From Puddle Jumping to Picnic Chic: A Season of Sewing
Welcome to the latest edition of the Designs by Jude Insider!
In this issue, we’re diving into Tamara Casey’s newest patterns, taking a quick stroll through a bit of fashion ideas, and spotlighting some incredible creations from our talented sewing community. Over the past month, Tamara has designed three fantastic patterns exclusively for the VDC Subscription Boxes: Puddle Jumper for Anne Fitzpatrick, Capsule Collection for Ellowyne Wilde, and Picnic Social for Grace Marie Fitzpatrick.
🧵 Pattern Spotlight: Puddle Jumper for Anne Fitzpatrick
Get ready for some seriously quacky fun! Tamara Casey’s Puddle Jumper pattern—is a ray of sunshine on a rainy day. This darling two-piece ensemble includes a twirl-worthy, two-tiered sleeveless dress with a sweet snap-back closure. But the real scene-stealer? The hooded coat! With its long sleeves, cheerful duck bill, bright button eyes, and whimsical duck-foot-shaped pockets, it transforms Anne into the cutest little rainy day reporter you’ve ever seen. Whether she's hopping puddles or chasing rainbows, this look is guaranteed to make a splash in your sewing lineup.
🧵 From Pattern to Play: Community Creations
There’s nothing we love more than seeing your sewing stories unfold—and this month, the Puddle Jumper parade did not disappoint! From sunny yellow duck coats to bright orange dresses bursting with charm, our sewing community took Tamara’s pattern and ran with it—umbrellas in hand!
🧵 Pattern Spotlight: Capsule Collection for Ellowyne Wilde
Designed by Tamara Casey of Designs by Jude, the Capsule Collection is Ellowyne’s answer to effortless style with a European flair. Whether she’s off to Paris for pastries or lounging at home with a novel and a cup of tea, these smart wardrobe staples let her express herself with timeless grace.
This four-piece pattern set includes:
A fully lined, long-sleeve jacket with a sleek notched lapel—perfect worn open for a laid-back look or cinched with a belt for instant drama.
A fitted sleeveless tank with subtle stitching that layers beautifully under any piece.
Tailored slim-leg pants that bring structure and polish.
And a smart little micro mini that flirts just enough while keeping things refined.
These chic separates offer mix-and-match magic that gives Ellowyne endless outfit possibilities. From travel-ready ensembles to everyday elegance, this collection is a wardrobe workhorse and a must-have for any fashionable doll’s closet.
🎒 5 Fresh Spring Looks with the Capsule Collection
One pattern, endless possibilities! Tamara Casey’s Capsule Collection is more than a pattern set—it’s the building block for an entire season of fashion fun. Here are five spring-ready outfit ideas using pieces from the pattern that will have Ellowyne looking chic from tulip fields to tea time:
1. Garden Gallery
Layer the tank with the mini skirt and throw the jacket over your doll’s shoulders like a cape. Add bold sunglasses and a tiny sketchbook for a look that says “creative afternoon in the park.”
2. Coffee Date Cool
Pair the tank with the slim trousers and roll the cuffs just a touch. Add a colorful scarf or belt and a tiny handbag. It’s casual elegance at its best—perfect for sipping espresso on a sunny patio.
3. Bookstore Browsing
Elongate and belt the jacket and wear it as a dress over opaque tights or lace-trimmed leggings. Add boots or flats for a look that’s equal parts polished and poetic.
4. Monochrome Mood
Create a head-to-toe tonal outfit by pairing the mini skirt and matching jacket in a single color or fabric. Add a contrast tank underneath for a little pop of personality.
5. Weekend Wanderer
Mix and match all the pieces in soft neutrals or florals—tank, jacket, and pants—for a layered look that’s ready for spontaneous adventures and outfit snaps in the wildflowers.
🧵 Pattern Spotlight: Picnic Social for Grace Marie Fitzpatrick
This month’s featured pattern is the picture of pastoral charm. Designed by Tamara Casey of Designs by Jude, Picnic Social is a graceful blouse-and-skirt set perfect for a spring garden party or a breezy walk among the wildflowers.
The high-necked blouse, with its delicately puffed sleeves and subtle shaping, brings an air of turn-of-the-century refinement. Paired with a sweeping full-length skirt featuring gently structured lines and a beautiful drape, the ensemble feels both timeless and wearable—ideal for collectors who love historical silhouettes with styling flexibility.
Whether Grace is off to a countryside gathering or enjoying a quiet moment with her journal under a tree, Picnic Social offers a lovely foundation for storytelling and sewing alike.
🧺 Stitching in Bloom: Picnic Social Community Creations
It’s no surprise that when we handed our sewing community a basketful of turn-of-the-century inspiration, they delivered absolute magic! The Picnic Social pattern has bloomed into a variety of styles and interpretations, and we’ve been loving every moment of seeing your Grace dolls dressed for their own springtime outings.
🎥 Sew Along with Tamara!
Did you know that Tamara Casey—designer of all the incredible Designs by Jude patterns—has her own YouTube channel? It’s a treasure trove of sewing tutorials, tips, and walkthroughs that pair perfectly with many of the patterns featured in your VDC subscription boxes.
Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned seamstress looking for new techniques, Tamara’s videos make it easy to follow along, stitch by stitch. She walks you through everything from tricky sleeves to crisp collars and will even show you little shortcuts that make your doll sewing experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Have a question while you’re working? Tamara reads and responds to comments—so don’t be shy! Ask away, share your progress, or thank her for her guidance. It’s a wonderful way to connect and learn as a community.
You can find her channel by searching Designs by Jude on YouTube—or click the link in our post or email to jump right in and start sewing!
🧵 With Gratitude to Tamara Casey
We want to give a heartfelt thank you to Tamara Casey for her extraordinary creativity, dedication, and craftsmanship. Month after month, her designs bring so much joy to our sewing tables and spark endless inspiration in the VDC community. From whimsical raincoats to timeless historical silhouettes, Tamara continues to make doll sewing feel both accessible and magical.
If you’d like to explore more of her work—including ready-to-ship outfits and even more patterns—you can find her at:
Designs by Jude on eBay (for completed outfits and lots of fun finds!)
Fletcher Pattern Company – her official website for the full pattern library
Happy sewing—and thank you for being part of the creative magic!
