Monday 25 March 2019

Mindful Crochet - A book Review

Mindfulness: a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and body sensations, used as a therapeutic technique*.


Mindfulness is extremely contemporary at the moment, and appropriately so; with increasingly hectic and busy lifestyles it's important that we take some time to focus inwardly and find a space and time to be calm and peaceful. 




Clinical studies show that mindfulness can help reduce anxiety, exhaustion and insomnia and can enhance the body's natural healing rhythms. It's no secret that crafts like knitting and crochet also have similar effects and can even slow the onset of dementia. So what better way to improve our physical and mental health than by combing the two?

Prayer Flag Garland

I was privileged to be asked to review a copy of Emma Leith's new book, 'Mindful Crochet'. On reading the introduction, Emma explains how crochet has changed her life and that it is '... the doorway to my happy place where pain and anxiety are softened and a state of peaceful acceptance resides ... it doesn't make the bad stuff go away, but can help transform it.'

Mindfulness Cowl

I couldn't agree more with Emma's thinking - I find crochet extremely relaxing (except when trying to wrestle with a particularly difficult pattern, or yarn that just won't do what I ask) and it's my favourite way to wind down after a long day. 

Prayer Beads Purse

Emma's book is split into four sections: Colour Therapy, Touch and Texture, Mindful Meditation and Caring and Sharing and has 35 beautiful projects with everything from small motifs and quick makes to larger ones which will take a little longer to complete. There are projects for the home, including bunting and flags, a table runner, a cushion and even a chandelier; and accessories – bag and purse, a desk tidy, shawls and scarves. Each project has a star rating which denotes the skill level required and the instructions are written in UK terms with clear descriptions of how to make the stitches in each round or row and detailed explanations of how to make up and finish each piece.

Boho Baskets

Dotted throughout the book are mindfulness reminders – helpful little tips and hints to put you on the right path as you work through the projects. These include practicing breathing techniques, helping you to focus on achievement and fulfilment and enjoying the rhythm of the stitches.


One thing that strikes me as I flick through the book is the wonderful range of colours popping out from every page – every project is photographed beautifully and looks very inviting. The yarn choices throughout range from cottons and acrylics to sock yarn and mohair. What I particularly like is that you could happily use whatever yarn you please, busting your stash or substituting for your favourite brands.

Kaleidoscope Mandala Mat

I'm thrilled to be able to give away a copy of Emma's lovely book to one lucky blog reader. All you have to do is enter below. The giveaway will end on the 2nd April 2019 and the winner will be notified by email. Entries welcome worldwide.

**** GIVEAWAY CLOSED ****


I'm waiting for a quiet moment in my schedule to have my own moments of mindfulness, but I cannot decide between the Kaleidoscope Mandala Mat or the Summer Sun Coasters ....

Enjoy your week,
Sarah xx

*From online dictionary
I was given a copy of the book in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

39 comments:

  1. Wow! What an amazing review of Emma´s book. I´ve been crocheting for the last seven years and I can say that helped me a lot. I discovered at my fifties that I am creative and skillful, I love so much all that I have learnt from the worldwide crochet community, not only related with the craft but also with life, relations and so more. Thanks for the chance! Good luck to everybody. Love peace and lots of crochet

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  2. What a great review. Crochet is definitely my therapy and helps me relax

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  3. You've peaked my interest! Thank you for reviewing this book.

    sarah.m.lawson

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  4. Oh what a beautifully written book - crochet is something I have used when I went through a really bad patch - so I can wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment.

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  5. What a lovely review of an inspired book! Love how there are a variety of projects to make to pass on as thoughtful gifts or even random acts of kindness. What better way to share your passion for crochet and receive the blessings of mindfulness in one!

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  6. What a lovely review. Emma has such inspirational ideas. I love the color combinations and I can't wait to buy a copy myself.

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  7. Look at all those colourful projects �� I’d be all over the kaleidoscope mat! x

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  8. Lovely review, I love Emma's colourful world x crochetandsmile

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  9. The patterns look beautiful! It's so amazing how your mind is taken over with a crochet project. Anything could be going on around me when I'm crocheting! ��

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  10. Crochet has saved my sanity over the last couple of years. Don't think I'd have got through without it.

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  11. Hope your weather is a wonderful as ours is......I just planted tomatoes....tonight I crochet....

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  12. Lovely blog!

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  13. I love your posts and your work. For me crocheting is a way to stay in my safe zone and calm down. Recently I've been thinking to have my etsy shop and donating half of the prize to charities. This is just a thought and at the moment I'm super busy with my studies but hopefully the thought become an action. Fingers crossed. Thanks for your lovely work and book review.

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  14. Such a gorgeous, colorful happy book!! 😃

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  15. I find crochet a great way to relax!

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  16. Great review,crochet is a great calmer.

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  17. Mindfulness has been my 'word's for the year. This book would be a retreat for mindfulness everyday.

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  18. That looks like a gorgeous book!

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  19. I loved your post. I can relate so much to everything you said! I’m much happier when I crochet at night vs wasting time on my phone! I love the prayer garland in the pic!

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  20. I have been on Amazon uk it says the mindful crochet book is not out till the 9th April and then there is a another one which is able to buy now which one is it i want to buy it now

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    1. I’ve found it here:
      https://www.theworks.co.uk/p/crafting-books/mindful-crochet/

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  21. The projects look stunning and I love the idea of mindfulness crochet.

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  22. Sounds like a wonderful book full of beautiful projects. Would be a great addition to my library.

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  23. Mindfulness and crochet - what more could one need, put me in the draw please! X

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  24. Lovely! I really like the look of the Kaleidoscope Mandala Mat -- very original.

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  25. Such a beautiful book! I agree that it's the mindfulness that heals, as I have had healing from another craft. However, I am HOOKED on crochet - I've become a hooker, as hubby says!! LOL!!

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  26. Thanks for the review. Gorgeous book.

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  27. I can’t wait to get this book fabulous

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  28. Looks like a great book. Crochet is such a good therapy craft

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  29. Looks to be a great book I like the purse. Crochet is my mindless and relaxing craft

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  30. Feeling better just reading your review and looking at the gorgeous colours!

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  31. Would love to own this lovely book.

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  32. I completely agree about using crochet to unwind and relax. I find it really therapeutic.

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  33. This book looks lovely ��

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  34. I gotta bookmark this website it seems extremely helpful very useful. Thanks for sharing.

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I'd love to hear from you, so leave a comment or ask a question and l'll reply to you right here.
Have a fab day.
Sarah Xx