A recent development in machine embroidery techniques has been a move towards techniques which produce lacy and transparent effects. Moyra McNeill describes in planned stages a variety of experimental techniques which can be developed on the domestic sewing machine and shows how these techniques can be applied to both decorative and utilitarian items. The first chapters give advice on choosing a machine and explain the basic techniques of machine embroidery. The author goes on to describe the various chemical laces - vanishing muslins, acetate and water-soluble fabric - explaining the method of dissolving the background material and suggesting items to make for practice. A chapter on working on net shows how to make a variety of light, lacy articles including a wedding veil, a curtain and a parasol. There are also sections on pulled work muslin and scrim, cutwork, layering see-through fabrics, tape lace and working on plastic. A final chapter about design gives some suggestions for design starting points and their possible interpretations. Throughout the book, instructions are illustrated with diagrams, sketches and photographs. The book is aimed at both beginners and those with some experience. Moyra McNeill is also the author of Pulled Thread and Quilting for Today.