This Applique is not complicated .It is a learning curve and there are plenty of tutorial's on YouTube with this skirt to get you going if you aren't confident to start with . This project has an extensive PDF on how to proceed through for first timers with many photos of how to do it ..Machine embroidery applique to me is a breeze..its all lay-ed out before your eyes as you go..it can be over whelming when there are multi layers but just be calm and it will all fall into place .This project has a max of six or seven overlays on each of the panels... .just follow the instruction and you will get through it..There are a lot of hours (40-50) in the embroidery-applique so patience is a must ..You don't have to stick to the colors in both applique or embroidery its your choice..