CONTEMPLATIVE CROCHET – Craft Gossip

“Contemplative Crochet” is a different kind of book for my library. This quote caught my attention:

‘Craft, spirituality, and vocation all require a certian reaching out,a seeking of inspiration, a search for wisdom.’

‘……..staying curious, open to possibilities….’

This book combines the creative and meditative elements of crochet with spiritual connectedness – linking the spirit of crochet to each of the world’s great religions, tying together religious practice and overarching spiritual patterns connecting all of us.

The book contains only a few patterns, but lots of stores and explanations of crative and spiritual traditions. Also discussed are charitable ventures for crochet, gratitude, community, paths to greater creativitiy, and the combining of crochet with prayer and meditation to strenghten our spiritual connections.

I found this book to be a refreshing diversion from my usual reads. It’s certainly not for every taste, but if you find crochet to be meditative like I do, you might enjoy ‘Contemplative Crochet’.

Contemplative Crochet – A Hands On Guide for Interlocking Faith and Craft

by Cindy Crandall-Frazier

Skylight Paths Publishers, 2008, $16.99

187 pages with B&W pictures only

ISBN 9781594732386

Read These Next

Learning about Hanukkah is important for people of all faiths as a reminder that December isn’t just about Christmas and that their are many other important holidays that happen during this time. Hanukkah unit studies can give you ideas for incorporating the holiday into your holiday studies that happen in December, or to use at home for learning about people of different faiths.

Homeschool Superfreak has a lot of basic ideas for how to build a Hanukkah unit study, as well as FAQs about what Hanukkah is and why it is celebrated. This list is a good stargint point but doesn’t include all the details you’ll need. For example it says you can play the dreidel game but doesn’t explain how to do that or why it’s important. (If you need that information, this post from Mama Smiles is a good source.)

Teachers Pay Teachers has lots of great lesson plans and activities if you’re willing to pay a little bit to get some good content. Two I really like are this Hanukkah PowerPoint presentation from Shelia Melton, which provides a good overview of traditions, food and the history of Hanukkah; and a virtual field trip to Jerusalem from MagiCore, which includes lots of videos showing the city and activities like playing dreidel, drawing a menorah and making latkes. It’s a Google Drive folder and also includes writing activities and more for kids in second to fifth grade.

Kids Activities Blog has some simple printables with facts about Hanukkah and things kids can color in like a Star of David, sufganiyots (jelly doughnuts) and a menorah. These are great for learning the basics.

Homeschool Giveaways has a printable ebook about Hanukkah complete with questions kids can answer after they read. This would be a good one for older kids with good reading comprehension.

NurtureStore’s Hanukkah unit study includes a printable mini book, tons of crafts, as well as math and writing activities. I love the dominoes game that’s part of the unit.

And check out our previous posts for more Hanukkah crafts and learning activities!

Read These Next

Have you read?