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!

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 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

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.

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 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.

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>