I found it very odd that the author 1) hammers repeatedly on the utility of using proportional graph paper in order to exactly work out the shapes to be knitted and 2) emphasizes (correctly) the importance of finding the exact gauge one gets with the chosen yarn and needles and stitch pattern ...

... and seems to completely ignore the fact that the combination of knitter, yarn, needles and stitch pattern will be unique to each project while providing multiple copies of only *one* gauge of graph paper.

I was also disappointed by the lack of the author's own designs, or much insight to her own use of her own design process. I'm glad that I only borrowed this from the library first rather than buying it outright. ( )

I went to a course taught by Debbie Abrahams and this book really does tell you everything you need to know about all aspects of designing and adapting knitting patterns. You would not need any other book than this for basic information and, if you are creative enough, the amount of information provided would be able to take you to the most advanced level. It is not as colourful as some books but the diagrams are very clear and comrehensive. ( )