Adorable Knits for Tiny Tots: 25 Stylish Designs for Babies and Toddlers

Several reviewers of this book have complained and rated it low because the patterns contained errors. But if you read what they said, notice they knitted on the wrong size needles. Goes to show that you really should check your gauge. I have knitted several patterns in the book and have not run into any problems. The patterns are really cute and are pretty easily adapted as far as color and little finishing touches are concerned. The main thing is that they are classic designs that won't go out of style in a few years (at least I don't think so). However, do be ready to spend a pretty penny on the recommended yarns or substitute your own. Mellor is obviously British and I think this lends a different approach to her patterns, so you'll notice a difference between her and American patterns, I think. But she's very classy and non-trendy about what's in this book. One more word of warning: This book is NOT FOR BEGINNERS. The patterns' instructions are often a little vague and even had me, a semi-advanced knitter, reading and re-reading. Be prepared to do everything those instruction books tell you and warn you about - checking your gauge often and having kids try on the patterns as you make them. There are no instructions in the book, so don't buy this book alone if you need them - and do yourself a favor and don't try these as your first project.

I am definitely a beginner knitter. I am a stay at home mom and wanted something to keep my hands busy while my baby naps. So I decided to teach myself to knit. I found this book and my first project was the navy blue bobble sweater. It turned out adorable. Making the bobbles was probably the hardest part. I used all cotton yarn. There may have been errors in the pattern, but I just figured I had not counted correctly. I am now attempting the strawberries and cream pattern, but working with bobbins is challenging to say the least. I love the patterns in this book!

I loved knitting from this book. The pictures and diagrams are clear and easy to follow, and the results are so satisfying! I knitted the cabled hoodie for my small person, and the instructions enabled me to reproduce the garment in the picture. (In other words, it's not one of those books with lovely pictures and terrible instructions.) I wouldn't recommend this book to someone just starting out, but if you're ready for a bit of a challenge, this book has many fun projects to keep you knitting for hours.

I really admire that this book doesn't try to cram in a "how to knit" chapter in the very beginning. Those hurried instructions never do justice to someone who's never knitted. Therefore, don't buy this book hoping that it will contain a chapter teaching you how to knit, because it doesn't. After a few pages devoted to general knitting considerations, the patterns begin. They include two fully-knit sundresses, a dress incorporating some fabric, sweaters, blankets, a vest, hats, mittens, and booties. I was very impressed with the patterns because they were very sophisticated in their simplicity - often the best-dressed kid isn't the one wearing the sweater incorporating every color in the rainbow. Zoe Mellor's designs are fun, but very balanced in color, texture, and pattern - if a sweater is striped, it doesn't also have a big clown in the middle; if a sweater is highly-textured, it doesn't also incorporate stripes. Among the skills used here are: color work, lace, Fair Isle, cabling, bobbles, and tassels. Overall, I would say the patterns are best for an intermediate-skill knitter. Depending on the project, there are patterns here to fit ages 6 months-4 years. Some items are clearly for girls, but most patterns can be adapted to either gender.