Meet Charllote Nazareno
Charllotte is the kind of maker who pours heart and precision into every stitch. A lifelong crafter, she first picked up a crochet hook more than three decades ago—and after a few long pauses, she’s now turning yarn into keepsake dolls that brighten her family’s home. Below, Charllote shares her story in her own words…
My Crochet Journey
Hi, I’m Charllote! I learned the basics of crochet in high school over 30 years ago. Back then, Home Economics meant mastering single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch, and treble crochet before the bell rang. I loved it, but life got busy and my hook collected dust for years.
Picking Up the Hook During the Pandemic
Fast-forward to 2022. In the middle of the COVID-19 lockdowns, a co-worker posted in our Facebook group asking for volunteers to crochet runners for Comfort Care Kits, small bundles we give to families whose loved ones are in palliative care. It felt like the perfect way to help, so I dove back in, completed a few runners, and then drifted back to another hobby: cross-stitch.
Crocheting for a Cause (Again!)
Last year, my church hosted a fundraiser inviting crafters to donate handmade items. I decided to crochet cellphone cases. The joy on people’s faces when they bought them reminded me why making things by hand matters so much.
My First Amigurumi! Thanks to My Daughter
In January, my eldest daughter asked me to crochet a Snorlax Amigurumi. Buying one was too pricey, so she sent me a YouTube tutorial. I had never attempted Amigurumi and definitely couldn’t read a pattern yet, but I followed that video from the magic ring to the final stitch, and Snorlax came to life!
Soon after, I stumbled upon Crochetree on Facebook. The Granny Grace doll caught my eye. Even though I still struggled with written patterns, Granny Grace was accessible to anyone: clear instructions, stitch counts at the end of each round, and tons of helpful photos. Whenever I hit an unfamiliar term, I Googled it or watched a quick video. Being detail-oriented, I aimed for excellence, and when I finished, Granny Grace looked beautiful. I was so proud I could have burst!
Why I Keep Crocheting
There’s nothing like that moment when you sew on the last piece and a little doll suddenly “smiles” back at you. After a 12-hour workday, sitting down with a Crochetree pattern is my favorite way to unwind. Crochet has become my stress reliever, my creative outlet, and a sweet connection to both my past and my family’s future, because every doll I make now becomes a keepsake for someone I love.
Thank you, Crochetree, for creating patterns that are beginner-friendly yet still let me stretch my skills. Here’s to the next doll, and the next chapter of my crochet story!
