IF you are feeling really brave/foolish/masochistic (delete as appropriate), try Linux From Scratch -

Already there, mate. The files are sitting on my HD at work. I do feel foolish (one should never take oneself too seriously, eh?), but certainly not brave enough. My copy of the new release of Debian should be in the post. :)

Compiling each and every part of your own linux system is one helluva a way to learn <g>

That's why, with these experiences, I would never recommend MDK to any Newbie, or experienced user for that matter. "It's Rubbish".