With the weather being so overcast and dull, it’s been nigh on impossible to get photos of finished knits and sewing, so I’m taking this opportunity to share another of the books that Tuttle Publishing recently sent me.
This time its a sewing book, Basic Black: 26 Edgy Essentials for the Modern Wardrobe by Sato Watanabe.
This is a beautiful book. I do love the Japanese aesthetic, but often find that it leans a little too much towards simplicity, or, even, too young. But this one is full of clean, stylish, wearable garments that would be equally at home in the wardrobes of 20-somethings as well as those more *cough* mature, like myself.
The patterns include blouses, dressed, jackets, skirts and coats. Pretty much a whole wardrobe’s worth of designs.
My personal favourites include:
J. Jumper Dress with Square Neckline
K. High Neck Shirt with Three-quarter Length Sleeves
S. Dress with Stitched Skirt
U. Asymmetric Jumper Dress
Y. Flannel Short Coat
Z. Raglan Coat with Pin Spots
See, I told you they were gorgeous!
I particularly like that Flannel Short Coat! Just the most perfect Autumn jacket.
The instructions are quite basic, in a style reminiscent of Burda magazines, and just list a series of sewing steps. However, where you’ll need a bit extra help, there are diagrams to assist you.
The sizes are quite generous…these are finished measurements:
Although it’s still not a book for fuller figures, unless you’re happy to do some grading.
Which I’m not. I just don’t have the headspace for that at the moment. I’m concentrating on clearing the stash and filling the wardrobe as quickly as humanly possible.
So, I thought that maybe one of you guys would like to have this copy of the book?
Yes?
If so, please leave a comment below, before noon on Friday 3rd November, and I’ll pick a winner after that.
I’m happy to ship internationally.
Good luck!
Disclaimer
The lovely Ann over at @TuttlePublishing supplied me with a free copy of this book in return for an honest review. However, all opinions expressed here are my own and in no way influenced by @TuttlePublishing.
I would love to have this book! I am plus size, but willing to grade these lovely patterns! Thank you!
Nice to have you here. Good luck!
Hi! I’ve never tried any of the Japanese Pattern books. This one looks great though! I think you’re right, these styles aren’t as young as many. I’d love to give it a whirl, thanks for making this offer!
Nice to have you here. Good luck!
What a gorgeous book. I love that aesthetic but it really doesn’t love me. Wrong shape. 🙂 I know where you are about having the headspace for grading. I am in the middle of doing that just now. Working up a whole load of patterns that actually fit me so that I just need to cut and sew. It is a pain though. Hope that the weather improves soon. Xx
I’m sure that the way forwards is to have a set of TNTs of the things you wear the most and then you can just make clothes you love. I’m working on that at the moment (hence no headspace for grading Japanese books). I think I’ve nearly got the first one nailed and then I can make 4 more tops. It’s a win-win, as I’m also hellbent on clearing all the stash. When that’s done then I can sit and start thinking about fun things to make, as I’ll actually have some clothes in the wardrobe that fit me!
Some beautiful styles here…not for a woman like me, but I know that one of your lovely followers will be thrilled to receive this!
I think that jacket would look stunning on you!