This book is written in the get ready, get set, go format.

In the "get ready" section Yvonne covers everything from "found object" beads to lighting solutions for your work area. Also included are some really nice color drawings of knotting techniques.

The "get set" section covers designing, color choices and how to care for your beaded clothing. The care and feeding of your sewing machine and serger as they relate to beading by machine and the tools necessary are included here also. Several charts are given to help you coordinate fabrics with stabilizers, transfer methods and types of hoops. A general sewing machine set up listing was especially helpful to me when using my "dinosaur" sewing machine.

The final sections of this book are a lot more than zig-zagging over prestrung plastic pearls or sequins. Several projects with concise directions and clear photos or drawings are included. Projects include jewelry of course, but also there are instructions for beaded note cards, edgings, fringes and beaded embroidery. (Remember, we're talking by machine.) A couple of the projects are done on a serger. (What a concept, use your serger for something besides a doorstop or boat anchor!)

I know many experienced sewers will rush right to the "Let's Bead" section of the book but I would advise caution and restraint. Take an evening to read and study the beginning portions. It will save you a lot of disappointment and several broken needles! This is the voice of experience speaking.