Basic Black: 26 Edgy Essentials for the Modern Wardrobe
Basic Black: 26 Edgy Essentials for the Modern Wardrobe book cover

Basic Black: 26 Edgy Essentials for the Modern Wardrobe

Paperback – July 8, 2014

Price
$8.80
Format
Paperback
Pages
64
Publisher
Tuttle Publishing
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-4805313084
Dimensions
8 x 0.6 x 10 inches
Weight
14 ounces

Description

" BASIC BLACK : 26 Edgy Essentials For The Modern Wardrobe by Sato Watanabe […] with patterns, instructions, and diagrams translated to English. I am liking this one readers! There are cute, fitted, and very wearable styles. YAY!!! Now fitted isn't something I normally associate with Japanese Pattern Books so let's just say I was very pleasantly surprised when I opened this book, thinking it was going to be the typical potato sack/jumper/ smock type stuff from some of the other books I've looked at and sewed from. No. Not at all. There are several things I can't wait to sew for Fall […]" -- Sew Country Chick blog "The title of the book is Basic Black , and needless to say, all the garments featured are black. Have no fear if you are not a fan of wearing black though because, with these essential patterns in hand, you can create your own wardrobe in your own favorite colors." -- Japanese Sewing Books blog "I'm so excited to add Basic Black , another lovely Japanese sewing book by Sato Watanabe, to my collection! […] I always feel good when I wear black, so I was excited to hear about Basic Black: 26 Edgy Essentials for the Modern Wardrobe . I wasn't disappointed. True to Sato's style there is a pattern in here for everything--26 in fact! Yep, that's right-- 26! Tops, dresses, jackets and more. The fabrics are interesting, and the designs are more body flattering than most of the other Japanese sewing books you see on the shelves. Basic Black is another great English edition of a Japanese sewing book." -- Very Shannon blog "I'm a total sucker for a Japanese sewing book and Tuttle's latest translated offering doesn't disappoint. Basic Black by Sato Wantanabe contains 26 different designs, including as the title hints a lot of useful basics." -- Ideas and Inspirations blog "This book is fantastic! As I flipped through it, I kept thinking "Oh, I want to make that! And that one! And definitely that one! […] I declare Basic Black a winner! […] I'm obviously way too smitten with the Basic Black book to part ways with it" -- Sanae Ishida blog "The 26 patterns in Basic Black , cover blouses, vests, jackets, skirts and dresses and there really is something in here for everyone, even if you don't wear black! […] I think you will all find something to like in this book […]" -- Top Notch blog " Basic Black is one of Sato Watanabe's most recent book to be released in English. I love Japanese books and black […] I chose Basic Black because the patterns really appealed to me. Unlike other Japanese books, it mixes loose-fitting garments and more fitted silhouettes." -- Sewing Princess blog "As a person who loves Japanese clothing design but never wears black clothes I was intrigued […] If you love colorful clothes, don't be discouraged by the title! […] The designs in this book are beautifully constructed (or perhaps deconstructed) with elements of smart tailoring and great details including angular criss-cross darts, asymmetric hems and necklines, quilting, pleats, and hand embroidered panels. It includes patterns for A-line dresses, skirts, jackets, waistcoats, blouses, two fabulous coats and a gorgeous cheongsam. As the title suggests, they do all look stunning made up in shades of black but I think would also look good in brighter colors." -- IvyArch blog Sato Watanabe studied clothing and accessory design at the Bunka Fashion College before beginning a career as a magazine editor, eventually turning her writing skills to cooking and sewing books. Watanabe specializes in uncomplicated, elegant homemade couture with room for a touch of individuality.

Features & Highlights

  • Sew chic, dark-toned clothes with this stylish sewing book and add a touch of originality to your wardrobe.
  • Basic Black
  • is the English edition of a classic Japanese sewing book which provides sew-it-yourself Western-sized patterns for 26 basic garments, along with detailed, easy-to-follow diagrams and instructions. Author Sato Watanabe has published many books that are favorites among Japanese sewing fans. In this book, she shows you how to make genuinely professional-quality pieces quickly and inexpensively at home.
  • DIY Sewing designs include:
  • Lace Shirred Blouse
  • Lace Shirred Blouse
  • Tiered Sleeveless Dress
  • Tiered Sleeveless Dress
  • Zip-up Vest with High Neck
  • Zip-up Vest with High Neck
  • Frilled Shirt in Charcoal
  • Frilled Shirt in Charcoal
  • Flannel Short Coat
  • Flannel Short Coat
  • And much more…
  • And much more…
  • All of the styles and fashion are easily customized to create your personal style, and there is something for everyone and every occasion in this book--from a bright two-texture combo dress to a relaxed, bohemian tunic--and everything in-between. All the styles are thoroughly modern and practical, ranging from softly feminine or straight-line simple to smartly-tailored or loosely-deconstructed.Simple lines make these garments perfect for women of all ages and all sizes. This book includes a complete western-sized sewing pattern for each design that is easily adjusted to fit your body form. The understated, graceful designs in this book are ones that you'll come back to again and again.

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
60%
(187)
★★★★
25%
(78)
★★★
15%
(47)
★★
7%
(22)
-7%
(-22)

Most Helpful Reviews

✓ Verified Purchase

Don't order e-reader version of book

I just finished reading and have decided which design to start sewing. However, I purchased the kindle version which appears to me to have been a mistake. I am unable to download the patterns - hence the book is kind of worthless without the patterns. I think Amazon and the publisher should ensure patterns are printable before offering an e-reader version of a publication.
120 people found this helpful
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The clothes are lovely but the instructions are extremely slim ...

The clothes are lovely but the instructions are extremely slim. Unless you are an experienced sewer, stay away. Most of the patterns, even for a jacket are about 4 lines long. I think I might attempt a couple of the simple dresses... Probably not in black..and it should come as no surprise that the sizing for Japanese sewing patterns is extremely small. I don't understand why when they translate it to English! they don't take the time to size up. A conventional medium, about a 14 in most patterns is an extra large here.
50 people found this helpful
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This is an amazing collection of dresses and wardrobe pieces that you can ...

This is an amazing collection of dresses and wardrobe pieces that you can wear year round. I am currently taking sewing classes and the instructor walked in wearing an item from the book. I told her I had been reading a book that had that pattern in it and we, in unison, cried out "Black Dresses." Wonderful pictures, nice outcomes. One caution, the pattern pieces are all on front and back of two big sheets of paper. Very hard to discern which pieces go with what and you had better be good at following "your" particular size line. I put thin interfacing down and traced my patterns so as not to destroy my originals.
43 people found this helpful
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The styles are beautiful simplistic enough but the pattern is a very tough ...

NOT for the new sewer. The styles are beautiful simplistic enough but the pattern is a very tough to read and figure out. It took a committee of my sewing friends to dis cypher the exact lines and where to go.
I like having all the sizes though. I plan on making something for myself and then something for my preteen granddaughter. Styles are wonderful and funky and simple.
41 people found this helpful
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Beautiful photos but poor instructions

Not quite what I expected. Beautiful photos but poor instructions. I will be able to make some clothing because I am a very experienced sewist. But my students who want to use these patterns will need a ton of guidance. The designs are not as interesting either as the book preview suggests.
34 people found this helpful
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Simple yet sophisticated patterns for experienced sewers

Just received this book and I'm very impressed with it.  There are at least four patterns that I'd like to sew.  I have been sewing a long time and it's refreshing to see some patterns with interesting details, e.g., the tucks in the tiered dress, embroidered running stitches, shirred sleeves, etc.  A lot of the patterns have a tailored and refined look that I like. The fabrics used are also interesting, dobby, jacquard, corduroy. The patterns I've  seen in other Japanese sewing books have seemed more basic and frankly similar to what the Big 4 and some indie patterns offer, i.e., lots of girlish tops and dresses with gathers and ruffles. There are so many books out there for beginning sewers and this isn't one of them (thankfully for us more experienced sewers who would like to sew something more challenging).   The pattern instructions look detailed enough for me. I find schematics easier to use than written instructions.  This is my first Japanese sewing book and I can't wait to dive in!
17 people found this helpful
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Love

when I first looked at this book When I bought it (2 or more years ago) I was underwhelmed.
I have been slowly decluttering s o it was in my BIG box to pass on.
At the last minute I decided to take a second look.
And this time - I was Over whelmed. Maybe I was just not skilled enough to appreciate the patterns when I took my first look? But 2 years later I find the the lines of the patterns gorgeous as well as the lovely presentation. As always, I will make changes to the patterns as that is what I do but the book is inspiring me to try new and more innovative ways of sewing and embellishing.
Wonderful book.
16 people found this helpful
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New Wardrobe

I haven't made any of these yet, but they seem to be wonderful designs. I am an advanced sewer, but these are going to be a challenge for me. Beware if you haven't spent 60 years at a sewing machine like I have. You will need great patience and an above average sized brain. As always, these Japanese books are very inspirational at the same time edgy.
13 people found this helpful
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Some interesting patterns

I love most of the patterns available in this book. They are basically simple and alternations are extremely easy. I had a good laugh at a friend who is very literal in her approach to life -- she thought it a bit limited since they were presented in black. She also has fits that I use a hall table in the pantry as a work center :-) These are great additions to a core wardrobe.
12 people found this helpful
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edgy illustrations in black

Very Good.. all its title implied. only complaint they printed patterns on both sides so you cant just use. one more piece of paper would make it everything you need. right now. no digital file, that would have been useful. otherwise VERY GOOD>
12 people found this helpful