April Spotlight: Designs by Jude Insider with Tamara Casey
Welcome back to our April edition of the Designs by Jude Insider! This month, we're thrilled to spotlight Tamara Casey, our talented collaborator who designs sewing patterns for Club Grace. We're bringing you this edition at the end of the month to allow our dedicated sewers ample time to create Tamara's extraordinary pattern of the month, "Looking Glass." This captivating pattern features a fully lined, simple yet timeless dress with gathered short sleeves and a faux placard front, accompanied by a long-sleeve jacket adorned with ruffles at the cuff, a two-tab collar, and an attached peplum. What makes "Looking Glass" truly special is its versatility; by combining different colors and patterns, sewers can bring to life a myriad of whimsical characters, from the White Rabbit to the Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter. This pattern was created in sponsorship of the Club Grace subscription through the Virtual Doll Convention, underscoring Tamara’s commitment to bringing exclusive and delightful designs to our community. If you are not on the subscription, you can purchase the pattern on the Designs by Jude Website - plus some fun additional items to complete your costume.
Tamara has been hard at work adding delightful additions to her website. From the charming Queen of Hearts earrings to miniature playing cards designed to add the perfect finishing touch to your "Looking Glass" Pattern, there's something for every doll enthusiast. Among these offerings is the miniature "Sewing Essentials" set, meticulously scaled for 16" dolls. This kit includes three bolts of fabric, three spools of thread, pins, a sewing book, paper tape measure, three Designs by Jude patterns, and a pair of scissors. Each essentials kit is thoughtfully curated with the same elements, featuring varied fabric, patterns, and accessories. These miniature additions elevate your finished projects, and even if you're not an avid sewer, they're perfect for enhancing purchased garments or dressing up your already-dressed dolls.
Tamara has crafted some fantastic YouTube videos this month to guide you through the process of creating her patterns. Here are two delightful videos from which you can enjoy and glean inspiration.
Through the Lens: Capturing Your Wonderland Creations
For all the sewers and collectors with a flair for the whimsical, we present some splendid photo opportunity ideas that are sure to complement your "Looking Glass" creations. If you've stitched up an Alice costume or have one gracing your collection, these scenes will be the perfect playground for your dolls to showcase their Wonderland attire. Prepare your cameras to capture the spirit of Wonderland—be it a madcap tea party, a royal croquet match, or a tumble down the rabbit hole. Let the adventure begin!
Tea Party Extravaganza: Set up a miniature tea party with an assortment of tiny cups, plates, and teapots. Place your dolls in the middle of the scene as if they were having tea with the Mad Hatter. Use vibrant tablecloths and napkins to make the colors pop.
Garden of Talking Flowers: Recreate the iconic garden of talking flowers from Alice in Wonderland by arranging various colorful flowers around your doll. You can use a mix of real flowers and high-quality silk flowers to create a lush, enchanting environment.
Chessboard Challenge: Position your dolls on a black and white checkered board to mimic the grand chessboard from the story. You can craft tiny crowns and scepters to accessorize the dolls as if they were the chess pieces come to life.
Rabbit Hole Adventure: Create a backdrop that looks like the famous rabbit hole with swirling patterns and whimsical shapes. Have your doll positioned as if she's just about to tumble down into the fantastical world that awaits.
Queen's Croquet Ground: Set up a croquet game with mallets and hoops, and if you can, use some flamingo and hedgehog figures to imitate the quirky croquet scene from the book. This could make for a quirky and interactive photo setting.
Spotlight on Creation: 'Looking Glass' Masterpieces
We're delighted to showcase the creativity and dedication of Marie Scopel and Gale Torres, who have beautifully brought the "Looking Glass" pattern to life. Immediately after the pattern's release, these talented individuals put needle to fabric to craft their own unique interpretations of this whimsical theme. Each costume bears a personal touch, highlighting the individual style and flair of the creators. Your shared works not only bring us joy but also serve as a fantastic source of inspiration for the entire community. Thank you, Marie and Gale, for sharing your artistry with us!
As we near the conclusion of season three for Club Grace, the excitement builds for what's yet to unfold. Tamara Casey, a cornerstone of creativity in our community, is preparing to unveil her upcoming designs for May and June. Her website is a treasure trove of patterns suited for a myriad of dolls, a testament to her versatility and dedication to the craft. Don't miss out on the current sales – they're a splendid opportunity to enrich your collection. If you haven't already, subscribing to her YouTube channel is a must! We trust you've enjoyed this edition of the Designs by Jude Insider blog. Stay tuned for more as we continue to celebrate the art of doll collecting together. Until the next time, keep stitching and sharing your spectacular creations!
PS - she is taking a MUCH deserved vacation, and will be back on 5/5!! Feel free to SHOP, orders will be processed after she returns. Have fun, Tamara!
