Designer Sewing Patterns?

Aquajock

Aquajock

Cathlete
Okay, sportsfans, I need your help:

My younger brother is getting married this October in The Big Easy, and I want a really, really smashing-elegant-but-utterly-simple dress made for the wedding. I don't think I'll be in the wedding party, but I want something really nice.

Here's what I'm thinking: a nice, tank-style-bodice dress with clean, simple lines, about knee length or a little higher, rather form-fitting with a kickpleat in back. Don't know if I want beading or anything like that. I'm also thinking a nice, deep midnight blue or deep, dramatic red. Want a really, really nice fabric; my maid of honor dress for my sister's wedding was a gold chantung.

Of course, I'll never find anything like that in a store. I am acquainted, however, with a seamstress who makes custom-fitted garments from patterns.

I've checked out the Vogue Pattern website and don't see anything even close to what I want.

HAAAAALLLLLPPPPPPP!!!!!

All suggestions and information welcome!

TIA -

A-Jock
 
Here in MD we have a store called G-Street Fabrics that sells designers patterns and fabrics. Maybe they have a website.
 
First, did you also check out Butterick or Simplicity patterns? They both have their patterns online too.

Also, I don't think what you want would be too difficult for a seamstress to make from a basic dress pattern with just a few adjustments. Have you talked to her about what you want? I sew a lot and although I'm certainly not nearly at the same competence level as a seamstress I quite frequently change a pattern to suit my taste.

I've found that finding the pattern is not as hard as finding that perfect fabric! I guess that's why I have tons of fabric LOL. Best of luck in your search.
 
www.butterick.com has some cute dresses as well as some seperates that might work. Remember when looking at patterns that the material will make the difference. The pattern may look so-so, but with the right material it can look gorgeous. I'm not a sewer, but my mom was a seamstress- I picked up a few things from her.

Are you looking for something like: http://store.sewingtoday.com/cgi-bin/butterick/shop.cgi?s.item.B5588=x&TI=10002&page=7

Remember - she can make the length exactly suited for you and if you want to keep the front straight and add the kick pleat in the back, she should be able to do that - that's simple stuff.
 
Aquajock,

I don't sew "tailored garments", but my mom is a designer and owned a fabric store for years. She made many wedding dresses and special occasion dresses.

Talk with your "seamstress", and discuss your dream dress. They know the patterns that work. My mom would often make a dress with out a pattern, or combine patterns to achieve the "perfect look"

If your seamstress is not able to offer advice, seek out an upscale fabric shop, where you can get some good customer service. They should be a wealth of information.

The fabric will definitely "make the dress". Choose wisely! Have fun and good luck in the designing! Sounds like fun!
 
Something else to keep in mind, A-Jock, is that if you find what you are looking for from 2-3 different patterns, your seamstress should be able to piece them together for "your" dress. My mother is a gorgeous seamstress and did that for my wedding dress. When I got married, I found that the majority of the wedding dress styles had butt-bows. I have enough back there, I don't need to accentuate it! I found 3 different patterns that I liked (one for the skirt, one for the sleeve, one for the bodice) and mom put them all together for my perfect dress!

Good luck!!! It's sound faboo!
 
I'm a seamstress part time so here's what I think:

Your best bet is to go with the closest pattern to what you want and to have your seamstress alter it. Did you look at the Marfy patterns while on the Vogue Pattern website? They are very fashion forward, and a seamstress should be able to handle the fact that they don't come with directions.

Do remember, too that Vogue and Butterick have not put out their Spring/Summer patterns yet - they should be out in the next month or so. There might be something in the new collections.

You might also try finding a vintage pattern that would suit you - I'm thinking something from the late 50's through the 60's. It might take some digging, but try eBay, by looking for "vintage pattern B32" or whatever your bust size is - vintage patterns go by bust size and the sizing is rather different than today - a size 14 or 16 vintage is about a 32" or 34" bust. Your seamstress should be able to alter the pattern even if it is a size too big or too small. Other sites to try for vintage patterns are: http://www.vintagemartini.com/, http://www.momspatterns.com/, http://www.lanetzliving.net/, http://www.sovintagepatterns.com/page/page/1652672.htm. The last one is really good - be patient for all the pics to load, but there is some nice stuff there. The only warning I have about vintage patterns is that they can be very expensive! If you find something you love, do save a picture of it on your computer and show it to your seamstress - she may be able to alter a modern pattern to look like the vintage.

Sorry that was a bit long, sewing is my passion, and vintage sewing is a big part of that!
 
You guys are wizards.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!! Anyone else want to chime in here, please do so!

A-Jock
 
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