Imagine walking down wooden stairs in the early morning. The windows along the banister are slightly ajar. The scent of fresh coffee and warm pastries drifts upward, wrapping around you like a familiar quilt. No screens glow here, and the creak of your steps highlights the hum of birdsongs. Finally, you are in for a day of slow, comforting, timeless things.
For a moment, let's embrace cozy and timeless living, encouraging us to slow down and enjoy the charm of lasting hobbies. This is your invitation to explore slow living—a lifestyle that values quality over quantity, presence over productivity.
So, light a candle, steep some tea and settle into a rhythm that feels restorative. Granny hobbies aren’t just quaint—they remind us that joy can be found in the simplest things.
The library is an excellent starting point for developing these interests, providing a wealth of materials and resources to support your journey. Whether you’re interested in quilting, gardening, or other comforting crafts, you’ll discover inspiration and tools to help you get started. Here are a few hobby ideas and library resources to enhance and enrich each.
Textile and Fiber Arts
Sewing and Quilting
Stitch together stories and warmth—from patchwork quilts to handmade garments, this is the art of fabric and memory.
Ultimate Illustrated Guide to Sewing Clothes by Joi Mahon
Visual Guide to Patchwork & Quilting
Embroidery
Embroidery can embellish existing clothing, bags and more. Designing delicately with fabric creates beauty through intention.
A Year of Embroidery by Yumiko Higuchi
Freshly Stitched by Celeste Johnston
Weaving
Interlace threads into textiles—a tactile, ancient craft that connects you to tradition.
Welcome to Weaving by Lindsey Campbell
Knitting and Crochet
Loop by loop, create scarves, blankets and heirlooms. A rhythmic, soothing craft for hands and heart.
Two Needles, Many Knits by Quayln Stark
Complete Crochet Course by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby
Culinary and Preservation Arts
Canning
Preserve the seasons—jams, pickles, and sauces that carry summer into winter.
The All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving
Cold Canning by Bruce Weinstein
Baking
Fill your home with the scent of rising dough and sweet spices. A delicious way to slow down.
Baking School from King Arthur Baking Company
Baking Yesteryear by B. Dylan Hollis
Stews and Soups
Simmering pots of comfort—nourishing, simple, and deeply satisfying.
Nourish Soups by Rebecca Woods
Easy Soups From Scratch With Quick Breads to Match by Ivy Manning
Nature and Outdoors
Gardening and House Plants
Whether herbs on a windowsill or a full backyard plot, plants bring life indoors and out. Care for them, and they’ll care for your space.
Vegetable Gardening by Fern Marshall Bradley
Small-space Container Gardens by Fern Richardson
Houseplants by Lisa Eldred Steinkopf
Birding
Watch, listen, and learn from feathered friends. A hobby of patience and wonder.
National Geographic Birding Essentials by Jonathan K. Alderfer
How to Look at a Bird by Clare Walker Leslie
The National Audubon Society Birds of North America
Reflection and Mindfulness
Reading
Escape into stories, learn something new, or revisit old favorites. A timeless pleasure.
The Pleasures of Reading in An Age of Distraction by Alan Jacobs
Journaling
Capture thoughts, memories, and reflections on paper. A personal space for creativity, clarity, and emotional expression.
I Am Here Now from The Mindfulness Project
Puzzling and Brain Games
Challenge your mind with crosswords, Sudoku, logic puzzles or riddles. A satisfying way to sharpen focus and problem-solving skills.
Sudoku Puzzles "Guru" by Divyang Pandit
Cottagecore
It's not just an aesthetic—it's about slowing down, finding magic and joy in the ordinary, and embracing a more peaceful life.
The Cottage Fairy Companion by Paola Merril
Escape Into Cottagecore by Ramona Jones
Beautiful Useful Things by Beth Kephart
Your Gateway to Creative Exploration
Dive deeper into your favorite craft or discover something new through Explora’s Hobbies & Crafts Source. Whether you're into quilting, gardening, baking, woodworking or model building, this database provides content for hobbies that blend creativity and comfort. Access is free with your library card.
Creativebug
Creativebug is an online resource available through CPL. It’s free with your library card and offers classes in sewing, knitting, quilting, embroidery, baking and more. It’s perfect for anyone who finds joy in slow, intentional creativity.
Try your hand at one of these craft ideas:
Explore more projects and other digital tools to boost your creativity in our blog. For more ways to embrace slow living and nostalgic hobbies using CPL resources, check out this Guide to Grannycore.
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