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Hands Occupied

Contemporary yarn crafts by Heidi Gustad. Knitting, crochet, latch hook and macrame.

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Chicago’s Textile Discount Outlet

July 9, 2012 Leave a Comment

Yesterday, I went to Chicago’s Textile Discount Outlet. I feel a little like Stefon from Saturday Night Live when I say this, but this place has EVERYTHING… and then some. Everyone on Facebook and Instagram was so excited after I posted a shot from the ribbon section of the store, that I thought I’d share more info about the place and what I scored on my trip!

To give you an idea about just how huge this place is, check out this video profile I found by The Grid:

Textile Discount Outlet from The Grid on Vimeo.

Isn’t it crazy?! I used a Groupon and got a ton of stuff. Most of what I used my Groupon for was foam for dog beds and a new camera bag. Foam, if you didn’t know, is not a cheap crafting material.

First off, here’s the fabric I purchased. A couple yards each of some nice upholstery fabric, green gingham, and gold stuff (I didn’t think to write down what the heck it’s called). I plan on making an everyday dress for myself with the gingham, and a shift dress out of the gold stuff to wear to a renaissance festival my friends and I are planning to dork out at this year. It’s going to be awesome.

As you can see, I also snagged a couple zippers, the white one for the gingham dress. Then there’s this awesome elastic I plan on making myself cinch belts with. The beige striped elastic is 4 inches wide, and the black is three. I have my eye on some vintage cinch belt clasps to make these super sweet. I’ll definitely post a tutorial when those are all done.

Finally, I want to share my absolute favorite finds from the trip with you. In one of the building’s upper floors, there are some chaotic bins filled with newly-acquired ribbons and accent pieces that are yet to be placed in their retail homes on the lower floors of the store. I found two complimentary sets of red ribbon that read “my bag” and “not your bag” and I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. I’m going to make a duffel bag with the upholstery fabric, the red zipper I got, and this hilarious ribbon, though it might take me 6 months to finish. Maybe that and the dresses will be my Christmas present to myself…

Then there’s the yard-and-a-half of labels from the Decatur, Illinois School of Practical Nursing that read “STUDENT” in all caps on a shield. One of my grandmas was a nursing teacher, so I think I’m going to have to use some of these on a project for her. I’m thinking maybe a makeup bag or cross body purse. We’ll see!

Filed Under: Craft Fairs & Store Tours Tagged With: chicago, fabrics, textile discount outlet

About Heidi

Heidi Gustad is an artist, author and crafts designer specializing in knitting, crochet, latch hook and macrame. In addition to running the Hands Occupied Blog and Pattern Shop, you can find her making videos & co-hosting the Very Serious Crafts podcast.

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

Hi! I’m Heidi, an author, yarn craft designer and content creator specializing in knitting, crochet, latch hook & macrame. My work unapologetically features primary colors and vintage-meets-modern style. My first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is now available!

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Craft book author & content creator in love with primary colors & vintage vibes. / #latchhookbook out now!
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knitting, crochet, latch hook & macramé

Heidi Gustad 🧶✂️
There’s an update on the blog today, & it’s ab There’s an update on the blog today, & it’s about how I’m going to take the next 2 weeks off to rest & recharge. ☺️🧶 No new content for y’all means I can also take a moment to zoom out & plan what’s next. Link is in bio. 
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A note on Very Serious Crafts: In the post I discuss stepping away from the @seriouscrafts podcast to give myself more time to devote to some minor medical issues. Don’t you worry - my health will be fine, & @molliejohanson @redhandledscissors and I are still pals, and after a short break of their own, the podcast will be back! Just sans moi. 💁🏼‍♀️😆 
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See you in a couple weeks! ✌🏻#handsoccupied #knitdesign #craftdesign #sofadedsweater
Been a little quiet this holiday week, as it shoul Been a little quiet this holiday week, as it should be. ☺️🎄The past few days have been filled with a lot of catching up on festive zoom calls & raising toasts to the camera. 🥂 Connecting with people has been a welcome change of pace! Now I’m feeling ready to meet my inevitable end-of-year deadlines. 😆
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Warmest wishes for the season, my friends! ❤️💛💙
Hi, I’m Heidi, the craft book author & maker beh Hi, I’m Heidi, the craft book author & maker behind Hands Occupied! 👋🏻 I’ve been enjoying making Reels a lot lately, but I wanted to bop in to share a regular photo & say hello. 🤓 
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rather than giving you my bio right now, I have a question. I just got this new sweater & I can’t stop imaging how funny it would be to wear this to a knitting class ... is that bad? 🤣🤣🤣
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Pictured: a blond woman with glasses wearing a sweater that reads “all your sweaters are ugly” standing in front of a Christmas tree.
Wet blocking, also called immersive blocking, is o Wet blocking, also called immersive blocking, is one of the most common methods for finishing a knitting project and helping ensure its final size and shape. Learn basic blocking for absolute beginners in an easy-to-follow (non-Reel!) video tutorial! Catch the tutorial on YouTube or the Hands Occupied Blog, link is in bio. 🧶 #handsoccupied #stopswatchandblockit #KPAmbassadorsDec20 #sponsored
Had to share this perfect capture of one of my fav Had to share this perfect capture of one of my favorite weird homemade Christmas ornaments: a simple macramé Santa face with beads for the eyes and nose! My Great-Grandma made it too. 🎄
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Might have to try making a quickie Reel tutorial for this guy - I think it’s the perfect project for it, don’t you? 🎅🏼 #handsoccupied #macrame
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