Children’s clothing is popular knit. They don’t use much yarn, and knit up quickly. I don’t have kids, but I like knitting for my friend’s kids because I can whip something up in an evening. But one thing I hate about most patterns for kids' clothing is that they are obnoxiously “adorable.” Adults are far too eager to dress their kids in a sweater covered in cutesy animals, or a hat adorned with flowers bigger than your baby’s head.

Erika Knight breaks that mold with Simple Knits for Little Cherubs. In it, she focuses on knits for boys and girls, aged two to five years old. The focus is on classic, retro knits that bring nostalgia back into the wardrobe. It makes the kids look like little people, instead of just little kids. The colors Knight chooses are cool, muted tones of grey and blue, with accents of stronger shades. Certainly not the loud brights or sticky-sweet pastels normally associated with children’s clothing.

The “Classic Sweater” is a simple, plain unisex sweater. No pictures or patterns or detailing. Just what it says – it is a classic sweater. The “Denim Pinafore” is a simple sleeveless dress that can be worn alone or over a long-sleeved shirt. The “Fluffy Bolero” is a dreamy mohair knit, perfect for a fancy outing with your little angel. The “Dressing Gown” is a wonderful, cozy, grown-up robe.

The “Scottie Dog Cardigan” is a sweet cardigan with a small, simple Scottie dog intarsia on the single front pocket. The “Fairisle Border Cardigan” is another sweetly sophisticated sweater, with a simple Fairisle design along the lower hem. The “Boy’s Diamond Pullover” is a masculine version of the cardigan, but as a sweater vest. The “Reindeer Zipper Cardigan” is the perfect winter sweater.

The accessories are equally simple and clean, though less exciting. The “Simple Socks” look like they would fall off quite easily. The “Stripey Hat” and matching scarf are cute – if you can get them to stay on your kid. The “Patched Blanket” is a security blanket that might be too sophisticated – you don’t want your child dragging it around through high school. “Velveteen Rabbit” and “Top Dog” are cuddly stuffed toys that resemble vintage toys. You won’t mind if your kids leave them around the house.

There are plenty of cutesy patterns out there for kids. Simple Knits for Little Cherubs, though, lets them be people.