Our Pat Gawlik [pictured left] and Bonnie Daws worked on a collaborative effort to create an evening gown for Pat's friend Caryn Mathis [right] who works for the Washington DC affiliate of NPR. Caryn wanted something special for the station's 50th anniversary celebration in October. Since it was the "Fiftieth," Caryn thought a gold gown would be most appropriate, but couldn't find anything after searching all the stores and boutiques in and around the Washington area.

She called her friend Pat, and asked if she would be willing to make her a dress considering that Caryn could only make one trip to the Detroit area for fittings.

Once we got Caryn's measurements, Bonnie went to work creating the muslin from which the gown would be cut. Caryn arrived in Detroit on a Friday, came directly to our studio for a fitting, and while she and Pat took off for an afternoon of trim shopping and an evening of meeting with friends and old acquaintances.

Caryn returned to our studio for her first gown fitting the next day [Saturday], and Bonnie spent the rest of the day cutting out and sewing together the outer dress and lining.

On Sunday, Caryn was ready to try on her actual gown for the first time. Pat pinned in the alterations and took the dress with her to take Caryn back to Metro Airport. Pat worked tirelessly finishing up on the alterations, boning, hemming and sewing on the beaded trim.

A few days later, with the assistance of UPS, the completed dress was on its way to Caryn. She was thrilled with the result. As a "thank you," Caryn offered to take Pat to the Gala as her guest. Pictured here were the two ladies just before they left for the evening.

Incidentally, to wear for the occasion, Pat made herself a lovely purple shell and skirt to go with a jacket that she made a few years ago.

We think both ladies took on that star quality and "sparkle" that only a custom garment can give.