Basic Black: 26 Edgy Essentials for the Modern Wardrobe

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!

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.

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.

A great series of patterns to traceClear directionsIt sure it is for the beginner seamstressBeautiful and unique patternsLooking forward to applying some of the skills to Hacking other patterns I have

Such a treasure. The book is beautiful, I cannot wait to create.

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.

This is a must-have book for women wanting to have clothes which are different but very stylish. Watanabe's designs appeal to a broad range of women, not just women in their twenties. The use of different fabric textures e.g. lace, corduroy, with each design provides an added interest.

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.

Ein schönes Buch mit Schnittmustern im mittleren Größenbereich (40/42) würde ich sagen. Ich mag schwarze Kleidung. Als Thema gut umgesetzt, allerdings können all die Stücke natürlich auch in hellrosa oder welche Farbe man bevorzugt, gefertigt werden.

I received this in the post on Monday (7th July) and have been pouring over the book since it arrived. The book is split into three sections, the first being pictures of each of the 26 designs with a short description. Part 2 contains pattern layout diagrams and instructions for completion of each garment. Part 3 is in a pocket at the back of the book, a sheet of paper with the patterns for each of the 26 pieces on both sides of the one piece of paper ( a feat of Japanese minimalism).To make each garment you have to trace out the relevant pattern pieces and add seam allowance. The instructions for making each garment are minimalist but adequate with a little thought eg I have made the top part of garment F and had to really think about how to add the darts into the bodice pattern as they are not on the pattern ( eventually realised that when you have the first top dart line, found by 2 points on a line making the first dart everything else fell into place). Although not a total novice sewer I haven't made clothes since I was a teenager.The patterns aren't to way out but have subtle interest points that will lift these classic designs into something special.Finally, I want to say something about sizing, although the patterns are expressed as XS, S, M, L the measurements given are for the final size of the Garment, not your body size. Having made a shell of the top of garment F in the L size (I would normally be 14) I suspect a little caution should be exercised if you are larger than size 14 as the L might not be very large at all. Not having made a full size dress I couldn't comment on length although as most garments only have pattern pieces for the top with arrows indicating the direction of the skirt piece each item would be easy to change based on your own height.I love this book and would probably make most of the patterns in it - and of course as you are in charge you don't have to restrict yourself to black!

Lots of patterns, of typically gorgeous Japanese style, all in one book. Includes all sizes and is much better value than buying patterns one at a time. Easy to follow directions.

Me encantó, lo recomiendo , es lo que esperaba, viene con las hojas de patrones y las instrucciones en esquemas.

Love the designs in this book! Very easy to make and wear.