From Birthdays to Banquets: July Patterns & UFDC Memories
Designs by Jude Insider – July Wrap-Up: Party Dresses, City Chic, and Mountain Views!
July marked the grand finale for two of our most-loved subscriptions—Season One of the Anne Fitzpatrick Subscription and Season Two of the Ellowyne Wilde Subscription. While we’re already dreaming up the next season’s surprises, this month we’re taking a look back at the three fabulous patterns Tamara Casey created in sponsorship of VDC for Anne, Ellowyne, and our ongoing Grace Marie Fitzpatrick Historical Subscription. And, as a bonus, we’re sharing a few snapshots from our time at UFDC in Norfolk, Virginia—because dolls and travel adventures go hand in hand!
Anne Fitzpatrick – Make a Wish 🎂
What’s a birthday party without the perfect party dress? This July, Anne’s Clubhouse got a sweet treat with the Make a Wish pattern by the ever-talented Tamara Casey. This design has everything a doll needs to join the festivities:
A classic party dress with short puffed sleeves and a darling Peter Pan collar
Button-front closure with bright inset godets at the hemline for that fun pop of color and movement
A soft tulle petticoat to add fullness and flair
Coordinating tights to complete the look
Whether Anne’s blowing out candles or twirling on the dance floor, Make a Wish is the perfect way to celebrate.
Ellowyne Wilde – San Fran Style 🌉
From birthday cake to California cool—Ellowyne took us on a fashionable stroll through San Francisco with San Fran Style, a chic and modern pattern inspired by our exclusive VDC Wilde box outfit. This pattern turns Ellowyne into the ultimate city girl with:
Wide-leg trousers with a sewn front crease for sleek lines
A structured snap-front bustier with faux buttons for a tailored touch
A fully lined, short-waisted bomber jacket featuring a functional zipper
Perfect for browsing vintage shops, sipping lattes at a corner café, or simply making the sidewalk her runway—Ellowyne is city-ready in San Fran Style.
Grace Marie Fitzpatrick – Summit View ⛰️
Adventure meets elegance with Summit View, this month’s Grace Marie Fitzpatrick Pattern of the Month. Tamara has designed a historical ensemble that’s as ready for travel as it is for making a grand impression:
A fully lined, stand-collar jacket with voluminous double-gathered sleeves and front closure
An ankle-length skirt, fully lined and detailed with buttons and oversized pockets—practical for travel, yet perfectly graceful
Whether Grace is sightseeing or hosting tea after a day’s adventure, Summit View proves that style and practicality can go hand in hand.
From birthday parties to bustling city streets and mountain views, July’s Designs by Jude patterns truly had something for everyone. And with the creativity of our community, we can’t wait to see the unique spins you’ll put on each design.
Stay tuned for what’s next—we’re just getting started!
UFDC in Norfolk – A Celebration of Dolls & Community
July wasn’t just about patterns — it was also about people. The VDC crew packed our bags (and a few dolls, of course) and headed to Norfolk, Virginia, for the UFDC Convention. The week was a joyful blur of programs, shopping, catching up with friends, and meeting new collectors who share our love of dolls.
Our VDC gathering was a highlight, with laughter, signed “doll money bags,” and plenty of photo ops. So many of you told us afterward that it felt like one big family reunion, and we couldn’t agree more. Between the wonderful programs, the beautiful salesroom, and the after-hours chats in the hotel lobby, it reminded us why we do what we do — to connect collectors, celebrate our shared passion, and make memories together.
A few of our favorite moments included:
Having Tamara Casey join us in person to film the Grace outfit unboxing video — such a treat to share that moment live!
Hosting our Friday night VDC gathering, complete with laughs, stories, and shared doll treasures
Attending the final UFDC banquet, which sparkled with a roaring 1920s theme — feathers, fringe, and fabulous fun everywhere you looked
Seeing rare and exquisite dolls up close in the competitive exhibits
Sharing stories with long-time VDC friends (and meeting some who joined us for the first time in person!)
Sneaking in a little shopping… purely for research purposes, of course
If you missed it this year, we hope you’ll join us next time. There’s nothing quite like the energy of UFDC, and it’s even better when shared with friends.
A huge thank-you to Tamara Casey for all she’s done for VDC and doll collectors over the past year with her incredible patterns. Each design has brought fresh creativity, joy, and inspiration to our community, and we are so grateful for the talent and heart she puts into every piece.
We can’t wait to see her again this October in Ohio for more sewing inspiration, doll talk, and shared moments with friends. Here’s to another year of beautiful designs and unforgettable memories!
