Kerry Grant’s Crochet Journey: A Passion Woven Over Time
Kerry Grant’s crochet story is one of rediscovery, growth, and deep fulfillment. Though first introduced to the craft by her mum years earlier, it wasn’t until her late thirties that Kerry truly picked up the hook again, this time to create her first granny squares. Life had kept her busy raising kids and working, but once she found her rhythm, crochet began to weave its way into her heart.
Today, Kerry lives a full and active life, working full-time, doing pilates almost daily, and yet still managing to bring one beautiful doll to life after another. She discovered Crochetree in 2022, and since then, crochet has become more than just a hobby. It’s her joy, her challenge, and her creative outlet. Here is her story, in her own words:
"Hi, I started crocheting granny squares in my late thirties. My mum had shown me how to crochet much earlier, but I didn’t get into it back then, I was probably too busy juggling the kids and work.
Eventually, I made myself a large blanket for my bed and a few smaller ones. Then, in 2008, when I was 44, my daughter became pregnant, and I made baby blankets for her.
Back then, crochet wasn’t something I did all the time, definitely not like now. It wasn’t until 2017, when I was around 53, that I started working from patterns. I really wish I had learned how to read patterns earlier. It’s far more exciting, and it opened up a whole new world for me. I love crochet so much more now, especially because of Crochetree.
I’m quite proud of my finished work. I even have a crochet page on Facebook where I post each project to share with friends. So far, I’ve made all sorts of intricate blankets, baby clothes, clothes for myself (dresses, cardigans) and so many toys I’ve honestly lost count.
My grandson Lincoln loves Mario, so I made him the entire Mario clan, plus extras like Sonic! I discovered Crochetree on Facebook in 2022. I bought three patterns straight away, and then more... and more. I haven’t made all the dolls yet (there are a lot!), but I keep adding to my collection.
My first doll was a request from a work colleague. It was Natalie, a real challenge, but I enjoyed making her so much that I didn’t want to stop. I was hooked. Friends started noticing and asking for dolls, too. I’ve made 11 dolls so far, doubling up on Natalie and Fairy Freya. It’s funny, one person sees it, and then someone else wants one, too!
Each doll takes me about three weeks to make, since I’m working full-time and doing pilates most days. I’ve also made toys like The Grinch and a bulldog from other special requests. Some of those were quite challenging, but they’ve made me a better crocheter. Still, dolls are my favorite. They’re very special to me. I don’t have a favorite, I love them all.
One moment that really stuck with me: I asked a nurse, a few weeks after she bought Hazel from me, how her daughter liked the doll. She told me her little girl doesn’t go anywhere without her. That made me feel so proud.
My advice to anyone new to crochet is this: believe in yourself and don’t give up. Reading patterns isn’t as hard as it seems once you learn to recognize the abbreviations. And whenever I don’t know something, I just check YouTube.
Crocheting is part of my life now. The only time I stop is when my hand hurts from too much crocheting! I always bring a project with me when I travel, especially on planes. It makes the time fly, and sometimes I can nearly finish a whole doll in one flight. This month, I’m off to Singapore and taking a cruise. I can’t wait to start my next doll on the trip.
Love crochet!
Kind regards,
Kerry Grant"
