APB on 4743

I don't usually put out pattern calls (because otherwise that's all I'd do, and because putting out pattern calls often alerts folks that a particularly desirable pattern EXISTS, which usually leads to even more people looking for it, benefiting the original pattern-coveter not a whit) but I am making an exception in this case because 1) it's for a wedding, specifically Shannon's wedding, and 2) it is completely freaking gorgeous.

So, if you have a line on this pattern, will you let me know? Or if you know of a modern equivalent, or something that could be altered into a reasonable facsimile of this pattern ...

Oh, and on a completely unrelated note, I don't know how many of y'all Twitter, but I have decided that it would be a Very Funny Idea if I were to twitter as Fake Diana Vreeland, sending out "Why Don't You ..." tweets (both some of her original ones and new ones in her "style") at irregular intervals. If you are on Twitter and want to follow Fake Diana Vreeland, she is here. (I also tweet random words at this Twitter account.)

Also: to come later this week: the return of the Meet Our Advertisers feature!

Comments

[Shannie]

Thanks a bunch Erin!

[Anonymous]

I hope you don't mind too much, Erin and others, but everyone here is so wonderful, I thought I'd ask.Years ago, I came across some truely wonderful buttons. They were Betty Page photos, and they were so cute! Now I can't find them for love nor money. If I google "Betty Page button", or something like that, I get Betty Page pins. Can anyone help me?-Sandra

[Erin]

Sandra -- I saw those at Tender Buttons in Chicago a while back; it's worth calling them to see if they still have any, I bet!

[Charles]

Wow, that one is *not* easy to find on the web, even in passing reference. A measure of last, desperate, resort might be to find someone with a copy of Wild Ginger's PatternMaster Celebrations to create the pattern from scratch? The front view is a little too small (and the lace details to busy) to make out the style lines though.For some reason, the back bow made me think "Princess Diana" right off; which seems funny to me since this pattern is sleeveless and Lady Di's was ... well ... all poof up to *here*.

[Anonymous]

That's a beautiful looking dress I hope you find it. McCalls 6670 is is a midriff pattern but it might give you a start. I'll see if I can scan the envelope tomorrow.Susan

[Anonymous]

Oops lost a phrase there. There should have been an ,if you can find it,after the McC's 6670 Susan

[Theresa]

Shannie - ok this is weird - you and I have the same cat, many of the patterns, and mad love ofr halloween...were we separated at birth. I think Vogue has a retro repro that is similar and could be tweaked into that design. I'll check ... I have the pattern at home.

[Cookie]

I haven't seen that sort of back-lacing turned into a sash before. Pretty! And I like that it's not strapless. Maybe Shannon can email this scan to different pattern site managers, and as them to notify her if it comes in? How long does Shannon have to locate it?

[vespabelle]

McCalls 5232 might work for the top. It's a basic v-necked dress with a V in the back as well. For the skirt, you just need lots of volume like in Butterick 4918

[Shannie]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone! Our wedding is June 20th, so it feels like I still have lots of time. But I probably won't feel that way for long.Vespabelle: I have Butterick 4918- that's a good start, I'll check into McCalls 5232.The search continues...

[Little Hunting Creek]

What a beautiful dress; I can see why Shannon needs the pattern. I especially like the bow in back. That is a bow that is unashamed of being big and bow-y - it makes a statement!

[Nancy (nanflan)]

I think I have a similar dress from about 10-15 years ago in my stash somewhere. The skirt is different but the back detail is very similar. I'll check when I get home and get back to you.

[Penny]

I just listed this so lovely 1954 bridal/evening dress http://www.antiquedollhouseofpatterns.ca/cgi-bin/doll/store.cgi?overlord=Detailsstore_id=19474 mccalls 9678, perhaps you could check it out and see if this would be suitable for your wedding.. most of these 1950s bridal gowns are magnificent.. and many I have listed sold within a week!.. this one is the very old sizing of 18... bust 36 inches. I am so sure you will yet find the perfect one you are looking for! and congratulations!!!! Penny

[Beth]

Beautiful style! What is the internal construction on a garment like that? Boning and ...?

[harthad]

Hm, so we've got a fitted bodice, bateau neckline in front, plunging vee in the back, with the tie. Hard to tell about the skirt style--is that a bouffant, or a circle? Either way, the skirt shouldn't be too hard to come by. There's a very similar bodice on this pattern at Ebay, Vogue 5823http://cgi.ebay.com/Stunning-Uncut-Vintage-1950s-V-Back-Evening-Gown-14-36_W0QQitemZ170253407330QQihZ007QQYou'd have to add the tie, but shouldn't be too hard...

[Penny]

also the more modern Vogue Pleat Flare Contrast Back Bow Bride Dress V2849 Pattern that has a big bow and strappy dress.. just passing along suggestions as I see them... and that is a great idea to look at the selection of the Vogue Retro Vintage series patterns...

[Myra]

Erin, what a beauty. But I did come across some:Lanetz V2239, strapless, though, but has full skirt with long tiesSo-Retro M8733, but a size 12Scissor Happy V4205, B36, a 40's wedding pattern with a blue view that is a formalSo Vintage (2 patterns) S1743, but a B32 and M9533, but is sold

[Luck(x8)]

These are a little more 30s and a little less 50s, but they are in the same design "family" and full of romance...http://www.evadress.com/371.htmlhttp://www.evadress.com/6573.html

[lorrwill]

I would highly recommend reaching out to the pattern sellers on the side bar. They perform miracles from time to time and my experience is that they were all detectives in a past life and would love to be in on the hunt. Janet (Lanetz Living ) and Jen (Mom's Pattens) both have been wonderful resources for me.

[Sandy]

This pattern is absolutely gorgeous. I wish I could tell you I have one, but I don't. I can just see this dress in a wedding. What type of fabric are thinking of using?I have a friend here in town that has old vintge patterns. I'll check to see if she has that one.

[scarabee]

Shannon. if you can't find this particular pattern, which aspects of it are you most attached to? I have a discontinued Vogue from a few years ago (maybe the same one nanflan referred to) that has a very similar back (faux lacing with the sash, but that's not a huge deal), a v-neck in front that could be modified to a bateau, and a straight skirt that could easily be replaced with a full skirt. I'm sure there are other current patterns with elements that could be modified...I'll see if I can find and scan the pattern I have tomorrow.

[What-I-Found]

I don't have this either, but I wish I did. It's beautiful and I hope we get to see what Shannon does make. I wondered how the holes would be re-enforced for that ribbon/sash. Maybe like huge button holes? And how I'm wondering if this would have a side zipper? Because you sure don't want to have to tie the sash to get in and out of it...but then it's a wedding dress. How many times are you going to be getting in or out of a wedding dress? So never mind! Tina

[wundermary]

Wow, this is really wonderful!Who is going to be sewing this dress? It is a relatively simple design and if you intend to have it made, any person who has the skills to make a wedding dress should be able to put this look together.As a person who has made her own wedding dress, let me tell you this: start now! I thought I had plenty of time and I used a base I'd done three times before. It did not go easy. Messing around with expensive fabric and high expectations makes everything different.

[Anonymous]

I have decided I hate McCall's they are too fond of reusing pattern numbers. This is the front and back of the 6670 I have but a search on that number has returned a range of different patterns so I guess finding a copy on your side of the pond might be difficult. http://i34.tinypic.com/r299hu.jpghttp://i38.tinypic.com/jr760w.jpgSusan

[Nancy (nanflan)]

Erin, I found an illustration of my pattern on my blog: http://sewwest.blogspot.com/2007/12/on-more-positive-note.htmlIt's the second selection, the Bellville Sassoon Vogue 1672. Let me know.