Adanna DeLeon learnt to crochet when she was two years old just by watching her grandmother teach her mom. With her natural talent, she made dolls for sale at age 13. She became more interested in applying her crocheting skills to clothing and, a year later, made her first swimwear using nylon fabric. Not happy with nylon, she switched to wool/acrylic yarn.
Encouraged by her art teacher at Chaguanas Junior Secondary, Mr Shastri Maraj and her music and English teachers, she continued developing her skills and, at age 18, focused on crocheting to make a living.
In 2008, she did her first fashion show exploring the different varieties of crochet clothing entitled “A Night of Thread”, which resulted in a tour to other Caribbean islands.
Presently, she is exploring crocheting fine wire to create jewellery and a line called “Perfect Pillows”, catering to autistic children.
DeLeon is also a soca artiste performing under the sobriquet “Kitty”. People interested in her work can contact 771-2444.
–Story and photos by Edison Boodoosingh