I’m a sucker for corduroy, a sucker for birds and a sucker for pinafores – so it’s only been a matter of time before they all converged in one garment.

Elena’s still quite the dress girl, but autumn here has been way too cold for bare legs and skirts. And also too cold for leggings or tights when playing outside (which they do a lot at school). I got it into my head we could get away with a pinafore over jeans, and I think it just about works.

The pinafore’s sewn from Boo! Designs’ new Gallery Dress pattern. The pattern ranges from 12 months to size 10, with options for long and short sleeves as well as the sleeveless look. It can be sewn as a dress or a tunic, with either buttons, snaps or a zipper closure.

The dress came together well enough but I didn’t love the construction, to be honest. It’s possible the complicated approach to the back facing is necessary for inserting a zip, but I guess I’ll have to wait and see before I know for sure. I’m not sure if I made a mistake somewhere along the line or not (I did double check, pull it apart and do it again), but the button loops are far too big for my liking.

The best news is that, despite my reservations, Elena’s a big fan. Kid approval is a good sign (let’s not talk about the two beanies I’ve knitted that neither child will even try on…).

• Pattern: Boo! Designs Gallery Dress.
• Size: Size 3. It’s intentionally a bit big to leave room to grow (and a top underneath).
• Fabric: Corduroy from Spotlight.
• Variations from pattern: I used bias binding to face the inside of the dress hem. I wasn’t in the mood for turning and pressing.