The first 20-odd pages of the book deal with the basics -- threads, fabrics, organisation and storage, sewing machines, machine needles, machine preparation, tools, stabilizers, and quilt-top construction. If you've ever wondered exactly what the differences between threads were and what the pros and cons of each are, you'll find the answers here. For example, silk thread is "great for basting because it doesn't leave holes in the fabric" but is "hard to find and expensive."
Likewise, the explanation on the different types of stablizers and needles -- which has the added value of Lehman giving her personal choices. For example she uses a Jeans/Denim 70/10 or 80/12 instead of a Universal 80/12 because it doesn't make such big holes. Add these helpful tips to those on metallic threads, and you've saved yourself hours of frustration!
The next 40 pages of the book explain Lehman's threadplay techniques step by step. Simply called Ribbon Illusions, Sheer Stitching, Appliqué, and Embroidery, the labels don't do justice to the possibilities of the techniques.
A Ribbon Illusion is a method whereby you embroidery what'll look like a ribbon threading across a quilt. The step-by-step instructions start with drawing a continuous ribbon or a streamer, transferring the design to your quilt top, then clearly set out how to stitch. Photos illustrate key points, and a gallery of finished quilts provides inspiration.
Sheer Stitching is used to make "zigzags, triangles, squares, and weird shapes. You are limited only by your imagination." With this, Appliqué, and Embroidery there are once again step-by-step instructions, photos, and a gallery of finished quilts.
If you've wanted to use a thread that's too thick to go through the eye of a needle, be sure to read the explanation of Bobbin Drawing. Basically, you put the thick thread at the bottom, which solves the problem of it not passing through the needle, then embroidery 'upside down'.
The book ends with a section on finishing off a quilt: backing, batting, basting, binding, signing a quilt, making a sleeve. So as well as teaching fabulous machine embroidery, it teaches you all the basics of quiltmaking too.
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