Rove Handmade

Wrapping up testing for the and , and preparation is underway for the release on July 18.

More to come soon! Sign up to the newsletter to stay in the loop (link in bio) 😉

Testing for the is in the home stretch and I’m really excited about this one!

I designed it in one of my favourite yarns, . Spun from the softer undercoat, or “thel”, of the Icelandic sheep, this delicate laceweight yarn feels rugged on the skein but relaxes and softens beautifully after washing. It was the perfect choice to elevate the ’s simple stitches and create an airy, lightweight garment that’s still warm enough for Icelandic summer 😉

Swipe through to see swatches before and after washing and let me know if you can see the transformation. I promise you can feel it! If you want to learn more, you can check out my latest blog post on the website.

And if you’re as excited about this release as I am and don’t want to miss anything, be sure to sign up for the newsletter. All the links are in the bio.

A little more than halfway through testing - more soon 😉

The test is underway (and I’m making one too) - swipe through for some sneak peeks from my wonderful testers - they are doing an amazing job! ✨

This design started as a basic “recipe” for a granny square top, posted on my blog way back in 2015 (it’s still there 😉) I was experimenting with granny squares (an enduring fascination of mine) and wanted something light, easy and wearable. I called it “Amma” because it means “Granny” in Icelandic.

All these years later, the has been made and loved by so many people ☺️. Now I’m taking some of the guesswork out by grading it to an inclusive size range, and will be releasing it as a full written pattern with added sleeve options to boot. It’s taken a few years, iterations and starts and stops along the way, but it’s almost there and I can’t wait to share more! If you’d like to be updated on the progress, follow me here or sign up for my newsletter on the website. If you’d like to be notified about upcoming pattern tests, you can sign up for that too. Links in bio 😉

The testing is underway and I just realized that I’ve never properly introduced myself here.

I’m Maria, a crochet pattern designer and the head and hands behind . I’m originally from Ontario, Canada but have lived in Reykjavík, Iceland for about the last twenty(!) years. 

I first learned to crochet when I was 12, taught by my grandmother’s next-door neighbour. In my 20s, I studied fashion design and went on to spend fifteen years doing wardrobe for film and television.

Now my “real” job is technical writing, but crochet is the happy place I keep coming back to. And living in Iceland, Icelandic wool is naturally the fibre I keep coming back to. In fact, you could say I’m on a crusade to show just how versatile it can be beyond the traditional “lopapeysur” many of us know and love. 

Aside from that, I drink more tea than is probably advisable, and yes, that is a (blurry) pile of yarn on the couch behind me (Icelandic wool, of course) 😉

Thank you so much to everyone who signed up to test the new pattern! The test call closes tomorrow, and we’re almost there but I still need testers for sizes 8 and 9 (finished chest circumference 64.5 inches/164 cm and 68 inches/172.5 cm respectively). Click the link in my bio to see the full pattern info and sign up form! Testers will be selected and notified by April 1st and the test runs until June 3, 2026

The test call is still open! Swipe through for pattern details and size information. I’m mainly looking to fill slots for sizes 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 specifically. To see the full test call or go directly to the signup form, click the link in my bio 😉 The call ends March 29 and testers will be selected and notified by April 1. The test runs until June 3.

🧶 CALL FOR TESTERS! 🧶

It’s been a looonnnng time coming but the “new and improved” is finally ready for testing!

Based on the original “recipe” I published on my blog way back in 2015, this version has been graded to nine sizes and includes a sweater option (with instructions for both 3/4 and long sleeves), worked up in delicate lace-weight yarn (I used ).

I’m looking for at least two testers per size, one for the top and one for the sweater. You don’t need to be an expert crocheter but you should be familiar with reading a pattern and working to gauge.

Testers who complete the test will receive a free copy of the finished pattern and 50% off any other pattern of your choice.

To see the full Amma Test Call with pattern details and link to the signup form, click the link in my bio ⬆️

The test call closes on March 29, 2026 and testers will be selected and notified by April 1. The test runs until June 3, 2026.

✨Sample sale✨

As promised, I’m passing on some of my samples. These are design samples that were used for pattern development, photos and wear testing. They are very gently worn and in almost-new condition, and have been cleaned and freshened up, ready to go to new homes. And of course, all handmade by me in 100% Icelandic wool.

Details in the captions. Available for local pickup only. DM me if interested 😊

I’ve been a bit side-tracked lately cleaning things out and trying to use up all my stash yarn. I wound up revisiting some dormant ideas and made a few things I’m kind of excited about, so I’ve decided to have a mini “jólamarkaður / holiday drop. And in the spirit of cleaning up, I’ll also be posting a selection of older “sample sale” items from the archives. All items will be available for local pickup only, so if you’re in the Reykjavík area and would like a special handmade something for yourself or someone else, drop me a DM. Pics and details on Facebook 😉
P.S. I haven’t forgotten about my update. It’s in the queue, taking my time because I want to get it right 😉