As my thank-you dresses project continued, I decided to give some attention to a pattern I have had in my collection forever, but have not used.  (McCall's M5701 if you are interested.)  It's a real peach of a 1960s style shift.  Darts add some shape in the front and help form pockets.  Pleats in the back throw a little action as you walk away.

My special dress for Rachael was intended to be worn with tights and boots.  Dress/tights/boots = my favorite winter outfit.  I used an olive linen, so technically the dress can cross over to warmer weather.  I added brown accents at the collar and pockets.  Of course it's fully lined.  Do you even need to ask?

I liked the style of this dress so much, that when a special request came in from a friend's husband, I decided to use it again.  This time I went with a woven black and white houndstooth pattern.  I used black wool at the collar and pockets.  I also added some piping to augment the pleats in back.  

Love!  I wanted to keep it.  Oh well.  Them's the breaks in the dressmaking biz.  Catie - I hope you dig.

There were a number of friends who went out of their way to help me (and my husband) plan and get through our wedding dau.  As a special "thank you" I made equally special dresses for some of the ladies.   

For Kirsten, I went with  a beautiful jewel toned woven - I love the purples and teals. The shaped neckline (not too low), accentuated waist (I cut the fabric on the bias), and slightly flared skirt (six pieces) really augment Kirsten's figure (Simplicity 2644).  Side zip, V-back, cute little pleats at the shoulders.  I fully lined the dress in navy blue.

It's a dress for fall and, with the help of tights and boots, winter too.

Putting a dress together for Satya allowed me to try out a pattern I have had my eye on for a while (McCall's M6394).  The color blocking is precise, beautiful, and makes for a really fun dress.  I wanted to make something for this particular friend that was grown-up, but not boring.  Success!  Back zip, fully lined (in polka dots that show if you look for them).  I think this pattern will be the next dress I make for myself.    

Again, with the jewel tones.  Maybe I need more jewels in my life.