Basic Black: 26 Edgy Essentials for the Modern Wardrobe

by Sato Watanabe

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:
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.

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference, Fashion, Art

96 pages, Paperback

First published December 16, 2005

Reviews

[Ligaya · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love the Japanese fashion aesthetic but many of these patterns I had seen before, in my own sewing pattern files. I think some styles were "edgy" but many were cute or even boring. Nice photography and the craft of each garment looks good. I cannot speak to the completeness of the directions. The "basic black" limitation was an interesting choice, but I really hope someone does a fuchsia version of this book.

[Jennefer Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

i really enjoyed the content of this book and it has inspired me to get the dressmaking on the go again. It provides several pattern pieces for you to adjust to your own size. Looks good but have not actually done any pattern work so there is a possibility that it may need to be resized from the smaller Asian to my (much larger) European size - but its all do-able!

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still in pursuit of some dress patterns…
This one had some great jacket and coat patterns. Obviously don't have to use black material for any of these projects.
Nothing I must make now, but will think about it again for jackets and coats.

[Mary Seward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series of patterns

A great series of patterns to trace
Clear directions
It sure it is for the beginner seamstress
Beautiful and unique patterns
Looking forward to applying some of the skills to Hacking other patterns I have

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

too black!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely pattern book but not what I was looking for, very urban goth inspired.

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was OK, and the instructions were very clear, but there was nothing in it that I wanted to make. I did make a black skirt, but not from this book.

[Sarah Thrower · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous little book perfect for a beginning sewing student like myself

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had a copy of this when I was studying Fashion. I think it would have given me a better understanding of garment construction. Worth a peep if you fancy knocking up a new 'fit.

[Beth Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful clothing, beautiful photography. My onky complaint is that the patterns only go to about a 40" bust. I need slightly more so I'll be doing some alterations.

[Lafrog8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 patterns might be useful: one asymetric top and one dress with stiched skirt. Don't think worth owning.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Chic enough - totally not my style.

I didn't even get into the patterns of technical aspects

[Lexi Wright · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would live in the Polka Dot Jacquard Dress, if only I could commission sewing prowess.

[Cyndi]

Some interesting ideas that I will revisit when I have more time...