KUALA LUMPUR - Looking at the crocheted duck and squid, no one would guess they were made by an 11-year-old child.
Even more amazing is that Delisha Maira Johan learned to crochet purely by watching YouTube videos and can now do it like a pro.
"I like watching videos on YouTube. While scrolling, I came across a video on crocheting. When I watched it, it seemed easy and doable. After that, I asked my mother to buy the materials (for crocheting),” she said.
"The first craft I made was a mini pouch. By simply following the steps shown in the video, I was surprised it turned out well. It took me a few days to complete the pouch,” she told Bernama when met at her family home in Shah Alam, Selangor.
She has showed off her adeptness at crocheting crafts through her Facebook videos which have garnered millions of views, receiving many positive comments praising the girl's talent.
Delisha Maira, whose ambition is to be a chef, said her skills have improved and she does not take long to produce a craft item now.
"Now I’m faster. It just takes me about an hour and a half to crochet a duck,” she said, adding she has also made a skullcap for her father and grandfather, and a Teacher’s Day gift for her religious teacher.
Delisha Maira, whose favourite subject in school is Bahasa Melayu, said crocheting helps her become more focused and diligent, encouraging other children her age to try the activity as well.
Her mother Mira Mislan, 46, meanwhile, described her daughter as cheerful, organised and disciplined in everything she does.
Mira said she herself is not skilled in crocheting but has basic knowledge of it, adding her daughter learned to crochet entirely from YouTube videos.
"When she expressed interest in crocheting, I just went along with it. I never expected her to become this adept. The biggest surprise was when she crocheted a duck (for the first time). In just over an hour, the yellow yarn she was given turned into a duck.
"Like any other child, she used the phone a lot (to watch videos). Then, when she found a new hobby (crocheting) which was more beneficial, I supported it. I don't mind spending money on useful activities,” said the private sector employee, adding her daughter also enjoys helping her cook.
Mira also said the crafts made by her daughter are in high demand from netizens and friends.
"Many of them wanted to place orders, especially for my daughter’s crocheted duck; it is truly adorable. However, I had to decline since she is still in school. She only crochets in her free time after completing her homework.
"I don't want to accept orders as it might interfere with her studies. Moreover, this year she has the UPKK (KAFA Class Assessment Test). I hope she focuses on her studies first and treats crocheting as a hobby she can indulge in during her free time,” she said. - BERNAMA