Kate Atherley is THE tech editor. Like if she was editing a pattern for me I would be equal parts starstruck and nervous. A “we’re not worthy” Wayne’s World style tribute comes to mind. So when she asked me to to review her book, immediately I was kind of honored.

But even though I am an unabashed fangirl, I didn’t expect what I got. I’ve been designing for over 8 years, and I have over 200 designs under my belt. What I got was schooled. But in a good way. The book has so much information. So many little details and suggestions that make so much sense.

The book has such concise, complete information on pattern writing that I’m kind of ashamed I’ve never read it before. It makes me want to rewrite ALL of my patterns. Every knit designer should have it, not just less experienced ones.

The sidebars with input from knitters are invaluable. There are appendixes with just loads of crucial information – including an extensive glossary of abbreviations that I could use all day long. She talks about software. She talks about copyright. She talks about properly tagging your patterns on Ravelry. She talks about working with publications.

Yes, I am a huge fan of Kate Atherley. But this book is that good. I learned so much from reading, and have tips that I will immediately integrate into my pattern writing workflow. And this isn’t even the newest edition – although I must say that I don’t find any of the information dated at all. She has a brand new edition that is shipping now on Amazon – and I can’t wait to get my hands on that one.