Reading and Crochet

I’ve been doing A LOT of reading lately. I used to read on public transportation everyday traveling to my place of employment, but now that I don’t have that commute my reading time took a nosedive. I am not at the point where I can read a physical book and crochet at the same time, so I often listen to audio-books while on the hook.

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E-Borrowing

I was using Audible for a while but then I found out my library had an e-borrowing program that included audio books and was FREE, so I saved a buck and switched to my library’s program! Don’t get me wrong, Audible was great to have but I was accumulating more credits than I could use. So I paused my account for a while to use up my accumulated credits and during that pause I found out about my library’s e-borrowing system.

Does your library have this too? You can either call them or they will usually have something listed on their website that looks like this:

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My local library uses the Libby app for their e-borrowing (be sure to check with the programs your library uses before downloading). The selection depends on how robust your library is, but it has saved me A LOT of both money and shelf space! I still like a good physical book though, but I only buy those for books I know I want to keep a physical copy of. It was so easy to set up too!

You just need a library card number to get it going. There are a lot of libraries that allow you to get a digital library number online for exactly this purpose, most of which are provided immediately without stepping foot into the library. You can also add more than one library number to the app (I have a library number for the local library in town AND for the capital city of the state I live in) which expands your borrowing options!

Magazines and Books

I love that I can get some magazines, including crochet magazines, through it too and have been able to find some cute patterns in crochet magazines that I want to try. I didn’t even know about some of these magazines until I was in the app looking around! So definitely check it out if you are looking for more pattern ideas outside of social media!

RELATED: Crochet: How to start as a beginner

Audio-books are a great way to get back into reading while multitasking. I often listen while crocheting, participating in other hobbies, cleaning, etc. 

Some of the crochet magazines that I have stumbled upon are:

• Crochet!
• Simply Crochet
• Crochet World
• Homespun Crochet
• Family Crochet
• Crochet Living

My search within my library system came up with 39 magazines solely on crochet! I felt like a kid in a candy store when I saw those search results!

RELATED: Ultimate guide to crochet techniques

Benefits

I’m pretty sure you already know this, but there are lots of benefits to both reading and crochet, and when combined, it’s just more of a bonus! Stress relief is one of the biggest benefits for me. I love how I can listen to a good story, but also be aware and focused of the stitches I’m doing while crocheting. I can just peacefully zone out. Combo this with a cozy reading nook and it’s like a vacation.

RELATED: How To Crochet While Traveling

Seasonal Fun

I never thought of it this way until recently but you can have fun combining both reading and crochet! Seasonal themes work well…for example, a cozy winter themed audio-book while making a chunky blanket! Or some colorful place mats to liven up your table with a suspense novel. 

Book Clubs

I haven’t been in one specifically for crochet, but there are lots of book clubs out there for hobbyists! Whether it’s at your local library or a book club in an online group, these clubs can open up your world on another level and you can still share the love of your favorite hobbies! For example, I’m in a female gamer group (the primary reason why I joined) but they also have a book club and there are a number of members who are also crafters, so we always have great conversations!

Book Inspired Crochet Projects

Here are some ideas for book themed crochet projects:

• Bookmarks
• Book sleeves
• Reading pillows
• Lap blankets
• Blankets using granny squares consisting with the main colors of the book covers you read (One granny square per book)
• Character inspired amigurumi
• Shoulder bags to carry your reading materials

These items that I listed are also great gift ideas for book lovers too!

Feel free to check out some of the free patterns at Yarnspirations as well!

RELATED: Fool-proof beginner crochet projects

Balance and Time Management

So how in the world do you balance reading and crochet? If you are like me, you can do both simultaneously. Otherwise, schedule some time in your day for both hobbies. Maybe read during your commute if you take public transportation and crochet a little before bed. Or maybe your book is your after dinner treat! There’s so many ways to incorporate both hobbies into your life. 

In Summary

I hope you’ve enjoyed some of these ideas that incorporate both reading and crochet. Be sure to carve out time for the hobbies you enjoy. Take your eyes off the screen and immerse yourself in something fun. Share some of these ideas with your friends. Who knows, you may actually start your own book and crochet club!

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