Wisconsin high school junior makes prom dresses for 6 of her friends

— -- These students from Madison East High School in Wisconsin sure had a lot to smile about before prom on April 29.

All of their prom dresses were homemade for free by junior Maggie McGlenn.

“I’ve been sewing since I was in sixth grade,” the fashion-forward McGlenn, 17, told ABC News. “My mom got me some sewing lessons because she could always tell I’m interested in design and clothes. I’d always dress up as a little kid.”

McGlenn volunteered to make her best friends’ dresses under one condition: she gets free rein.

They all agreed and were thrilled with the outcome.

“They loved them,” McGlenn said. “They were like, ‘Oh, my gosh Maggie, I can’t believe you did all this.’ When they got to prom everyone was complimenting them. It was a very feel-good moment for them and myself.”

Making her six friends’ dresses, along with her own, was no easy feat. It took her about four months to complete them all.

“I started over winter break in mid-December and finished the Saturday morning of prom,” she recalled. “That morning I was like, ‘Ok, I have to wake up and take a shower and finish the hem on my dress.’

“Each one of them had their own challenges,” she added. “Mine was the hardest to get started on because I’ve had this dress in my head for years. If it didn’t come out how I wanted it to come out, I was going to going to be disappointed.”

The high school junior used fabrics she’d collected over the years from thrift stores.

“I try to buy my fabrics as cheaply and environmentally friendly as possible,” McGlenn said.

She loved the overall process and knowing she helped her friends have a special prom experience.

“It was great. I love it when girls feel confident and inspired by other girls,” she said. “That’s my love of life. I’m very glad I got to be part of it all.”

Next year, though?

“I’m not sure if I’ll do 7,” she said. “But I’ll definitely make my own again.”