Little Scandinavian

I don’t know about you but my mum and my mother in law are both very active women still working full time and with very little spare time. We have been lucky enough to receive a few knitted items, but we can’t expect new sweaters for every Christmas.
The Danes are known for being innovative and entrepreneurial. Karen Leth and Nina Brandi is the creative and hard working ladies behind the brand Mormor (The Granny). They have gathered several knitting grannies in Denmark under one brand.
All garments are delivered with a signed note, from the granny who knitted the piece, especially for your child. If you can’t find what you are looking for on their site mormor.nu they will be happy to receive any requests too.

Nina Brandi explains about Mormor

I think this is a fantastic concept! At last unused resources that exists in our community has been spotted. I have with the help from my mother started this group of grannies, and it has been a pleasure to experience all their knitting knowledge (some started knitting as young as 5 years old) and also to receive such a grateful and positive response from these lovely ladies. Secondly it’s a pleasure to be able to offer products to children that are made after the Fair Trade principle and with environmental care.

Last week, at the children’s fashion fair in Copenhagen MorMor had their own stand -with a knitting Granny in a rocking chair of course!

Mormor also support “A race against breast cancer” and a Fair Trade project in Bolivia.

Photo: Mormor

Lille Barn (Little Children) has managed to create yet a lovely collection in organic merino wool, organic cotton and Bamboo. The London based Norwegian talented and most charming Reidun Oliveira is the head designer behind the brand, and for her the quality of each piece and the love and comfort the child will experience by wearing it is what’s important. She has also chosen to have all her garments produced in Europe, and yet they are still surprisingly affordable.
Lille Barn is clothing for babies and children up to 6 years. Her knitted winter collection in the softest Merino Wool is what the customers really love. But I must admit, this summer collection can not be a disappointment for all Lille Barn fans. Many items like the all in one suit shown to the left is the typical Lille Barn signature style. There is also some lovely fabrics and romantic summer dresses to be found. And many items are mix and match.
But what we are especially impressed about is the boys collection. Chunky knitted organic cotton sweaters in different colours. Comfortable shorts for those hot summer days. And we simply love the reversible jacket with matching bucket hat! Don’t miss out on this one!
Online boutique is to be launched this spring. Meanwhile there are several lovely shops that stock Lille Barn; Kidsen, Cute U Look, Squibbly Biskit, Little Bou and Yellow Lolly




Photo: Lille Barn

The wool that many of us associate with clothing is not the wool of today. The scratchy and heavy fabric of early twentieth century clothing manufacturers has given way to the mix of wool blends like merino wool. The agony of dealing with itchy, scratchy wool has been replaced with lightweight and finely woven wools.
The advantages of merino wool are many. It’s naturally soft, and like all wool, it will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. That’s because of the breathable quality of its fiber. This is just one of the things that make merino wool so desirable.

Other qualities of Merino wool are:

* It has the ability to absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture and still not feel wet.
* Like all wool it is naturally antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal.
* Dust mites do not live in wool.
* Natural durability and insulation properties
* Natural fire resistance
* Natural water repellent (rain) while having superior moisture absorbency (from skin)
* Soft and plush fibers – safe for infants
* Natural elasticity to fiber
* Little to no build-up of odor

This makes Merino wool ideal apparel for infants and children.

Norwegian brand Lille Lam was founded by two mums with the aim of providing warm and comfortable clothing for children. Lille Lam has to main lines; One for play wear and one that is more formal. Both lines are inspired by Norwegian traditional clothing, with a modern touch. The wool used in the garments is very soft and does not itch or irritate the skin. The wool is “super-wash” treated and can consequently safely be washed in the washing-machine on a wool program without shrinking or change of dimensions.

Wool is for every climate, and is in my opinion especially well suited to the British climate.

Just wanted to share my latest discovery; Danish Poppy Rose, stylish simplicity for children.

You will find beautiful and unique danish design clothes made from nostalgic and world renowned English Liberty fabrics. In addition you will find a new luxurious knit collection made from extra fine merino wool.
Poppy Rose has also launched a beautiful 100% organic cotton line guarantying that the skin of your child is not exposed to unnecessary chemicals. The organic cotton line will also be Fair Trade certified ensuring that you are part of contributing to people in the 3rd world having a chance to create a better life.

Poppy Rose’s luxurious design is both for you and the little one your heart beats for.

Picture to the left is a taste of what to expect from their coming Spring Summer 2010 collection, but I simply have to show you a few things from their Autumn Winter 2009 collection too, as I’m head over heals in love with it…

Contact Poppy Rose for more information and retailers: poppyrose@poppyrose.dk

Photo: Poppy Rose

Beatrice is wearing her “kanina Bennie cardigan” from Dundelina, definitely one of her favourite items this season! Lovely round neck cardigan in a soft and warm lambswool blend. Beatrice loves wearing this cardigan on chilly days, and it’s a must on her way to and from ballet class every week. Gorgeous quality with lots of attention to details. Knitted cord ribbon at waist and mother of pearl buttons to the front. Hand embroidered funky bunny from the story “dundelina and the old house” on the back, which really makes this beautiful cardigan so unique.
Available with 50% off in sizes 104 – 140 cm, on sale now for £25 at Dundelina.

In Scandinavia it’s still quite common for the children to wear home knitted sweaters and cardigans. “Mariusgenser”, Marius Sweater is something most true norwegians own. Designed in 1953 by Unn Soiland (later Dale), founder of Lillunn Design of Norway. She made textile history by designing new patterns, using coloured wool for thick sweaters, very unusual for the time,- making “Norwegian Sweaters” an Internationally famous word.
Marius sweater has it’s name after Marius Eriksen, a famous Norwegian war hero, actor and skier.
Today, more than 50 years later known as the most sold and knitted hand knit pattern in the world. Regarded as the Norwegian National Sweater, a Norwegian Icon.
Unn Soiland Dale received the Royal Medal of Merit in Gold 2002, for her lifelong pioneer work of developing Norwegian hand knit traditions and wool designs, and for making Norwegian wool-textiles famous internationally. And the Marius Sweater is as popular as ever.
I remembered loving my Marius sweater and matching hat as a little girl. The Scandinavian Dad loved his too, of course.
Our girls are no exception, and love their Norwegian sweaters, knitted with love and care by granny. In the softest wool, warm and cozy. Picture shows Beatrice aged 4, very happy in her Marius sweater.

If you don’t have a granny sitting next to the phone waiting for your knit requests to arrive and you have 10 thumbs yourself, you can always buy beautiful hand knitted sweaters and cardigans online.
The Butik has a Winter Sale on now, with up to 40% off. And I spotted a true bargain there today, from danish label Shirley Bredal.
The classic icelandic sweater, perfect for any little boy or girl, hand knitted in 100% pure merino wool. Used to be £40, on sale now for £24

Lovely cropped cardigan in 60% lambswool blend. Knitted cord ribbon at waist. Hand-embroidered bunny from one of Dundelinas story books on the back. Available in sizes 98 – 140cm. Apparently one of Dundelina’s own favourite items this season. I showed it to Beatrice, and she was like: Mummy, pleaseeeeeeee? I think this subtle grey colour will really suit Beatrice’s fair skin and blond hair very well.


Photo: Dundelina

NOA NOA is not available online in the UK, which is a shame as their Christmas collection this year is so gorgeous.
However one independent shop located in Surrey, NOA NOA Reigate, has taken pictures of what they stock from NOA NOA Miniature. You then need to call or email them with your request. If what you want is available they’ll ship it to all UK residents. According to a friend who has done this the customer services is fab. Visit their site for more details; NOA NOA Reigate


Photos: NOA NOA Reigate, the NOA NOA Christmas 2009 collection

Tuss – the ultimate simple solution, is a label for children´s clothes based in Stockholm, Sweden. Tuss designs clothes for children from 0 to 12 years, minimalistic in colour with a timeless yet contemporary feel where the Scandinavian traditions of functionalism and simplicity is visible. Tuss uses shades of black, grey, white, beige and blue. The materials are carefully selected and are of the highest quality. Tuss clothes are both practical, comfortable and aesthetic.

This smock dress is a real basic and can be worn anytime, so definitely an item not to be missed this winter. Made from fine 100% cotton jersey, it’s soft and very comfortable. It has a straight cut but the sides are gathered. Wear it with knitted tights and canvas shoes or for a more dressy look choose black or grey ballerinas. Available in sizes 2 – 12 years, but are quickly getting sold out. £42

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I just visited coocoomashu.com, and they have a big sale on. They stock clothes and shoes for babies, boys and girls up to 10 years. Among the brands is Petit by Sofie Schnoor Molo, Mini A Ture, Drappa Dot and Småfolk.
I’ve looked at this jacket from Fablefant for Beatrice, size 10 years for only £56


and these boots from Petit by Sofie Schnoor for Amélie size 28 for only £39


They have lots of nice items for boys too, like this jacket

And this knitted cardigan for babies from Mini A Ture

coocoomashu.com is run by UK based Pia, a mother of two children. I love visiting her web shop, with a very nostalgic design.
Visit coocoomashu.com and have a look for yourself!

Beatrice is turning 8 years today. And I must admit it is starting to be difficult to find her party clothings. She doesn’t want to wear anything that she regards as childish. In the same time I’m not to eager to dress her up as a teenager. At least not yet! So I’ve been searching for party outfits that we both could be happy with and found out that Mini A Ture has this lovely golden fine knitted dress as part of their Christmas Collection 09. I think this dress has some lovely details.
There is a small button at the front. The dress is in a lurex mix but do still have a soft inside. Wash at 40% degrees. I’ve found this dress in size 4 – 10 years (104 – 140cm). Beatrice is 138cm, so it will fit perfect as Mini A Ture are generous on sizes. Would look great with tights. Dress down with boots and a scarf or up with ballerina pumps and a bow hairclip.

Little Remix is the Danish high fashion brand Designers Remix Collection’s children’s line. Charlotte Eskildsen designs childrenswear inspired by her women’s collection.
The brand is dynamic and is aiming to design for the female fashion chameleons that requires constant innovation and clothes with personality. Therefore it is difficult to set a specific style of the brand, but the collections are always of a very high aesthetic quality with wonderful details and exciting materials. My favourite dress this summer has been a demin dress from Designers Remix!
Buy online at KIDS of LUXURY

How sweet is this set for coming Christmas season?