Jacket (SPP 19)

Elizabeth Zimmermann

The Tomten Jacket is an original Elizabeth Zimmermann design, similar in popularity to her Baby Surprise Jacket. This pattern includes expanded instruction and multiple sizes for babies, children, and adults based on 3 different gauges. Decide if you prefer a hood, collar, or a shaped cardigan neck. There are details on garter-stitch weaving, knitting up stitches, EZ's Phoney Seam, three different choices for I-Cord buttonholes, After-Thought Pockets, sewn casting-off, One-Row buttonholes plus three choices for uniting the underarm seam. 8 pages. $8

Baby/Toddler Tomtens

Ceci's Tomten in Unspun Icelandic

Weeping Sun and Moon (SPP18)

Meg Swansen

The Weeping Sun & Moon Sweater originally appeared in Meg Swansen's Knitting (Interweave Press), which is now out-of-print.There are 2 versions in SPP#18: a red and black model with a sun on both sides, and red sleeves; a gold and blue version with a sun on the front, a moon on the back (in negative colors) and a sleeve of each color. Why are they weeping? Indeed, life is difficult - but the tears also break up a 22-stitch carry. This design preceded my knowledge of Armenian Knitting, and isolated motifs were not in my bag-o'-tricks at the time.The garment is knitted in the round from the lower edge with a steek at the neck. Sleeves are worked up from the cuffs and knitted into the stitched-and-cut armholes. 4 pages. $6

Cabled Yoke Sweater and Hat (SPP 17)

Cully Swansen

This yoke sweater had its origin in Cully's hat design, which appeared in Vogue Knitting Winter 2010.The seamless construction follows EPS: knit the body and sleeves to the underarm, unite the three pieces and shape the yoke to the neck. Knitted in Canadian Regal wool, it is medium weight and knits up at about 5 sts to 1". Michelle likes to call it The Moguls Sweater as the crossover cables remind her of the intricate pattern on the ski slopes. The effect of the yoke is quite striking and draws attention upward to the wearer's face. Full instructions for both the sweater and the hat.

4 pages. $6

Flowers of Life (SPP 16)

Ron Schweitzer

We have long admired Ron Schweitzer's stunning two-color designs and are so pleased to have him on board with us. You probably know Ron's work through his books,Travel Logs, Chesapeake Collection, Appalachian Portraits and Postcards from Shetland.

Flowers of Life is the first pattern in his new collection Remembered Voices and is exclusive to Schoolhouse Press. Ron writes, "The design stimulus for this collection is the art, the rituals, and the lives of indigenous Americans and their ancestors from North, Central and South America. They all lived in harmony with the natural world and drew their livelihood from animals, plants, trees, the elements and the land. Flowers of Life is a tessellated design of painterly wildflowers in the light and shadow of the woodland."

Flowers of Life, the first pattern from the collection, is a fascinating bit of wizardry; even while lying flat, the fabric appears to undulate. I'll post a photo below so you can see what I mean (look out, the colors most likely will not portray accurately on screen).

4 pages. $8

Two Guernseys (SPP 15)

Elizabeth Zimmermann and Meg Swansen

These two Guernseys were photographed for Elizabeth's third book, Knitting Workshop, which included brief instructions for her version. This pattern includes specific instructions for both garments which are knit in the round (with gussets and 'seam' sts) from the lower edge to within a few inches of shoulder height. The armholes are cut open and garter-stitch saddle shoulders knitted onto the raw body stitches. Techniques include: Provisional Cast-on, Short Rows and Wrapping, and choice of steeks.

4 pages. $6

Delsbo Sweater (SPP 14)

Meg Swansen

This pattern features the Swedish Delsbo design from our Wool Gathering publication (WG#81). This lovely, historic sweater has been shown in a number of Scandinavian books and I have added my variations which include built-in-cardigan borders and modified drop-shoulder shape. I had some difficulty with the original WG charts (posted corrections on our website) so - with additional space in this pattern format, I expanded that section to include complete charts for body circumferences 33", 37", 41", 45" and 49". I used Finnish Satakieli wool in the three traditional colors - but our Shetland Jumper Weight wool will yield the same gauge (7 sts to 1") and offers over 300 shades from which to choose.

8 pages. $8

Elizabeth Zimmermann's Green Sweater (SPP 13)

designer Elizabeth Zimmermann

pattern instructions by Sunday Holm

This sweater was designed by Elizabeth Zimmermann and given to Joan Morhard Smith in the 1950s. Joan wished for her beloved sweater to be re-knit as the original sweater (at left) is almost 60 years old and could not be repaired. Designer Sunday Holm reconstructed the pattern replicating the original shaping of the garment. The sweater is worked from the bottom up with a mitered hem and "phoney seams." It is a cropped sweater with Dolman sleeves (we've seen this type of sweater sleeve in many clothing magazines lately) and is knit in the round to the shoulder. We give plenty of techniques (provisional co, phoney seams, securing steeks, EZ's icord button loops and more), along with an option for slimming the sleeve. Sizes (36, 40, 44, 48 chest circumference). Recommended gauge is 5 stitches to the inch.

4 pages. $8 Pattern, or order a kit with 5, 6, or 7 skeins (pattern included) at left.

The original yarn EZ used for this pattern is no longer available. We suggest knitting the sweater in the lovely Ultra Alpaca, Peat Mix or another color (kit option under pattern at left).

You can also achieve 5 stitches to the inch in Canadian Regal or Quebecoise for a slightly thicker fabric; however, consider knitting The Green Sweater by changing the gauge or achieving a looser gauge using Shetland Jumperweight or Jamieson Spindrift--hundreds of color options, including many different shades of Green!

The Green Sweater re-knit in Peat Mix Ultra Alpaca

Latvian Mittens (SPP 12)

Lizbeth Upitis

This pattern holds your hand as you step into the ocean of Latvian techniques and designs. The shading in this mitten’s cuff plus alternating colored sun symbols in its palm give the appearance of a difficult six-colored mitten. But this traditional Latvian mitten is worked with no more than two colors in a round. Single-colored fringe immediately precedes two-colored braid, so fringe strands pop up inside the braid. 4 pages.

Latvian Mittens Pattern $8

Buy the pattern and the Latvian Mittens book for $33

Lizbeth Upitis, author of Latvian Mittens

In November, 2009 Lizbeth Upitis was awarded an honorary diploma by the Cultural Foundation of the World Federation of Free Latvians “for teaching and popularizing the art of Latvian mitten knitting.” She can bring her deep knowledge and 100s of mittens to lectures or workshops anywhere in the world. Contact Lizbeth Upitis

7 Hat Designs (SPP 11)

Meg Swansen, EZ, Cully Swansen, Eleanor Haase

The Hats booklet contains 7 different designs from 4 different designers. Meg has included a Twisted-Stitch cap, the Albrecht Durer Tower Hat and a Circular Brioche Watch Cap. Eleanor offers a Garter-Band hat. Cully instructs on making his I-cord Lattice Hat. And, we've included two of EZ's designs: The Conch or Snail Hat and the Kliban Hat.

8 pages. $8

Eli's Christmas Stocking (SPP 10)

Meg Swansen

A few years ago, Santa Claus left me a note: "Please knit a Christmas stocking for Eli." (Eli is my grandson) What a pleasant assignment: knit for someone you love, and knit only a single stocking. This one is worked from the top down, with a center-back "seam" stitch.

4 pages. $6

Lace Alphabets Scarf Sampler (SPP 9)

Bridget Rorem

The knitters I know are fond of expressing themselves not only through their knitting but also through the messages or statements they write into their knitted garments. In the second pattern available in the Bridget Rorem series, Bridget guides you through the creation of the letters in two gorgeous and practical alphabets as knit into a sampler scarf. Knitters can practice their ABCs while constructing a beautiful and useful garment to give away or keep. Bridget's lace alphabets can be worked into any lace design with ease.

Also, see Bridget's design Near Solstice Shawl , an elegant garment with an original haiku knitted across the top.

4 pages. $8

Christmas Past (SPP 8)

Dale Long

Dale's sweater, "Christmas Past," was inspired by the Victorian era and his childhood memories of watching Dickens', A Christmas Carol. Dale said, "I named my sweater after one of the ghosts who turned Scrooge from a misanthropic curmudgeon into a loving human being. I wanted to show Christmas through the haze of memory, so instead of using deep true shades, I chose colors that were soft and muted to suggest shapes we associate with Christmas rather than being too representative."

Dale Long knitted for over 40 years, and became a hand-spinner as well. His designs have been published in several magazines and a number of books. Christmas Past originally appeared in a Land's End publication to celebrate hand-knitting.

The sweater is a modified dropped-shoulder worked in the round. Written instructions, plus charts. Techniques include two methods for cutting steeks, three-needle bind-off and carrying three yarns. 4 pages. $8

Near Solstice Lace Shawl (SPP 7)

Bridget Rorem

Near Solstice is a triangular shawl featuring an array of lacy bird's feet, dancing in the snow. Also, knitted in lace across the top of the triangle is an original and very touching haiku.

Bridget is truly an extraordinary lace innovator, never borrowing existing patterns from books, but designing each of her unique motifs from scratch and, when necessary, inventing techniques to realize her ideas.

10 pages. $8

Anna Makarovna's Secret Stockings-SPP6

Beverly Royce

Although Beverly Royce's book, Notes on Double Knitting, is out of print, we have made an instruction leaflet from one of the most requested patterns in that book: Anna Makarovna's Secret Stockings,as mentioned in Tolstoy's War and Peace; two socks knitted simultaneously - one inside the other. Beverly's method of Double Knitting takes two passes to complete one round -- and differs from that of M'lou Baber (author of the new book, Double Knitting, Reversible Two-Color Designs). This leaflet is recommended for experienced double Knitters -- or bold knitters who like to leap into the unknown. 4 pages. $6

A-B-C-SJ (Adult, Baby, Child's Surprise Jacket)

Elizabeth Zimmermannn

SPP 5

Elizabeth Zimmermann's Baby Surprise Jacket has become near legendary since its conception in 1968. The jacket is knitted back and forth in garter stitch, then cleverly folded and completed by weaving the shoulder seams. This updated pattern includes Elizabeth's original Baby Surprise Jacket instructions, original Adult Surprise instructions, and instructions for the new Child's Surprise jacket (see below). We've also added row by row instructions for the Baby Surprise Jacket. Both the Adult and Child's Surprise are based on the construction of the baby jacket. Cully has included numbers to knit the Baby Surprise Jacket at different gauges and a chart to enable you to knit different sizes at different gauges. The pattern also includes an options section for adding hood, collar and other features such as EZ's Afterthought Pocket and more. Technique instruction is also included.

Three Patterns, 12 pages. $10

The Baby Surprise Jacket: So Many Options

Eli and Ceci wearing Child's Surprise Jackets

Yoke Sweaters (SPP 4)

Elizabeth Zimmermann and Meg Swansen

In 2008 we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Schoolhouse Press. Meg produced two anniversary issue Wool Gatherings (the butterfly pattern above was our other anniversary garment). WG#79 sold out quickly so we have created it in pattern form for you. The pattern features two yoke designs; one in Unspun Icelandic created from a chart found in Elizabeth's papers, and one in Shetland Jumperweight re-created from a photograph of EZ's daughter LLoie. 8 pages. $8

Box-the-Compass (SPP 3)

Elizabeth Zimmermann and Meg Swansen

A seamless pullover design collaboration based on Elizabeth's idea to rotate four raglan shaping lines to appear at the center front and back and on the sleeve tops. The construction is based on EPS (Elizabeth's Percentage System). Techniques include: knitting up stitches for the hem, double decrease, long-tail cast on, short rows and wrapping, phoney seams. Math for sizes: 36", 38", 40", 44", 48", 52" included, though the numbers should be easily adjustable for any chest circumference. 4 pages. $6

Arch-Shaped Stockings (SPP 2)

Elizabeth Zimmermann and Meg Swansen

Elizabeth Zimmermann knitted the prototype for the arch shaped stockings in the 1960s. They are quite sensuous as you slip them on and feel the arch snug up into the bottom of your foot. In a thorough search of EZ's knitting journals, no notes about this particular design were found. Meg Swansen pored over the original stockings to create the written pattern. Detailed instructions for a pair of aran or two color stockings with charts for 7 different designs including an elegant Bavarian Twisted Stitch design. 8 pages. $8

Butterfly Vest (SPP 1)

Elizabeth Zimmermann

EZ's Butterfly Jacket was first published in McCalls Needlework in 1956. Meg re-knitted the design in Ultra Alpaca and Unspun Icelandic, giving full instructions in Wool Gathering #78 (Spring 2008) for the 50th year anniversary of Schoolhouse Press. The Wool Gathering issue sold out quickly and we're happy to be able to introduce our line of patterns with this lovely Elizabeth Zimmermann garment. EZ's intitial article in McCall's was accompanied by her Ribwarmer and the manner of construction in each design is related. (We show the Butterfly being knitted on the new Ribwarmer DVD.) 4 pages. $6

Archival Binders for Schoolhouse Press Patterns (New)

Archival quality binders (made from 65% recycled material) for your Schoolhouse Press patterns. 8.5 X 11, 1.5", holds up to 80 sheet protectors, black w/ white inside, outer label pocket on spine with convenient card to identify the contents plus a hole to enable you to hook it out of the bookshelf. This binder matches our smaller Wool Gathering binders (below). $7.95