Ever since I launched The Croft House, shortly before the birth of my daughter, I've wanted to produce a range of girls jumpers and cardigans. For many children, the nearest they've come to fair isle knitwear is a Christmas jumper. I love using the fair isle technique in my designs and was determined to get away from this stereotype, producing a pretty range of knitted jumpers and cardigans little girls would love to wear all year round.
When my daughter was younger she received a dress as a gift which was more expensive than I would normally pay. She adored it and every time I asked if she would like to wear a dress I could guarantee she would choose that one. If given the chance she would have worn it every day, so I realised that cost per wear it became the best value item in her wardrobe! And so, I set out to develop a collection which little girls would love to wear.
Firstly, I sat down with my daughter, now 5, and discussed her favourite motifs which included rainbows, hearts and butterflies.
Next to choose the yarn. When she was 2 I bought her the cutest wool poncho which she would rip off as soon as I put it on her. Only later did I realise that she found it scratchy so sadly it ended up at the charity shop never worn. For my girls clothes range I have chosen a super fine lambswool and soft merino wool which has been described as "the softest thing ever!" by my daughter.... definitely a thumbs up. Looking at the yarn shade cards I asked her to pick out all her favourite colours. No surprise she made a bee-line for bright, saturated colours such as hot pink and turquoise. For a softer look she has a natural affinity to pastel pink despite my best efforts when she was younger to steer her away from "baby pink" clothes. Over the years I've learned to embrace her love of pink, sparkle and fluffy!
The new Girls Cardigans and Jumpers from The Croft House are available in ages 3 to 8. (This range is sold out and is now discontinued).