Must-Have Book - AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary

"figure it out" 

This has always been my mantra. If you mess up on a project, figure it out. 

If you forget your keys in the car and you have locked yourself out, figure it out. 

If you ran out of Tikka Masala and you need it for your Butter chicken, figure it out. 

If you get a flat tire and you have errands to run, figure...errrr call AAA (triple A). 

Figure it out has always been a natural response for me whenever I'm stumped (and this is why my partner and I make sense...his brain doesn't work like this for non work related things). 

As a Knitter, figuring it out has always been in my vocabulary. And if you have read my previous posts, you know that books and the google machine have always been my buddies. Searching for new (to me) techniques has always been fun for me, but sometimes I do what all science minded people know they should not do...I go with the first source. 

This unfortunate habit still plagues me to this day, however I am learning. 

Today I present to you a resource that many knitter are most likely aware of but some of you may find very helpful: AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary : 200 Modern Knitting Motifs

If I had to describe this book in one sentence I would say this: "Andrea Rangel's inclusive knitting lens examines colorwork knitting and it will make you want to experiment with various modern knitting techniques as she explains the importance and the differences between them." po

This book sets out to challenge the tried and true methods that are often shared amongst our knitting communities. Andrea presents a plethora of different ways to "figure it out" by showing us how to do color work if we are throwers or pickers in addition to different techniques that we could use if we hold the yarn on the right or left hand. 

AlterKnit also tackles our fear of steeking by explaining why our projects are less likely to unravel and what types of fibers will require reinforcement with sewing versus crochet knitting. If you've never stetted, they also provide a link to a very helpful resource! 

All in all, I truly enjoy this book. The various charts are wonderful and they think outside of the box. I also like the intro to colors and how we need to consider hues and values. If you are thinking about diving into designing, or if you want a book that will help explain how the hell to hold the yarn during color work this book is for you.