If you are looking for a comprehensive “how-to-knit-lace” instruction book AND show-stopping shawl pattern - your search is over! Run, don’t walk, to your nearest LYS and pick up the new book by knitpurlhunter Building With Lace.

The rectangular shawl is comprised of nine different lace patterns plus the applied borders at the top and bottom. Like her first two “Building” Books, all new techniques have free online video tutorials on her website KnitPurlHunter - 36 of her amazing videos are referenced in the book! Each section teaches new lace knitting techniques and stitches - beginning with lace basics and then sequentially moving to more advanced lace knitting techniques in each new pattern.

The book has large, clear photographs of each lace pattern, written and charted instructions for each pattern, and Michelle’s signature detailed tips and notes for each pattern. I love the “Chart Sense” notes that will help new lace knitters learn to understand and decode lace charts. Another huge plus are the detailed notes in each section on how and where to place stitch markers. The book also includes very clear, easy-to-follow instructions on how to block your shawl. I followed Michelle’s steps and my shawl blocked perfectly!

In addition to the insanely gorgeous and addictive lace patterns, you will also learn how to add beads to your knitting with a crochet hook. I’m hard-pressed to pick a favorite pattern of the nine - I think my top two favs were the Smocking Stitch pattern and the Circular Design - truly felt like I was working magic with my needles when I was knitting lace circular motifs!

SO honored and humbled for the incredible opportunity to test-knit this incredible shawl - and still in disbelief that my green shawl is on the front and back cover of the book - thank you, thank you Michelle and Skacel!

Knitting Notes and Yarn Usage

• Take the time to work a gauge swatch - I had to go down two needle sizes.

• Use stitch markers and lifelines. On the rows with lace elements - count/check your stitches at the end of the row so you don’t have any unpleasant surprises a few rows later.

• Have some practice yarn and needles handy and practice new, unfamiliar techniques with practice yarn before trying them on your shawl.

• I am normally a “chart” knitter, but I found it easier to knit the applied borders with the written instructions.

• Make sure you allot a designated LARGE space for your shawl to block and know that it will take 24 - 48 hours for your shawl to dry. I laid my shawl out to block on a Saturday afternoon and it wasn’t dry until Monday.

• Yarn Usage: Section One: 52 gms, Section Two: 41 gms, Section Three:46 gms, Section Four: 47 gms, Section Five: 55 gms, Section Six: 53 gms, Section Seven: 48 gms, Section Eight: 48 gms, Section Nine: 47 gms, Applied Top Border: 22 gms, Applied Bottom Border: 24 gms.