This is a TERRIFIC book for bellydancers who are starting to explore the world of costume-making for their craft. Even if you can barely sew at all (like me) this book gives you enough information for you to build a multitude of costumes. The drawings show how several different pieces can be re-combined, and multiple variations on a theme.
The binding was purposefully chosen to permit the costumer to lay the book flat (I only wish more cookbooks used this idea!); mine has been laid flat, folded over, and abused in dozens of different ways and has never lost a single page. Bad bindings are easily replaced by the publisher if you send a faulty one back.
This is a PERFECT book for folks on a budget who are trying to achieve an expensive look without breaking their wallet as well; it's affordably priced and it covers inexpensive techniques that look like a fortune. I've frequently referred back to this book while creating new outfits.