Hi there!!! It's Cassie- the new girl! I am beyond excited to share with you my *first* pattern with the incredible team of Violette Field Threads. It has been an absolute joy to join such a fierce force of creativity, passion and encouragement that the entire team brings to the table. I started my journey (like many of you) with VFT when the epic chevron, floppy hat beauty of Emmaline released! It seems so long ago but such an iconic moment in pdf pattern history! I quickly became obsessed with all things VFT and vintage inspired and couldn’t stop sewing their beautiful patterns. I started testing for Jessica and Ericka back with the Ladies Whitney pants and they’ve been stuck with me ever since. It has been a pleasure to switch gears to designing patterns with them, and I can’t wait for our first release together- the Nora dress pattern.
Nora was inspired by my two darling daughters, ages 4 and 6. They are in love with all things romantic, princess, and whimsy. When I was searching for inspiration for my first VFT design, I came across this incredible sleeve detail that was a must-have! I love Nora’s sweet puff sleeve bottom, darling ties and tailored set-in sleeve. It reminds me of Victorian era dresses with a delicate, princess feel.
Another favorite detail in the Nora dress is the smoothed square neckline. I adore a great, crisp square neckline but sometimes getting those sharp corners presents a challenge to the sewist so I took some creative freedom in smoothing out those tricky corners! I was inspired by the beautiful gowns worn by Emma Watson in the upcoming live action movie, Beauty and the Beast, and the gorgeous necklines shown in many of her incredible dresses. In fact, now I want to sew one up in yellow just for the movie premier!
Nora will release in girls sizes (2T-10), baby sizes (0-3 mos through 18-24 mos) and doll. There are two options for the top pleated skirt- open or closed sides. The open sides really let the beautiful underskirt show. There are also two options for the underskirt- simple or tiered. The tiered underskirt has a pettiskirt look with lots of fullness and twirl! Nora also includes two sleeve options- cap or the puffed sleeve that hits between the elbow and wrist. The back closure is a button back bodice with a super simple skirt placket.
I sewed up the Nora's for my girls in incredible Art Gallery Fabric's linen and florals from the Wonderful Things fabric collection.
Here are some more lovely Nora's for inspiration!
I am blown away by the beautiful Nora’s our incredible testers have sewn up and cannot wait to see what you all create! Have fun with Nora- dress her up, or keep her simple. Either way, I am sure your little princess will love her new Nora dress!
-XOXO- Cassie
