If you've visited here before, you might have noticed some changes.
Let me introduce you to Rove Handmade, a new brand that seeks to engage creativity with simple, minimalist crochet patterns designed in natural, sustainable fibres. You'll still find patterns and how-to's previously published under Maria Valles Handmade, now under a new name and a freshened-up online home.
Rove Handmade represents the next step for me in this handmade endeavor of mine, as I begin to think more carefully about designing, making, and sustainability. It is the culmination of several months of pondering, planning and hard work, and I'm looking forward to seeing where this next chapter leads.
In celebration, I am excited to share with you Rove Handmade Volume 1: Grannies, a collection of four easy crochet patterns for simple and stylish shrugs and cardigans. Inspired by crochet’s most famous motif, the granny square, these patterns also showcase beautiful Icelandic wool yarns in earthy undyed shades. The collection features two brand new patterns along with my best-selling Duo Two-Way Shrug and a new-and-improved pattern for my Granny Cocoon Shrug (previously published as free "recipe" here on the blog).
Each design employs inventive construction based on squares or hexagons, with no special shaping and minimal seaming, making these great projects for those crocheting their very first garment. Patterns include detailed instructions for five adult sizes, as well as schematics and notes on customizing your piece. You’ll also find tips on working with Icelandic wool and notes on yarn substitutions.