Embroidery/Beading on Gown opinion needed! Updated!

[kellydofc]

I am in the process of making this ball gown, the one on the left, from Fashions of the Gilded Age http://www.pinterest.com/pin/457678380854823991/. I have been searching for over a week but I am absolutely unable to find a beading pattern for the bertha, front drape and skirt panels. I have expanded my search to embroidery patterns and am still having no luck finding anything that's not so crazy detailed it would be hard to do the pattern with beads. I am throwing myself on the mercy of my fellow dressmakers and asking if anyone knows where I can find victorian beading patterns or even examples of beading because I don't even know if I could outline a pattern or have to fill it all in or what. I am also open to alternate ideas for patterns, maybe there's something I haven't thought of. I need this gown to be done by the middle of January so I think I need to start beading asap.

[Heather]

This looks like a soutache pattern done in beading, instead of braid. I just did a google search for "soutache patterns" at tons of images pulled up. I am sure you can something you would like.

[kellydofc]

Thanks for the help. Off I go to look at soutache patterns.

[kellydofc]

I have gotten my possible beading pattern for this gown down to two. This one, which is from an 1880 Worth ballgown or this one which is an 1860s soutache pattern
I love the first one but am unable to find marquise shaped sequins and I don't know if the design would look odd if I used beads of a similar shape or just got rid of the marquise shape altogether. The second one is also nice and I think will be easier to do with just beads. I'm stumped on this one so I am hoping to get some opinions.

[Heather]

Well, the first one is really just a section of beaded net sewn over the dress. Which is actually another choice, if you don't want to hand bead. Just find a beaded net. There are some wonderful laces out there that you can do this with.

I personally would go with the soutache pattern. The pattern is more historical looking, not quite so modern.