A great book for beginners or people that are looking to improve their techniques. It includes some fairly basic patterns that can be easily modified.

Discusses very basic techniques, but also has some more advanced skills that are good for filling in gaps or tweaking your technique if you're a more experienced sewer.
What really sets this book apart is that it tries to talk about the "why" not just the "how". It also spends a couple pages on having you think through what your personal style is and what you like to wear and also about how to plan out what you are going to make, which I haven't seen in other sewing books. (There are several posts on the Colette blog about this too).

Colette Patterns are amazing and classic. The instructions are such that beginners and more experienced sewists will learn more about constructing garments. If you like the book, you can learn more on the Colette blog as well (like modifications of patterns).

This is a fantastic book for the beginning sewer. Basically a five part course, it covers the basics in a clear, well organised way, with loads of professional tips thrown in. Best of all is the author's philosophy of sewing and making one's own clothes - she gives you a way out of the voracious, never ending cycle of consumerist fashion.

A lovely book for the more experience. Great patterns, with a great fit for a lady.