Basic Black - by Sato Watanabe (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

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
• Tiered Sleeveless Dress
• Zip-up Vest with High Neck
• Frilled Shirt in Charcoal
• Flannel Short Coat
• 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.

Review Quotes

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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

About the Author

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.