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Hands Occupied

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

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My Studio

A quick look back at a year of growth for Hands Occupied, and creative dreams for the year (and decade) to come!
Hands Occupied is the name under which I became a blogger, crafts designer and artist, starting in late 2010. Over the years Hands Occupied and my work has grown and evolved, and these days my work ranges from accessible craft books for hobbyists to fine art tapestries and advanced knitting patterns.

In early 2019, the Hands Occupied Studio opened as a dedicated workspace from which I can run my business, do design work, shoot photos and videos, and develop larger art pieces. (Visit the About page for more on Hands Occupied.)

-Heidi 


Studio Announcement

12/1/21 In 2022, I'll be downsizing to a smaller space. In my already-small space social distancing wasn't possible, so Hands Occupied Studio will officially not be hosting Craft Nights or Crafternoons for the foreseeable future. We had so much fun, and the community is already missed!

 


Blog Posts about the Hands Occupied Studio

A blond woman packing several boxes.

A Farewell to the Studio Space, but Not Hands Occupied

November 18, 2022 Leave a Comment

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

Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker by Heidi Gustad, now available!

My book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is now available!

October 20, 2020 Leave a Comment

Stop (or start?) the presses! My first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is now available. Learn where to get your hands on a copy to infuse your yarn crafting with a bit of JOY!

Happy 10th Birthday, Hands Occupied!

September 21, 2020 4 Comments

It’s hard to believe it, but it’s been TEN years since the first blog post went live on Hands Occupied. Read a little about the Hands Occupied timeline, the latest Latch Hook book news, and some surprise updates coming later this week!

Take a look inside the new Hands Occupied Studio in Chicago, learn about when it's open to the public, and share your ideas for workshops and events you'd like to see in the new space! #handsoccupiedstudio

Hands Occupied Studio is Open!

February 6, 2019 Leave a Comment

The Hands Occupied Studio is now open! See the finished space, read about the Studio Warming party, and share your ideas for workshops and events you’d like to see!

Take a first look inside the new, first-ever Hands Occupied Studio in Chicago.

Moving in to the Hands Occupied Studio

January 22, 2019 5 Comments

Take a first look inside the new, first-ever Hands Occupied Studio in Chicago. Learn what’s in store for the space and how you can get involved!

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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 🧶✂️
How to do a one-step provisional knitting cast on How to do a one-step provisional knitting cast on / a.k.a. crochet provisional cast on, scrap yarn cast on
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I read recently that tiktok and Instagram are being used as search engines more and more. 🤔 I thought since I’m going to all the work of making tutorials on YouTube, I should experiment with making a quick version of them for other platforms. There are obvious teaching limitations to vertical video, short-form content like this, but I think I covered the gist of this cast on in a minute. The YouTube version also covers how to unzip this cast on because there was time for it 👍🏻 L1nk is in my profile. 
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I’m very much looking for feedback as I continue to make instructional knitting & craft videos. Sometimes good tutorials are hard to find, and (ideally polite) feedback helps me improve. 
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#handsoccupied #provisionalcaston #knitting #knititngtutorial #knittersofinstagram #crochethook #knittingtutorial
For the first time in a long time, there’s a new For the first time in a long time, there’s a new tutorial from Hands Occupied! 🎉 The video is live on YouTube & the blog. 
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The post covers what provisional cast ons are & how they differ, and the video covers how to work a one-step provisional cast on using scrap yarn and a crochet hook. (This is a great one to save for future reference.)
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I learned several names for this method while researching this video & post. Crochet provisional cast on, one-step cast on, scrap yarn cast on - if you know even more names for this technique, please share! 
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#handsoccupied #provisionalcaston #knitting #scrapyarn #crochethook
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]
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