Today we have Becca of Becca Duval Photography here to share her review of the newly released Belinda Dress Pattern by our affiliate Go To Patterns. I love the shape of this pattern, the huge kangaroo pocket, and the fact that you could easily mix a small amount of a favorite knit in for an awesome statement dress.

Grab your own copy of the pattern for $1 off today through Frida 1/24 with the code: BELINDA.

This review was completed by a 3rd party objective reviewer who received a complimentary copy of the pattern in order to complete the review. Neither Pattern Revolution nor the reviewer received any additional compensation for this review

Now take it away Becca....

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I'll be the first to admit: I like beautiful things. And I like to MAKE beautiful things. (My kiddos being my crowning achievement there!) But my absolute favorite thing?? Seeing my kids WEAR the beautiful things I make.

And so they do. Daily. Regardless the occasion.

Lately, this has raised a few eyebrows. You see - my 2 year old just started preschool, and word on the street is that the frou-frou attire my doll (..er..child...) is accustomed to wearing isn't exactly practical playwear attire.

At first my stubborn self refused to believe it.

SCENE: DuVal kitchen. 8:30 AM. Infant still in PJs. Toddler's "No Mess" Breakfast (relative to peanut butter, or yogurt anyway..) smeared across the table and kitchen windows. We're late, and I've used up all my "no wiggle" bribes on pig tail construction.

That's when it hits me. Her wardrobe isn't too CUTE for preschool. It's too COMPLICATED for preschool. Buttons? Ties? Layers? #aintnobodygottimeforthat Not me. Not her teacher. No fuss clothes are a must!

And so I found this little gem - the Belinda Dress from Go To Patterns- that will satisfy my love of purdy threads, and the absolute necessity of simple clothing. Let's take a look...

Oh hello, 'didn't see you there! Come, sit in my spotless house and listen to my perfectly behaved toddler play self-composed music. My flying pig will bring us fresh tea chilled with ice he harvested himself from Hell.

Ah yes, that's more like it. The perpetual pout of a photographer's child.

Kudos, Dada, for whatever wack-a-do gimmick produce that lone smile! ... short lived thought it may be

Clearly, this dress meets my "too stinkin' cute" requirement! So let's chat about it:

It's a fully knit dress, which means it's soft and stretchy and toddler-friendly! This interlock is a heavier weight, too. Perfect for the cooler months. I've really grown to love working with knit, but if this is your first attempt at it, you're in great hands. There's a full page of tips to get you started! Make it your 2014 resolution: SEW WITH KNITS!

Fabric reqs are a bit generous (for the size 2T, anyway) - I managed to use 1 and 1/2 yard cuts from my stash and have plenty leftover for the leggings and the fun scrap flower bead necklace.

It was a fast and fun sew. I started cutting fabric after breakfast, and had it 100% complete before lunchtime. Not bad for a morning's work, eh?

It's hem-less!! Which is actually a major major plus for me. The cuffs and bottom bands mean there are no exposed seams. This serger-less seamstress loves those hidden seams!

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

There are GINORMOUS pockets! Just HOW big?

Just kidding - the toy didn't actually fit in the pocket. Probably could have though. The whole front skirt panel is a pocket! Hoodie-style. I think the pattern calls it "Kangaroo" style. I'd have liked an option for regular pockets, too. It'd add to the cut-and-assembly time, but I do think it'll lessen the weight and wave along the bottom band. (Note: I used interlock, which is a thicker knit. The Roo-pouch pocket would be better achieved with a thinner fabric - even if just for the lining.)

The fit was great! The bodice is probably too wide to call it "fitted" - but I love the silhouette it has. The bubble skirt hits at/above the knees, perfect run-and-climb length for a fun, fast-sew playwear dress!

So there you have it folks, one super stinkin' cute everyday dress, that sews up fast and doesn't hog fabric. What are you waiting for?!

Get your very own copy of the Belinda Dress Pattern for $1 off with the Code: BELINDA (good through Friday 1/24 at 12pm EST)