"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
08/01/2014
Black clothing is a staple of many women's wardrobes because of its versatility and easy sophistication. Inspired by this classic color, Japanese designer Watanabe (Stylish Skirts) designed a collection of 26 garments ranging in style from a casual button-down shirt to a simple sleeveless linen maxi dress featuring cleverly placed tucks to a flared flannel short coat with an asymmetrical collar. Clean lines with intriguing details such as pin tucks, unusual necklines, and feminine trim bring added visual interest to the garments. Sewists used to the directions in Japanese sewing books will feel at home with the cutting and sewing diagrams used in place of detailed written instructions; a guide to the symbols used is provided, as are ready-to-trace pattern sheets in sizes XS to L. VERDICT English translations of Japanese sewing books are popular, and this collection will appeal to experienced sewists who appreciate sophisticated, minimalist styles.
