Making a Dress?

(photo of my pregnant sister and I, and the only full body shot of my dress)

I love pretty dresses. But I really don't like trying them on (who's with me, ladies?). I have 3 favorite dresses (2 of which are pictured here) that I wear practically every time I see someone and want to look dynamite. All 3 are cut very similarly with an empire waist and a skirt that falls just to my knees.

So it hit me that perhaps I should try to use one of these dresses as a pattern and simply make my own! Wouldn't that be lovely? I am no professional seamstress, but I think I will give it a shot, just to say that I tried (and possibly add to my wardrobe). Plus I could use pretty fabrics and feel uber posh. You know, because French Posh Chic is very in this season, no? (kidding)

Have you ever thought about starting from scratch and making a garment?