Does SSK, K2TOG, and YO Sound like a Foreign Language to You?
Have you been thinking about learning how to knit or improving your knitting skills? The Building Series books by Michelle Hunter are the best books to learn and gain new knitting skills. In the series there are three books: Building Blocks, Building in Color, and Building with Lace. I also would recommend working through them in that order. All three books are designed to either compliment a class or to work through by yourself. The thing that makes these so incredible is because they all come with video support. Each new technique comes with a list of videos to watch.
The first book in the series is Building Blocks. I did this project as an experienced knitter and I learned several new things. In this book you make 12 squares and at the end you sew them together and complete an afghan. Each block is designed to introduce you to a new concept or stitch. In this book you will learn every basic increase and decrease stitch. You learn how to read patterns, read charts, make bobbles, execute cables, block your work & seam it together. Each new concept is described in great detail with written words and then supported by a video so you can see how each is executed.
The second book in the series is Building in Color. This book takes you through a journey of exploring how to knit with multiple colors at a time. You knit 10 strips or panels and sew them together. At the end you pick up stitches and knit a border to complete a beautiful afghan. There are both written instructions and chart instructions for each panel. It really shows you how to explore with color and knit some pretty combinations. I have seen this project done in so many colors and they all looked so good together. This book will teach you how to deal with the multiple colors tangling together as you knit. I have seen these individual patterns used in things like hats and baby blankets. I always get excited when I see them because I think to myself, I know what that is, and I know how to do it!
The third book in the series is Building with Lace and happens to be my favorite book. It is a book filled with 9 different lace patterns with detailed written instructions and all of the patterns also have charts. This book includes nine beautiful lace patterns to create a beautiful shawl. There are beads on the border and in one section of the shawl. Knitting this was absolutely one of the funniest projects I have ever knit. It takes a good amount of time to accomplish it, but the end result is worth it. In this book you will learn about lace basics, little tiny bobbles, double yarn overs, doing cables without cable needles, knitting with beads (my absolute favorite), smocking stitch, circular designs, nupps, and true lace knitting. Since all the patterns include charts and written words it is a great project to really learn your chart reading.
As you step through each book your skills will build on each other. Your knowledge and confidence will increase together. Becoming a better knitter takes time and effort and having a step by step guide will help you achieve your goals. I have taught these books multiple times, and everyone always says they cannot believe how much they have learned. They are very proud of their projects they create and are ready to tackle other projects on their own. So, whether you are a new knitter or have been knitting for a while, picking up one of these books or taking a class will expand your knowledge and skills. Plus, you will create beautiful projects on the way. New classes are starting soon, so be sure to sign up.
Knit with Love my Friend,
