Delicious Designs: Celebrating the 'Baker's Dozen' Pattern and the Sweet Style of the 1950s
Welcome to our February Newsletter from Designs by Jude! This month, we're excited to showcase the latest patterns and items available from Tamara Casey at Designs by Jude. Dive in with us!
This February, we're taking a charming step back in time to the rockin' 1950s with our Club Grace Box, highlighting the classic fashions of diner waitresses. It's all about the nostalgia of checkered floors, jukeboxes, and the sweet aroma of fresh pies with the "Baker's Dozen" pattern. Tamara Casey has outdone herself, creating a pattern that captures the essence of the era with a modern twist for our Grace or any Tonner dolls with the 16.5" RTB101 body. This delightful design features a full skirt adorned with an array of colorful doughnuts, a crisp, white blouse, and a perfectly coordinated apron and headpiece, ensuring your dolls are dressed to impress in true 50s style. Get ready to serve up some retro flair with this wonderful creation!
Enhance your doll's wardrobe with the perfect accessories! We're thrilled to share that alongside Tamara Casey's delightful 'Baker's Dozen' pattern, she's offering a scrumptious selection of doll-sized doughnuts, themed jewelry, and specially designed fabric featuring an array of doughnuts. These charming additions are the icing on the cake for your 'Baker's Dozen' ensemble. Collect these sweet accessories to add the final flourish to your doll's vintage diner look.
Serving Up Style: The Evolution of Waitress Fashion Through the Decades
A waitress at NYC's Exchange Buffet in the 1920s.
The iconic waitress outfit has its roots in the early 20th century, evolving with the times while remaining a symbol of service and hospitality. Initially, waitresses wore long skirts and aprons to keep their clothes clean, a practical choice that also adhered to the modest fashion of the era. As the 1920s roared in, hemlines rose, and the uniforms became slightly shorter and more functional, reflecting the societal shift towards women's independence.
During the 1940s and 1950s, the post-war economic boom saw an explosion of diners across America, and the waitress uniform became a cultural staple. The classic look of this era featured a fitted blouse and a knee-length skirt with a full apron, often accessorized with a playful hat or cap. These outfits were designed to be practical and allow for easy movement, but they also carried a certain charm that defined the dining experience of the time.
The poodle skirt, a quintessential symbol of the '50s, was a circle skirt often adorned with whimsical appliqués, like the famous poodle or, in the case 'The Baker's Dozen' pattern, delightful doughnuts. The look was completed with saddle shoes, bobby socks, and a scarf, often tied around the neck or in the hair, adding a touch of femininity and flair to the uniform.
As the decades passed, waitress uniforms continued to change. The 1960s and 70s introduced polyester and other easy-care fabrics, making uniforms more durable and colorful. By the 1980s and 90s, the formal aspect of the waitress uniform began to relax, reflecting the casual dining culture that was emerging.
Today, the waitress outfit can vary widely, from casual t-shirts and aprons with the restaurant's logo to chic and modern ensembles in high-end establishments. However, the classic 1950s diner waitress uniform remains a beloved and nostalgic symbol, celebrated by collectors and enthusiasts for its unique blend of practicality, style, and a dash of sweetness — much like the delectable doughnuts that adorn Tamara’s 'The Baker's Dozen' pattern.
Member Creations: A Dash of Individuality with Tamara Casey's 'Baker's Dozen' Pattern
Each collector and creator brings their own unique zest to the world of doll fashion, and nowhere is this more evident than in their personalized renditions of Tamara Casey's 'Baker's Dozen' pattern. Our talented community members have taken this delightful nod to 1950s diner style and infused it with their individual flair. From custom color palettes to hand-picked fabric patterns, each adaptation of the 'Baker's Dozen' speaks to the creator's own story and style. Below, you’ll find a gallery of these charming creations, each showcasing the boundless creativity of our cherished doll enthusiasts. Take a moment to admire the intricate details and creative spirit that breathe life into these timeless pieces.
In the spirit of fresh starts and new beginnings, Tamara Casey unveiled the 'Girl Power' pattern for Ellowyne Wilde during VDC's Toast to 2024 celebration. The response was phenomenal, with an outpouring of requests for this empowering design to be adapted for Grace and other RTB101 body dolls. Tamara heard the call and, with her characteristic responsiveness, has now expanded the availability of this vibrant pattern. It's ready to inspire confidence and style in your collection!
Watch as a timeless treasure, the vintage Pfaff 130 sewing machine, is skillfully revitalized in Tamara’s newest video feature. The transformation takes place in mere minutes and for less than $100. Instead of investing in a refurbished substitute, Tamara discovers that a new motor and foot pedal can effortlessly extend the machine's longevity, bypassing a trip to the repair shop. This enlightening demonstration is a must-see for any doll enthusiast who cherishes their crafting tools as much as their creations.
Weekly Wonders: Discover New Deals in Tamara's Treasure Trove
Make sure to explore the sale section on the Designs by Jude website, curated by Tamara Casey. It's a treasure trove of delights, featuring an ever-changing array of patterns, wigs, and fabrics. With new surprises each week, you never know what gems you might uncover!
If you're excited about what you've seen and want to join the fun, becoming a member of Club Grace as a digital sewing member is just a click away!
1. Club Grace Digital Subscription: For $60, you'll get exclusive access to our digital-only goodies. This includes a monthly pattern and all the charming crafts and downloads that come with our Club Grace Dream Boxes—delivered straight to your inbox.
Be sure not to miss out on any of Tamara Casey's creative endeavors by following Designs by Jude across multiple platforms. Subscribe to her YouTube channel for expert tutorials, bookmark her website for ever-changing sales and brand-new product additions, and give her a follow on Facebook for the latest updates. We're on the edge of our seats, waiting to see what magical designs Tamara will conjure up next!