I do both.
I have extreme health issues so I am often at home alone. On those days I tend to read about more than "do". When a friend comes over to sew, I get a lot done. The more I talk the more I do.
Unfortunately, I make sewing buddies and then they have to go to work! And then I'm buddy-less again.
I need to find a way to be accountable to somebody, so I will keep sewing. I need motivation...