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Hands Occupied

Colorful knitting, crochet, latch hook and macrame from craft book author & designer Heidi Gustad.

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Carousel Horses and New Year Plans

January 19, 2023 8 Comments

A blond woman with glasses and cardigan knits while looking down at her project.
Since I know folks will ask, I’m wearing an old sweater of my grandpa’s that matched my glasses and knitting.

It’s been a quiet couple of years in terms of output from yours truly. Between losing my Studio space and a range of small setbacks, I found myself succumbing to burnout more and more easily. As a former public librarian, burnout is a feeling I became acquainted with in the months leading up to my leaving the profession years ago. That familiar feeling has had me reconsidering my creative career for the past few years. Especially after finishing my book in 2020, I struggled to find interest in crafting like I used to. (A couple of world events may or may not have added a little *spice* to the mix too. 😉)

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Read More

A blond woman packing several boxes.

A Farewell to the Studio Space, but Not Hands Occupied

November 18, 2022

Why I am bidding farewell to the Hands Occupied Studio space, and what this means for the rest of the year for Hands Occupied.

Three making related books sit in a pile on a blue background.

Summer Reading for Makers

August 2, 2022

Check out three new books written with makers in mind, and enter to win one for yourself!

inside out nordic star sweater: Isabel Marant Fall 2018 Ready-to-Wear Fashion Show Collection

2022 Mood Board / What is a mood board in knitting?

February 23, 2022

One of the coolest things about being a pattern designer is gathering inspiration. Take a look at what’s got my wheels turning this year.

Heidi (Hands Occupied) reacts in horror to the time.

It’s 2022 already?

February 9, 2022

An update about what’s next from Hands Occupied!

The Magic Carpet Throw Blanket by Heidi Gustad can be found in the new Knitting with Disney book by Tanis Gray! (Insight editions, 2021)

Knitting with Disney… and Me!

October 20, 2021

The Magic Carpet Throw Blanket by Heidi Gustad can be found in the new Knitting with Disney book by Tanis Gray! (Insight editions, 2021)

See more from the blog →

hands occupied on youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh7XHA1h18I

Free Patterns

Knit this super cozy scarf throughout the fall to keep you warm this winter! | Plaid Super Scarf by Heidi Gustad for AllFreeKnitting

Plaid Super Scarf

Knit red hats to help raise awareness about preemie heart health with the free Declan Hat pattern!

Little Hats, Big Hearts, Declan’s Story & A Free Pattern

Over the Rainbow Softie, a free crochet pattern using 1 package of Lion Brand Bon Bons yarn. Crochet an adorable, on-trend softie toy that easily doubles as DIY nursery decor.

Over the Rainbow Softie – Free Crochet Pattern

Crochet T-shirt Yarn Tote Pattern at HandsOccupied.com

Crochet T-shirt Yarn Tote

A tiny knit stocking is the most adorable way to trim your tree! Get the free knitting pattern for this striped stocking. #christmasornament #stockingornament #freeknittingpattern

Knit Stocking Ornament

The Remy Pullover Sweater by Hands Occupied

The Remy Pullover Sweater (& Lion Brand Giveaway Winner!)

All Cables Cowl Knitting Pattern at Hands Occupied

All Cables Cowl Pattern

Shorty Socks Knitting Pattern at handsoccupied.com

Shorty Socks / Knit Along Wrap Up

More Free Patterns →

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Heidi Gustad from Hands Occupied / Craft Book Author and Knitting, Crochet, Latch Hook and Macrame Designer

Hi! I’m Heidi (she/her/hers), a craft book author & pattern designer specializing in knitting, crochet, latch hook & macrame. Really anything with yarn! ❤️  My work combines vintage and modern design elements, featuring bold colors and graphic motifs.

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handsoccupied

Craft book author & pattern designer ❤️💛💙
knitting, crochet, latch hook & macramé
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Please email for pattern support. 🧶

Heidi Gustad 🧶✂️
Working on a sample for some upcoming videos. It’s an overcast day with intermittent sunshine & I have a scruffy little sidecar. 🐶 Can’t complain! 
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What’s on your needles this week? 
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Yarn: @debbieblissknits Cashmerino Aran 
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#handsoccupied #knitting #knittinglife
Peg boards and craft room organization go together Peg boards and craft room organization go together like peanut butter and jelly. So, as you can see, do latch hook tools and screwdriver organizers! 🪛 
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I think this trick translates to any tool with a thick handle, so leather working tools, punch needles, print making tools, etc. should work! What other tools am I, a needlecrafter, blanking on right now? 
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#craftorganization #handsoccupied #latchhook #latchhooking
Pegboard storage is my favorite for craft supplies Pegboard storage is my favorite for craft supplies, so getting a few hung in my new studio has been a priority. Here’s my first attempt. 🔨 
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Details: This pegboard panel is for organizing my knitting needles, latch hook tools, sewing thread, etc. It doesn’t need to hold much weight, so I didn’t anchor this into a stud - just used basic drywall anchors. I’ve also got a set of two 2’x4’ panels for another spot in my studio, and those will need a stud/more than 3 drywall anchors. Wish me luck! 
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[description: video features a woman hanging a panel of pegboard using a square dowel and drill]
It’s time for the annual Hands Occupied new year It’s time for the annual Hands Occupied new year update, and for the first time in years, I feel like I have some clarity about what I’m doing next. ❤️ Head to the blog to read all about it, the 1ink is where you’d think. 
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#handsoccupied #knitting #creativeburnout
June’s face is giving, “What fresh heck is thi June’s face is giving, “What fresh heck is this?” 😆
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June’s big ears can get cold in winter, so I’m improvising a doggie ear warmer/hood for her. What are the odds she tries to shred it immediately when it’s done? 
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#knitting #knittingfordogs #handsoccupied #schneagle #wipwednesday #wip
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