I am a very recent Gene groupie and ordered this book for myself for Christmas and what fun I have been having! Not only are the pictures just fabulous (great close-ups and color photography) but the instructions are clear and easy to follow. I am a very experienced seamstress, but these instructions would be easy for just about any level of skill. The suggested techniques, fabric selections and reference material all add to the authenticity of costuming Gene in all her splendor! (Actually, all the clothes and accessories fit not only Gene, but her 15-1/2" cousins as well: Madra, Tyler and some others I have yet to meet personally!) Victorian through Mod fashions are represented . Suggestions are given for variations and modifications for these outfits and accessories to keep this Gene lover busy for a long time to come! What I also very much like about this book is the innovation the author uses for adapting items probably on hand; i.e., costume jewlery earrings which were made into a small purse, hats from bits and pieces of silk flowers and feathers, and the use of fabrics and materials from vintage sources like old belts and handbags, beaded sweaters, etc. The mind tingles with possibilties! Hmmmm....I seem to remember a red beaded sweater given to me as a present a few years ago.....it really is a bit too small....where did I put my sissors???!!!