Basic Black

Basic Black
By: Sato Watanabe
Gifted by: Tuttle Publishing
Reviewed by: Kaylee Pope

Simple, black wardrobe pieces will never go out of style. Dark pieces are just so versatile that it would be impossible to say no to them. While black might seem like too severe of a color, the little black dress has been a staple of women’s wardrobes since the 1940s for a plethora of reasons. Black is slimming. Black makes everything have a more professional or dressier edge. But most of all? Black goes with everything. The timeless style of midnight black is exactly why Sato Watanabe created and collected the pieces in Basic Black.

Boasting “26 Edgy Essentials for the Modern Wardrobe”, this book delivers on that promise. Every single piece in this book has a contemporary edge. Some of the designs will look a little familiar to you as you flip through pages and pages of black wardrobe pieces, but Watanabe adds a bit of her own modern chic to each piece. This chic and on-trend look is supplemented by the slimming, fresh look of black fabric. Designs like the “V-neck Midi Dress” and the “Asymmetric Jumper Dress” will look fantastic on just about anybody. You will not regret creating them for yourself or others.

In addition to providing pretty designs, Basic Black is an excellent collection of tutorials. Each piece comes with detailed instructions as well as a full pattern. The patterns for each project can be found in an envelope attached to the back cover of the book. This makes the book invaluable. If you were to purchase 26 patterns like the projects in this book, you would spend a pretty penny. Finding them all in one book is an absolute steal. Plus, the pieces in this book are simple and classic enough that they will not be going out of style anytime soon. This collection is a must-have for seamstresses who often make their own clothes. Just one of these versatile pieces can be worn in a dozen different ways.

Sewists looking to add some edge to their wardrobe should check out Sato Watanabe’s Basic Black. This book, filled to the brim with 26 fashionable patterns, is a one-stop shop for updating your look. With dresses, blazers, and more, this pattern collection is sure to delight any fashionable female. Check it out today!

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