Stitch or read? My solution...

[Vanessa Opal]

Two words: Audio Books.
For the past three years, I have buying (or getting from my library) books on tape/CD and listening instead of reading. I find that trying to watch the television while crocheting wasn't very productive; I was either taking too long to finish projects, or missing the good parts of movies because I am looking down too much. I would listen to music often, but found that I needed something mre stimulating sometimes. Audio books were a perfect combination. I do prefer my mystery novels in book form, though, so I pick AB's that are fluffy and entertaining, but I wouldn't really take the time to read; the Harry Potter series on CD are amazing (sorry to any HP fans! But the CD did win awards for narration and performance!)!
Has anyone tried this as well? :)

[[deleted user]]

I listen to books on CD, MP3 all the time. It's how I get most of my "reading" done. I also have a nice bookstand I put on my desk to hold hardbacks so I can read and knit at the same time.

I'm an HP fan and adore the books on CD. I just finished up re-listening to them not too long ago.

I'm also a Diana Gabaldon fan and re-listen to those, too. I love to fall asleep listening to Davina Porter narrating them.

My library has free MP3 downloads of audio books so I always have several on my Zen Stone+. Right now I'm listening to The last four of Kathy Reich's Temperance Brennan books.

[Vanessa Opal]

I am hoping to bring an audio book with me on my road trip/vacation I am going on in 2 weeks; hopefully I can catch up on my "reading" and crocheting when I am not driving :)

[[deleted user]]

I like to read while I stitch too. I knit, cross stitch, do crewel embroidery, needlepoint..... I'm trying to learn how to crochet....

I was listening to Outlander (by Diana Gabaldon) just last night!! :-D

[[deleted user]]

I'm listening to The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett now. Over on Raverly there is a read/knit along. People are designing afghan squares to go along with each of the Discworld books.

[Donnajo]

I haven't been able to get hooked on audios yet. I did buy one but haven't gotten started on audio while I needlepoint yet.

[Shari]

I listen to audiobooks and knit all the time (plus when I am walking or driving to my babysitting job, watching my grandkids). If you haven't listened to one, a great start would be "The Help". The voices in it are terrific and a great story. Love the Outlander series and Davina Porter's voice. I too am on Ravelry and they have an audioknitters group that I joined. Fun to see what everyone is reading/listening to.

[W.B.]

What great ideas--I just wish more of the books I read were on audioformat and that narrators would talk a little faster...but it's hard enough to find the books I like to read in print as it is (let alone audio format)! Now if I could just figure out how to crochet and write...(sighs)

[Steff]

you could record yourself with a dictating machine or something like that, lol!

[Denise]

I am hoping family takes hint and gets me a kindle for Christmas...it will read to me and earphones keep it to my self....

[Steff]

was Santa nice to you Denise? I got a Kobo Vox yippee!!!

[Kristin]

What a fun group! I listen to a lot of audio books also, but in the car. Then when I am home I can stitch. It is still always a tough decision though.

[Denise]

Steff wrote: "was Santa nice to you Denise? I got a Kobo Vox yippee!!!"

nope..money too tight...parents always miss out on the good stuff so our kids get the good stuff, oh well maybe later...had a peaceful Christmas :)

[Steff]

I hear ya, that was my one present, combo birthday & xmas present, and got it just after christmas when there was a $30 off deal lol.

[Pamela]

I did audio books when commuting to work for an hour - one way. Since I "retired" [read: quit]. I haven’t touched an audio since. But after reading everyone's posts about crafting and reading simultaneously... hmmmm....I think I need to get back into. *S*