GIVEAWAY! Basic Black - 26 Edgy Essentials for the Modern Wardrobe

A few weeks ago I was contacted by Tuttle publishing to see if I wanted to review the new book by Sato Watanabe: Basic Black: 26 Edgy Essentials for the Modern Wardrobe.  Having grown up (in a sewing sense) with Japanese Pattern Books I was super keen to have a look at this latest offering (especially in English), so I said yes.
Sato Watanabe has also written: I am Cute Dresses and Stylish Skirts so is no stranger to putting together patterns which will appeal to a wide audience.
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! 

The book isn't as cute and quirky as "I am Cute Dresses" and in talking about the 'Asymmetric Jumper Dress' Sato says "I like things that are just a bit different, but am not fond of anything that's too way-out" and that pretty much sums up the patterns in the book.
The subtle originality is paired very much with classic design and my particular favourites are the Tailored Jacket with Raw Edges, Polka dot Jacquard Dress and the Gathered Dress with Shawl Collar.
There are short but clear instructions and the book comes with the full pattern sheet at the back. Patterns are embedded so there is a little bit of 'locating' required before tracing but that's normal for this type of book.

I think you will all find something to like in this book which is releasing on the 8 July. 

For you lucky readers, I have one to give away! If you would like a copy, please leave a comment.  The giveaway is open to international readers as well and I will do a random number draw on 11 July 2014.

68 comments:

  1. I like that you have described this book as not so cutesy as most of the others, while gorgeous, are not up my alley. Did you make anything from it?

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  2. I adore Japanese pattern books & I'd love to win a copy of this one. Thanks for the opportunity.

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  3. I like looking as these books but the thought of sewing with one FREAKS me out!

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  4. "A little bit different but not too way out" sounds perfect for me.

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  5. The polka dot jacquard dress sounds interesting, love a Japanese pattern book! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  6. I haven't sewn from a Japanese pattern book before, this sounds like a good book to start with!

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  7. Nice book,thanks for the giveway!

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  8. I'd love to try a Japanese pattern book. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  9. Sounds quite unique!

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  10. My preordered copy has just arrived, so I don't need to be in the giveaway, though it is such an awesome one!! I really like the range of patterns in here, I'm not into 'cutesy', but the coats & shirts are classic - and the tucks on that first dress say 'make me now!'

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  11. Not yet tried a Japanese sewing book pattern so would love to win, thanks.

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  12. Looks interesting!

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  13. Oh, i do like wearing black! But it is so hard to photograph, but then obviously a professional (which i am NOT!) did the photos for this book :)

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  14. What a lovely giveaway you are sharing and you'll never guess who's birthday is on the 11th July! (cough, cough, mine). I've looked at Japanese pattern books so many times, but so far the only thing I've made is a soft toy. Maybe, just maybe this could be the start of something special (but not too out there)

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  15. "I only work in black….And sometimes very, very dark gray." Looks like some lovely non-twee things in there!

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  16. I have this book in my wishlist at Amazon. It looks amazing. Even more amazing if I were to nab a freebie :)

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  17. Me, me pick me! I love the aesthetic and I'm loving that it is a little less "twee" than often offered up in Japanese pattern books. I think this will end up in my bookcase even if I don't win your giveaway ;)

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  18. I like the author's philosophy! I like a little bit of different, too. Sounds like a good book.

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  19. Ooooh, I’ve wanted this book ever since I stumbled upon, of all things, a French translation somewhere a while ago! It’s already on my wish list, but winning it would be even better, of course. (;

    Thanks for the lovely giveaway!

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  20. Count me in - thankyou!

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  21. Ha ha ha - that's my favourite part of the lego movie :)

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  22. I would love a copy of this book! Thank you for the opportunity!

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  23. I'll pop my hand up for this one. Black is my fav colour :) or shade if you ask my smart older child.

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  24. Oooh! Pick me please Ms Random Number Generator. And I'm in the neighbourhood so no postage costs :)

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  25. That looks awesome! I've been on a surprising black kick lately, so this would be welcome!

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  26. Looks wonderful I have stylish dress book and the designs are wonderful and would love to add this to my collection. nicolina dot docksjo at gmail dot com
    http://docksjo.com

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  27. Lovely giveaway! Looks like a great book. Hope to see you making something from it!

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  28. Gosh! A Japanese sewing book that I don´t have to read in French?!! Oh, please, I´ll take care of you, and we´ll make a lot of nice little black garments together. Come to mamma!! :D

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  29. Angela Dean KennedyJuly 4, 2014 at 4:32 AM

    I have this book in my cart on Amazon and have been waiting to finally check out! I have yet to try a Japanese sewing pattern, but the reviews from this book are raving.

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  30. Wow, awesome giveaway! I like the look of that long coat and the knee length sleeveless LBD. Thanks for the chance!

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  31. I'd love to have a go at this addition to the great many inspiring Japanese sewing books. The jacket sounds like an interesting first try!

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  32. Oohhh this looks intriguing. Please count me in!

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  33. Aw, I need this book on my library!
    that's my e-mail: cccsfashionmail@gmail.com

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  34. The LBD is definitely a wardrobe staple, I love that this book inspires so many different designs and can't wait to give my hand a try at recreating a few pieces

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  35. I love the idea of this book and of making some grown up basics just in time for fall. The only thing I'll miss about the English language version will be reading it front to back! Thanks for the chance to be included in your giveaway.

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  36. Count me in for the giveaway Kirsty. I love the quirkiness of Japanese pattern books.

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  37. Oooo this looks right up my alley! Count me in :)

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  38. Looks awesome. I'm a big fan of Japanese pattern books. Never had one in England though!

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  39. This looks fab. It sounds boring, but black is my favorite clothing colour.

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  40. Oh, I love Japanese pattern books, please count me in! Thanks for the giveaway :)

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  41. Maider....MasustakJuly 4, 2014 at 5:33 PM

    Thank you Kirsty!!! Count me in for the giveaway :-) I love japanese pattern books!!!

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  42. Oooh this looks really interesting! I've been thinking about trying to get my hands on a Japanese pattern book, but the style of I Am Cute Dresses just isn't really me. This looks way more interesting! Thanks for the chance to be in to win it. :-)

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  43. Love LOVE to try these

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  44. Hilarious Merche!!! You crack me up!

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  45. I love Japanese pattern books and just about live in black! Perfect

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  46. SeamsOddLouise.Blogspot.comJuly 4, 2014 at 11:15 PM

    Please include me, I LOVE japanese pattern books and this one looks amazing.

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  47. oh fun! haven't tried out japanese pattern books yet, but i'm super curious!

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  48. I love Japanese Pattern Books... thanks for the opportunity to win this one!

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  49. This looks like a great book! Thanks for the opportunity.

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  50. I'd love a chance to win this book.

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  51. PS I should also say THANK YOU!!

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  52. I would love to try some Japanese patterns. Thanks very much for the opportunity.

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  53. I would love to try this book out—thanks for bringing it to our attention!

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  54. Thanks for the giveaway. I would love to own a copy of a Japanese pattern sewing book.

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  55. This looks like a nice book.

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  56. This looks interesting. I would love to be counted in. Thank you!

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  57. Thank you for the giveaway. I have wanted to try a Japanese pattern book and this one looks wonderful! Please enter me for the drawing.

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  58. Great book!Love to try these

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  59. How generous! I'd love the chance to make something from this book.

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  60. Wow, I'd love to win this. I just love Japanese sewing books and would love the chance to win, thanks!!

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  61. This looks good! I'd love a chance to see it and try the patterns

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  62. Ooooh, this looks wonderful. Thanks for the opportunity!

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  63. Ooo, I would love to be included in the draw. Thanks for the chance, Kirsty. (We Queenslanders wear black too sometimes!)

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  64. Black (my colour!) or not, the patterns look wonderful... I'd love to win it - thank you for the opportunity.

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  65. I ve been wanting to try japanese patterns for a while :)

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  66. Thanks for the opportunity :)

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  67. I would love a copy of this book!

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  68. Very stylish, would love the opportunity to win this book, thanks ,Ann

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