I've believed for a long time that hobbies are not only something you do for pleasure but they can also improve the quality of your life. I first heard of Betsan Corkhill through her book, Knit for Health & Wellness, and I'm pleased to see that she's now released a new book about another hobby I enjoy titled Crochet Therapy which is published by Apple Press. I was asked to review this book on my blog and I jumped at the chance.
The book is set out in three chapters, the first one dealing with Crochet as Therapy and explains how craft can be used to achieve a more balanced and mindful life. It explains what mindfulness is, how the exercises work and provides some Basic Exercises.
Chapter two is all about The Projects. The chapter is split up in to different moods, Calm, Energy, Relax, Explore, Refresh, Dream, Focus, Persevere, Find Joy and Friendship. There are exercises provided for each of these headings followed by some wonderful projects and feel-good tips.
The final chapter deals with Techniques and is a great addition to the book, especially for those people who are new to crochet or need a little help getting started.
I think the idea of the book is quite unique, promoting mindfulness, providing therapeutic exercises and then suggesting a project to further enhance that particular exercise, I've never come across a book quite like it before.
As for the projects, well, there's something for everyone. None of them seem particularly difficult, I'd feel confident tackling each and every one and I've already picked out a few which I'd like to have a go at.
I'd definitely recommend this book, it would appeal to those people who are interested in craft as therapy or who already practice mindfulness and want to combine this with craft. I'd also recommend the book to people who are new to crochet and would like some fairly easy projects to have a go at, whether you want to follow the therapy part of the book or not.
I received a copy of this book to review, however, all opinions expressed are my own. The book retails for £12.99 and can be purchased direct from Quarto.
Oh that book looks great! Funnily enough i was just trawling pinterest at crochet patterns :-)
ReplyDeleteI might go in search of that book, i love the look of the patterns in it. x
There's some lovely patterns in the book, all different kinds of projects. There's quite a few I really want to have a go at myself, once I've finished some of the things I've got on the go at the moment.
DeleteI absolutely agree with you, crafting has certainly been my saviour, I really couldn't envisage not doing any. What an unusual concept for the book, perhaps I should start my Christmas list early! lol xcx
ReplyDeleteI think it's definitely becoming recognised that hobbies play a big part in our overall well being. The book would make a great gift, I've already started my Christmas list, I jot things down as I see them and then I've got plenty of things to suggest when people ask me what I want.
DeleteWholeheartedly agree with your first sentence. Looks to be a great book - I especially like the hanging hearts; my daughter would love them for her room.
ReplyDeleteI think hobbies improve our quality of life in all different ways. There's some great projects in the book, I'm definitely going to have a go at some of them.
DeleteThe books sounds interesting, Jo. :o)
ReplyDeleteIt's very interesting. I haven't come across a book like this before so it's something completely new to me.
DeleteSounds good, will look for it at Amazon, where, by the way, I've ordered a cross stitch kit, thanks to you.
ReplyDeleteI know it's on Amazon over here so I hope you manage to find it there. Looking forward to seeing the cross stitch kit you've chosen, I'm really enjoying working on mine and having a long term project on the go.
DeleteAn interesting, and thoughtful, post. Happy crocheting. Flighty xx
ReplyDeleteAll kinds of hobbies can help with our well being, I know you're a supporter of the charity Thrive which uses horticulture as therapy. A big advantage of gardening is being outdoors which I believe is therapy in itself.
DeleteWhat a tip toppity concept.
ReplyDeleteJean
I think it's great that a link has been found between crafting and good health and well being. We should all make time for the things we enjoy.
DeleteI am chuckling as I type this, as I have just been sent a crochet book to review ...... and it is SO different to this one!
ReplyDeleteYou've got me intrigued now, I'm looking forward to reading your review.
DeleteHi Jo, I read a newspaper article about Betsan a while ago, not only can crafts help with well-being, like doing the crossword or sudoku they can keep your brain active and alert too. I need all the help I can get with that - lol.
ReplyDeleteAlso just playing catch up, happy belated birthday to Eleanor! and I was sorry to read about Archie, I hope the vet will do all they can to help. xx
When you read and understand how crafts can help with general well being, it makes perfect sense. Thank you, Eleanor really enjoyed her birthday. It's been a worrying time with Archie, I shall do an update post soon.
DeleteFound that really interesting, I find crocheting very therapeutic. May have to add it to my wish list xx
ReplyDeleteI find crafting really relaxing but it's interesting how different crochet exercises can help with different issues. I found the book fascinating and want to try putting it in to practice now.
DeleteSounds very interesting & may have to go & put both of those on hold at our library. Crafting is certainly my therapy along with gardening in good weather, photography & my blog. Have just borrowed a small book called "She Sheds" & so far it is brilliant. One to look out for at your local, maybe. Thanks Jo & take care.
ReplyDeleteI think all different hobbies can certainly help with our overall well being. If we're doing something we enjoy, it makes us happy, and if we're happy, we're in a positive place which can only be good.
DeleteCertainly sounds a great book for those who may just be starting out ...
ReplyDeleteMany do seem to find craft very relaxing, and the art therapy colouring books are very popular too.
All the best Jan
I really like the projects in the book, whether you want to follow along with the exercises or not. I had one of the art therapy colouring books bought for me for Christmas but I haven't had a go with it yet, I did used to find colouring really relaxing though, I used to love doing it along side the kids when they were little.
DeleteI think I might need this book! I've been crocheting with only 100% cotton yarn and it's sooooo divine!!!! I've made several things now! Have a great day x
ReplyDeleteI think cotton is lovely to crochet with, though you have to have a play around with different kinds as it can be very splitty. There's some brands with some gorgeous colours though.
DeleteIt sounds like a great book I think it may well find it's way onto my Christmas list. :) x
ReplyDeleteI think it'll be a popular book as it will appeal to those who want to use it for it's intended purpose and practice the mindfulness techniques it provides and then there'll be those who are just attracted by the lovely projects it contains. It'd make a super Christmas present.
DeleteSounds like just the thing for a beginner and such a different take on the whole crochet thing as therapy. I think mindfullness is a very interesting concept.
ReplyDeleteLisa x
Me too. It's a really interesting book and one which anyone can use, whatever level you're at with crochet.
DeleteWhat a lovely idea for a book. Crocheting has alluded me so far but I can see the benefits of crafting for restoring inner peace.
ReplyDeleteI think most hobbies are great therapy but the thing with crochet, and knitting too, is the rhythm you can get going with it. I can see how it can go hand in hand with mindfulness.
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