Artbookreview.net
As a proud grandmother for the first time, I have been on the lookout for patterns which appealed and did not look too difficult for someone who hadnt done any knitting for almost thirty years. (My childrens grandmothers were both demon knitters, so I feel it is obligatory for me to knit now!) At the launch of a book on an entirely different subject, I spotted this one in the Search Press catalogue and was immediately drawn to the lovely photographs on the cover.
Dont be put off by the themed attempt to tie in with the new Princess Charlotte and royalty in general, these are timeless, contemporary patterns no danger of looking like a 50s throwback. If you are a serious Royalist, then it may well appeal even more. The author has been designing knitwear for a very long time on her farm in Norfolk and it shows; as she says, No design of mine will have to be squeezed over a babys head and no baby will have to be stripped almost naked to facilitate a nappy change.
The instructions are clear and a returning knitter like myself is easily able to produce results approximating to the photographs. I am not yet attempting the more complicated toy rabbits, delightful as they are! That said, this is not a beginners book as such, so skilled knitters should love it too.
Knitter, The
April 2015
As a source of timeless baby knits with a British feel, this book by Susan Campbell makes a great choice. It's packed with 30 stylish yet unfussy designs, inspired by the Royal residences at Sandringham, Winsdsor, Balmoral, Anmer and Highgrove. Susan's skill as a children's designer means that every pattern in practical and quick to knit - so parents, babies and knitters alike will be happy! Ease of dressing is a key feature; stretchy fabrics and wrap - around shapes. From neat little cardigans and sweaters with subtle detailing to comfy onesies, a pretty embroidered dress, bootees and hats, there's everything you need to create a baby's first wardrobe. Patterns are sized from birth to 12 months, and are clearly written and easy to follow. Out favourites include the textured Anmer hooded top, and the striped Sandringham set. There are also patterns for a knitted bunny family and a range of clothes to dress them in.
Let's Knit
May 2015
Is there a crafter out there who can resist an adorable baby knit? We certainly dont think so! And now we have a competitor for the cutest baby book ever Very British Baby Knits: 30 Stylish Designs Fit for a Royal Baby by Susan Campbell (published by Search Press).Packed full of simply adorable projects for both boys and girls, the book contains five different collections all with royal connotations: Anmer, Balmoral, Highgrove, Sandringham and Windsor. From tops to trousers and dresses to bootees, this sweet publication is sure to make even the most hard-hearted knitter go awwwww. You can even make a cuddly toy bunny to match your little ones new outfit!With easy-to-read instructions and clear images to use as guides, newbies and more experienced knitters alike will be able to navigate the patterns with ease. The next addition to their little prince or princesss wardrobe will be finished in no time at all!The books author, Susan Campbell, even has a connection to the royal family: her estate is right next door to the Royal Sandringham Estate and Anmer Hall, home to Princess Charlottes proud parents William and Kate.
Knitting & Crochet Home
March 2015
Prepare for the arrival of a special little baby with this book of elegant designs for you to knit. With 30 patterns to choose from, ranging from chic garments to booties and a whole family of bunnies, you're bound to find something that appeals! Each pattern has been inspired by the royal family, with design names including Highgrove and Anmer, while the babies modelling items in the photos look appropriately gorgeous thanks to their carefully coiffed hair. We think the designs will be just as sweet on any special little one in your life.
Publishers Weekly
April 2015
In an ode to the newest member of the British royal family, knitwear designer Campbell has crafted a collection of timeless baby knits, with designs for every taste and easy-to-follow instructions. The book offers five classic collections, each one corresponding to a royal estate and style. There's even a final design in each section for a matching knitted toy bunny outfit. Projects include sweaters, overalls, hats/headbands, booties, pants, dresses and all-in-ones. Some highlights: the Anmer hooded top, a darling hooded sweater with buttons and a front pocket; the Sandringham hat, a fun striped number with knotted top corners that resemble bunny ears; and the Windsor all-in-one, featuring buttons and blocks of color at the neck, pocket, and inseam. Anyone searching for quick baby knits with a contemporary twist should find what they're looking for in this sweet collection.
Crochet Addict UK
April 2015
There are some books that you just know you are going to love.
Here are just a few of the words that came to mind when I saw it for the first time; Aw-inspiring,Beautiful, Amazing, Classy, Thoughtful, Touching, Elegant, Chic, Tasteful, Refined, Exclusive, Upmarket, Sophisticated. This book features 30 beautiful, hand-knitted designs ranging from baby clothes to toys and accessories that will make gorgeous gifts for any baby. The projects reflect the classic elegance of British design with easy-to-follow instructions and beautiful photographs.
Knitters of all abilities will relish making these gorgeous designs. Every project is beautiful and both boys and girls are covered. The brilliant thing is not only can you make beautiful clothes with the designs you can also make matching rabbit cuddly toys. Each set of designs include full outfits
with matching bunnies. You can even make matching mini bunnies to go with each one. They would make beautiful gifts for family and friends. Can you imagine the amazement they would have opening a package with these amazing beautiful outfits with matching toy. I think most of the sets would do really well for boys and girls. All you would need to do is alter the colours of the yarn.
The finishing touches that each of the designs have, give that extra special something to each project. Each garment looks like it's come from a boutique. There are 5 different sets of outfits.
Each have their own unique look. If you take a look at the Balmoral set you can see that the flower design is carried through every garment. I cannot express enough how special this book is!
It's a book that is timeless and you will be using the patterns for years to come! It's an amazing price for an amazing book. Everyone that I know that have seen the book has expressed just how special it is. Susan has but her amazing skills into an amazing book. Why not bring the boutique into your home with the wonderful designs?
http://www.crochetaddictuk.com/2015/04/very-british-baby-knits-book-review.html
Knitting & Crochet Guild
April 2015
This is a beautifully designed book, well laid out and full of inspiration. There are 30 designs to knit, with baby items ranging from simple headbands to full playsuits as well as a whole family of knitted rabbits with associated clothing. Very British seems to be in use a synonym for traditional at the moment, and as I tend towards the contemporary in my crafting I was a little concerned that there wouldnt be much for me in this book. On a lengthier perusal, however, I was delighted to find that there are a fair number of more modern designs, including the delightful stripy Sandringham jumper - its on my needles as I write, in a cheerful teal and white combination. That was another pleasant surprise about this book: Campbells instructions are clear enough that even a novice knitter like myself can follow them! I might even attempt a rabbit next, if Im successful in garment creation...
Myshelf.com
April 2015
Here is a book of baby knitwear inspired by the new generation of young royals. As well as having a regal theme the collection is classically British, being a combination of practicality and simple understated style. There are five sets of garments and toys inspired by certain royals from Queen Victoria to young Prince George and places such as Windsor and Balmoral. Patterns are in written form with a list of what you need and a photo. This is a book aimed at the knitter who does not need reminding of how to knit but can pick up a pattern and make it, although none of the patterns is fancy or advanced and uses basic stitches. You can easily find the section you want as each has a main color and the pages are tinted that shade, a nice touch.
Knit Today
April 2015
Susan Campbell had designed and made one-of-a-kind outfits for many year. Now we're very privileged to be sharing 30 of her exquisite patterns for babies, which include clothes, toys and accessories. The book is beautifully presented with wonderful photography and clear instructions. If you only but one book of baby patterns this year, make it this one, we say!
