This design has been in my head, pretty much exactly as you see it above, for years. The ruffles on the straps, the V-shape of the straps at the back (cute but also ensuring the straps do not fall off of the shoulder!), the side tabs and A-line shape...
I am not sure why it took me so long to knit it and write it up. It's the perfect instant-gratification project: a very easy knit, it also includes a few "tricks" to make it look polished and practical. It calls for aran-weight yarn, so it knits up extremely quickly, and uses very little yarn. It's a versatile garment, which could be a worn as a back-to-school jumper/pinafore dress over a shirt and tights, or as a simple summer dress.
I was so impressed with the versions that my test-knitters made that I made a little collage (the photos were used with permission): doesn't it look completely adorable on all these sweet little girls?
Summer Into Fall calls for aran weight yarn and comes in sizes 3 months to 6 years. You can find it in my Ravelry, Craftsy, and Etsy stores.