My knowledge about peyote stitch can fit into a single, very short sentence. After flipping through the book Stitch Workshop: Peyote Stitch basic techniques, advanced results from the publisher of Bead and Button Magazine; I am a little more knowledgeable, but no less wow'd by those who can do it.
My personal favorite part of the entire book (this is coming from a non beadweaver) is that it has a brief history of peyote and the origin of the name "peyote". I didn't know the name for this stitch was used by the Native Americans when the stitch was used to depict symbols on religious artifacts. However, when the stitch was used on non religious items, it was referred to as "gourd stitch". Over the years, all variations of this particular stitch are called peyote.
In addition to the history of the term peyote stitch, the first section of the book includes a very detailed techniques section including: Flat Even and Odd Count, Circular, Tubular, Decrease, Increase, Two-Drop, Zipping, and 5 different Bezel shapes, all using peyote stitch. This section also includes information on threads, what to do with them, tools, stringing materials and more.
This particular book, according to the publisher is organized by easiest to most advanced projects. As a beginning beadweaver looking at the very first pattern called Electrifying Zig Zag Stripes, it does not look beginner level. Some of the patterns a bit later in the book look potentially do-able by a beginner, but honestly, I think this is not a book a beginner should start with.
However, that being said, there are some absolutely stunning and innovative designs in this book and if you are a beginner, it might be a big push of inspiration to keep learning so you can do try some of these designs with a little experience under your belt. There is one bracelet called Ropes and Rings by Laura McCabe that is so lush and gorgeous it makes my heart race.
There is a design where you bead around one of those curvy drinking straws for a really neat effect. One necklace you make a flower on a vine that I just love. The last project of the book shows you how to peyote stitch your way to decorative vessels! Overall, there are at least 28 projects utilizing yummy seed beads, sparkling crystals and mesmerizing rivoli, along with several other types of beads.
Important to note, this book contains projects previously published in Bead and Button.