From Historic Silhouettes to Modern Designs with Tamara Casey
Hello from Designs by Jude Insider!
Happy New Year! Welcome to 2025—a year we’re really excited about because it's packed with great sewing projects and adorable doll outfits. In December, Tamara Casey wowed us again with her knack for creating beautiful patterns. She introduced three new designs for Anne, Ellowyne, and Grace,
The first pattern of the month is Frosty Air for Anne, which allows Anne to “twin” with her sister, Grace. The Frosty Air pattern brings a bit of winter magic to Anne’s wardrobe. It features a long coat with a flared skirt, which is pretty and practical for cold weather. The coat has lovely button details and a smart contrasting collar that gives it a unique twist. Below you can see how some of our creative members have brought this design to life with their dolls. These outfits capture the cozy feel of winter and show off the amazing detail Tamara puts into her work.
Prima Ballerina Takes the Stage
Next up, Tamara brought us the Prima Ballerina pattern for the Ellowyne subscription. Everyone was amazed by how well it fit into this month's theme. Remember, Ellowyne Wilde jetted off to NYC this December to catch the Nutcracker Ballet in her Ballet in Bloom outfit? Well, Tamara’s pattern matches that vibe perfectly. It’s a hit for anyone looking to add a touch of ballet elegance to their doll’s wardrobe or display it during a ballet performance on their shelf. Check out some fantastic outfits our VDC members have put together with this pattern!
Hot Tip! If you are a member of the Ellowyne Box or digital club and have the pattern but need the supplies, you can order this kit from Tamara Casey for only $13.05 to make the perfect Prima Ballerina Ensemble!
A Leap Through History: The Fashion of Ballet
Marie Taglioni, about 1850.
Dive into the world of ballet fashion with us as we explore some fascinating facts about how ballet costumes have evolved. From the courts of Renaissance Italy to the modern stages, ballet attire has not only complemented the artistry of dance but has also inspired trends in the wider world of fashion. Let's pirouette through history and uncover the rich tapestry of design that ballet has brought to life.
Early Influence of Royal Tastes: Ballet began in the Italian Renaissance courts of the 15th century and quickly became a royal pastime. King Louis XIV of France was a significant patron, often dancing himself, which led to ballet becoming more structured and codified.
Pointe Shoes Evolution: The iconic pointe shoes that we see today have evolved significantly since their creation. Originally designed in the early 19th century, they have layers of fabric, cardboard, and glue to create a rigid box that allows dancers to balance on their toes.
Costume Innovations by Designers: Over the centuries, many fashion designers, including Coco Chanel in the 1930s and Christian Dior in the 1950s, have drawn inspiration from ballet costumes, bringing elements like tulle skirts and leotards from the stage to mainstream fashion.
Tutu Transformation: The tutu, a staple of ballet attire, was first introduced in the 1830s and has undergone numerous transformations. Originally, it was a bell-shaped skirt that reached the ankle; it evolved into the shorter, stiffer design known today to better showcase the dancer's legs and movements.
Ballet Flats for Everyday Wear: Ballet flats became a fashionable choice for everyday wear in the 1940s, thanks to their practical design and the influence of fashion editor Diana Vreeland. They were originally designed as practical footwear for dancers but crossed over into the fashion world due to their comfort and elegance.
The Final Flourish: 'Historic Silhouettes' for Club Grace
This pattern left us at a loss for words! Tamara's last pattern of the month was for Club Grace, "Historic Silhouettes." This exquisite pattern is part of the Historical Subscription program and pays tribute to the detailed and sophisticated styles of the Victorian era. It's designed to transform your Grace doll into a figure straight out of history.
"Historic Silhouettes" includes a knee-length chemise, which brings the delicate and feminine charm of 19th-century undergarments to life with its lace-trimmed neckline, elegant front slit, and short gathered sleeves. Complementing the chemise is a stunning multi-panel under-bust cinch waist corset. This piece features a romantic lace-up front, adding both structure and allure to your doll’s silhouette, truly reflecting the unique blend of modesty and charm that defined Victorian fashion.
HOT TIP!! Tamara made a sewing kit for this pattern! You can purchase just the kit or the kit and the pattern on her website. This is a wonderful way to get started without having to source the supplies first.
Join the Conversation: Doll Chat with Tamara
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of dolls, don't miss the latest video from Tamara. This engaging session covers everything from recent projects to exciting new dolls and patterns from Designs by Jude. Tamara discusses the RTB101 and RTB102 doll bodies, showcasing them side by side for a detailed comparison and sharing insights into their distinct histories. This video is a must-watch for anyone keen to learn more about these unique doll designs and the creative process behind them.
Stay Connected and Celebrate the New Year with Us
Don't forget to bookmark and frequently visit Tamara's website. There’s always something exciting happening, whether it’s a fun sale to shop, a new pattern to discover, or unique content to enjoy. A huge thank you to Tamara Casey! We are eagerly looking forward to all the wonderful things you will bring to our community in 2025. Happy New Year to all our readers and doll enthusiasts!
