Very British Toddler Knits is full of charming knit patterns for your favorite little ones. These patterns are well-written and feature several sets of patterns that can be mixed and matched. The first really nifty detail I noticed about Very British Toddler Knits was that the front cover flap has both an inch and a centimeter ruler printed on it. As I took my initial flip through the book I fell for the patterns. They are very classy, and several of them include some fabric details as well. There are many patterns that can be used together or separate, so you can decide just how many pieces and layers you want. The little details are all really neat! There are mice with dimensional tails, top tie hats, flowers, bows and all sorts of cuteness!
https://jessieathome.com/very-british-toddler-knits/
-- Jessie Rayot * Jessie at Home *
From Underground Crafter:
Very British Toddler Knits: 25 Classic Designs for 1 to 6 Year Olds is a delightfully presented pattern collection by Susan Campbell. I liked this book from the moment I opened it because on the cover flap, there are rulers printed in both inches and centimeters. What a cool idea and a great way to get started with your garment knitting journey (by checking your gauge, that is!).
The book opens with a Table of Contents which is followed by a Project Gallery with small photos of each project. In Susan's introduction, she mentions that she is a mother, stepmother, grandmother, or stepgrandmother to 27, so she is a veteran in the design of baby clothes. She says, "I've been designing small person's knitwear for a very long time - no design of mine will have to be squeezed over a child's head and no baby will have to be stripped almost naked to facilitate a nappy change." I loved that she emphasized the practicality of her designs because they are also beautiful!
The book doesn't include pattern difficulty levels, but I would described it as best for intermediate knitters, although a confident and adventurous beginner could make most of the projects in Very British Toddler Knits. The book assumes you know how to knit and read patterns; it's a pattern collection, not an instructional book. The designs are adorable and the photography is inspiring. If you like to knit for toddlers, I think you'll get a lot of inspiration from this book.
https://undergroundcrafter.com/blog/2018/10/08/knitting-pattern-mouse-scarf-by-susan-campbell/
-- Marie Segares * Underground Crafter *
This is a follow-up book to Susan Campbell's Very British Baby Knits. Like her first book, this one also contains classic, unfussy designs for tops and accessories. It includes a pattern for a knitted mouse and its clothes as well! Each of the children's patterns has a variation, which may be a change of stitch pattern or a skirt of fabric instead of knitting. None of the pieces are difficult and would be suitable for a competent beginner. The charts are large and clear. I like the pages of schematics that are grouped together at the back of the book and are sketches of the items with their measurements, rather than the geometric shapes that we are used to. This is a handy collection of patterns and I especially like the mice with their matching outfits.
-- Rita Taylor * Slipknot Magazine *
The designs in this book are created by a designer who has produced bespoke items for, among others, Royalty..
So why not make the same beautiful and sweet pieces for your own child??
The sections in the book are named after the Palaces, Glamis, Hampton etc and each wonderful item, which can be embellished with embroidery, fabric and buttons are simply superb.
For both boys and girls, the projects are beautifully laid out and easy to understand. A list of requirements are listed for each item, and needles for the US and UK have been given. Yarn requirements have also been recommended.
Cardigans, hats dresses even a charming rucksack are all showcased in a book that is adorable and gorgeous. Toy patterns are also included, and the mice are just splendid.
The blues, greys and lilacs of the chosen yarns, are completely divine, but of course you can use your own colour choices.
Some templates are included and also a sizing diagram is helpful, the inner flap has an 8 inch / 22 cm ruler printed.
This is an amazing and exquisite book, I know several of my friends who will love it so will be recommending and gift buying for them.
-- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *
Such a beautiful book. I am very impressed with the patterns, colour palette and photography. I have started the crossover cardigan for my grand daughter and am trying very hard not too start the toy mouse before I finish it. I love the idea of adding fabric to knitting in such an elegant way. The book is a total joy.
-- Jayne Egan * Customer review *
Royal palaces and castles provide the names for each collection in this fine book, along with simple line drawings and brief histories of the respective properties on the introduction pages for the collections, a detail I particularly liked. The understated hues of yarn and fabric that Susan Campbell has used bring a classic, ever-stylish feel to the pieces, which, when paired with the techniques and patterns, result in an impressive wardrobe for any discerning small person.
I was instantly drawn to the Glamis Cabled Cardigan, the Hampton Mouse Scarf, and the Holyrood Cabled Sweater. The cardigan features big, bold buttons and elegant lines; the scarf includes a mouse's head with whiskers and soft ears; and the sweater has shoulder patches and thick cables. Each piece has a definite style, with enchanting aspects to set it apart from the other pieces.
The models, Eliza-Rose and Charles, look suitably royal - indeed, I can easily imagine the children of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wearing many of the garments. The photographs are bright and sharp, showing some truly lovely elements, as well as some detailed close-ups of knitted stitches, and the patterns themselves are written and presented in an easy-to-follow manner, alongside clearly-printed charts.
The only slight drawback, for me, is that the majority of the patterns require 4-ply yarn, and I find DK an easier weight to work with, purely because my hands begin to hurt when using finer needles and yarn.
Overall, though, I think that Susan Campbell has produced a quality book of utterly delightful designs. And they really are delightful - they have effortless charm and varied style, and I can't wait to get started!
-- Lucy Palmer * Customer review *
This is a lovey book. The patterns and styles are adorable as you can gather from the front cover. They are well laid out and easy to read, the book has clever built in features like a fold on the covers so you don't need a bookmark or to crease the book to hold your page. There's also a handy rule on the inside cover for quickly gauging how much further you have to go. There are many details you can take from these patterns to add to your other projects such as the cute mouse, clothes for the mouse and the beautiful knitted flower. Have been very pleased with this book.
Seen by Caroline Harris at 8:31am
-- Caroline Harris * Customer review *
I have really enjoyed this book as I have a little girl and love to make her pretty outfits. I have also lent it to my mum to have a go at some of the boy patterns for my nephew. The styles are very traditional and timeless and look like they could be from Boden or Cath Kidston. The instructions are easy to follow as long as you're happy to use the smaller needles as the knits are small and intricate.
-- Rachael Medley * Customer review *
This is a brilliant book with some great patterns. My little girls would be very pleased to receive a knitted item from this book. Can't wait to get started!!
-- Debbie Prince * Customer review *
A beautiful collection of designs suited to boys and girls. I especially like the idea that you can match the mice and outfits
-- Em Day * Customer review *
A lovely book easy to follow patterns. Patterns that will be passed down for years to come.
So impressed I've bought the very British baby knits to go with it.
-- Jo Udall * Customer review *
