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Hands Occupied

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

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August means it's time to start casting on your fall and early winter accessories to get them done in time for cold weather to hit! Click through to find ten of the best new patterns released in August 2017.

Things to Knit

August 22, 2017 Leave a Comment

August means it’s time to start casting on your fall and early winter accessories to get them done in time for cold weather to hit!

Looking for something to crochet? Get your hooks into one of these new, to-die-for crochet patterns!

Things to Crochet

November 9, 2016 1 Comment

There’s something so whimsical about crochet! It’s so so perfect for creating structural objects like toys, hats and hooded garments, even for beginners. Crochet is just fun to do, and a great way to change up your crafting routine. Why not try one of these great new patterns this fall?

Picks of the Week for October 21, 2016 | Hands Occupied

Picks of the Week

October 21, 2016 1 Comment

It’s still warm enough to take yarn projects outdoors this week. Why not pair the weather with a nice fall yarn project?

12 free knit and crochet patterns to help you stitch away stress.

12 Patterns to Help Stitch Away Stress

April 11, 2016 3 Comments

The one in which I open up (a little) about my anxiety. Mostly check out 12 easy-to-make knit and crochet patterns that are perfect for helping you stitch away stress. :)

Picks of the Week for January 8, 2016 | Hands Occupied

Picks of the Week

January 8, 2016 Leave a Comment

How great are these ideas? Get inspired to try one of these cute ideas and patterns this year!

Picks of the Week for September 11, 2015 | Hands Occupied

Picks of the Week

September 11, 2015 2 Comments

Fall knitting season is in full swing online this week! These finds will help you get your fall making on with fun back to school ideas, technique tutorials, free throw patterns, and even a pumpkin or two.

Knitting & Crochet Picks of the Week at handsoccupied.com

Weekly Reader

July 11, 2014 1 Comment

It’s been a quiet week here on the blog as I’ve taken some time out to visit family and paint my living room (which really cuts in to the ole knitting time). Never fear, though, I’ve got some fun ideas planned for the coming weeks here on the blog, I’ve just got to finish knitting and crocheting them up!

Style this DIY: Swiss Army Blanket at Hands Occupied

Style this DIY: Swiss Army Blanket

January 16, 2014 Leave a Comment

Picks for a dream living room designed for winter reading and hibernation.

How-to: Back Seat Pet Protector | Hands Occupied

How-to: Back Seat Pet Protector

November 14, 2013 12 Comments

How to sew your own back seat guard to keep your car clean and your pets comfy!

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

Heidi Gustad 🧶✂️
How to to knit throwing (a.k.a. English) style . How to to knit throwing (a.k.a. English) style 
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In knitting, there are a few common knitting styles. Most often you’re going to encounter continental style and English (throwing) style on your knitting journey. I recently had an old video teaching continental style get a lot of views. Based on the comments, it was clear the people wanted to also see a throwing tutorial, so here you go! 🧶
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Please note that there is a LOT of variation in knitting styles, and one isn’t necessarily better than another. Most often, I’ve found it comes down to two things: how you were taught and whether or not you’re really into colorwork knitting (which can involve a mix of styles). 
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Longer-term knitters who’ve made it this far: do you prefer one over the other? And why? 
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#handsoccupied #englishknitting #learntoknit #knitting #howtoknit #knittersofinstagram #knitting_inspiration
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
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