Go beyond the little black dress! Basic black skirts, tops, jackets, dresses and coats have been in style for ages and never go out of fashion. Wherever you wear them, and with whatever you match them, they always looks elegant, polished and sophisticated. So why not make your own?<BR><BR>Author Sato Watanabe, whose numerous titles are favorites among Japanese sewing book fans in the US, shows you how to make professional quality pieces easily and cheaply at home. For any sewer or do-it-yourself fan, these patterns make building your own wardrobe a breeze.<BR><BR>Available in English for the first time, Watanabe's <i>Basic Black</i> is a classic book providing full-size, easily customizable patterns for 26 basic garments in four standard sizes, along with detailed, easy-to-follow diagrams and instructions. There's truly something for every taste and every occasion, from a smart two-texture combo dress to a relaxed, bohemian tunic—and everything in-between. Whether you want a smart black dress or a short coat, <i>Basic Black</i> will show you how to make it. The range of personal styles to choose from includes:<ul><li> softly feminine</li><li> straight-line simple</li><li> smartly tailored</li><li> loosely deconstructed</li></ul> Some of Watanabe's designs include patterns for a lace shirring blouse, a sleeveless one-piece, a jacket, a vest, a frilled shirt, an A-line skirt, and a short coat. The designs in this book are the ones in your wardrobe that you'll want to come back to again and again.