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Hands Occupied

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

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home decor

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

September 23, 2019 Leave a Comment

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

Picks of the Week for November 6, 2015 | Hands Occupied

Picks of the Week

November 6, 2015 1 Comment

If you’re like me and haven’t started your holiday crafting yet, you might want to make one of these fun (and easy) yarn projects this weekend to cross some gifts off your to-do list.

Stenciled Coffee Table Makeover at Hands Occupied

Stenciled Coffee Table Makeover

March 19, 2014 7 Comments

I got to try one of the new Stencil1 stencils this week, which I was really excited about because I’m a fan of Ed Roth, the designer behind the line. He’s known for bridging the gap between street artists like Banksy and craft world faves like Martha. In short, this line is right up my alley. I’ve had a sad, sad, sad coffee table lying around for years, and these larger stencils were just what the DIY doctor ordered for it.

Giant God's Eye Wall Hanging for Valentine's Day

Giant Valentine’s Day God’s Eye

February 10, 2014 Leave a Comment

Isn’t this such a surprisingly chic project? I got my hands on a couple of vintage arrows and have been dying to DIY with them for months! Of course these arrows came to mind when I was brainstorming Valentine’s project this year. What started as a simple vintage find became this ginormous God’s eye. The finished DIY really reminds me of some of the Native American-influenced crazy tapestries of the 1970s. I imagine this on the wall of Cupid’s swinging pad back in the day.

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.

50 Great DIY Gift Ideas from Hands Occupied

50 Great DIY Gift Ideas

December 18, 2013 Leave a Comment

It’s not too late to DIY a Christmas gift or two! Here are 50 ideas to try.

How-to: Giant LED Arrow Sign - Hands Occupied

How-to: Giant LED Arrow Sign

October 31, 2013 10 Comments

DIY a blinking arrow sign that’s over 7 feet long, lightweight and energy efficient.

How-to: Fabric Covered Shelves at Hands Occupied

How-to: Fabric Covered Shelves

October 17, 2013 5 Comments

Transform a tired shelf in minutes with fabric and Mod Podge!

How-to: Upholster Light Plate Covers | Hands Occupied

How-to: Upholster Light Plate Covers

August 26, 2013 1 Comment

In just a few minutes, you can make over ugly light plate covers with a bit of fabric and Mod Podge.

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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, designer & creator specializing in yarn crafts like knitting, crochet, latch hook & macramé
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Heidi Gustad 🧶✂️
Nobody panic. This is just the back of an (admitte Nobody panic. This is just the back of an (admittedly insane) intarsia project. One day, this will be a seamed sweater, but today is not that day. 🧶 
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Have a good weekend, everyone! 
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Yarn: @universal_yarn’s Fibra Natura Cobblestone in Antarctica & Dragon’s Breath 
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#handsoccupied #intarsia #intarsiaknitting #wip #knitting
Here’s how to work a Norwegian purl stitch for e Here’s how to work a Norwegian purl stitch for easier continental style knitting. With this purling method, the working yarn says tensioned (held) at the back of your knitting at all times. For many knitters, always holding the yarn at the back helps with tension issues, as well as feeling a little more comfortable. 
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Have you ever encountered this style of purling before? If you’ve tried it, have you found it helps with your purl tension and knitting speed? I’m curious.
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For a written tutorial, visit handsoccupied-dot-com. For video, you guessed it, You2be. Both of these platforms allow for longer, more in-depth versions of this tutorial, including full transcripts, alt text & the ability to pause, slow down or speed up at will. (Like if you really want to learn this, I recommend using a platform that doesn’t keep your hands occupied. Thinking of putting this in all my captions these days tbh - shout out to you if you made it this far. 🙌🏻😂)
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#handsoccupied #learntoknit #continentalknitting #howtoknit #norwegianpurl #norwegianknitting #knit #knitting #knitter #knittersofinstagram #knittinghack  #handknitting #handknit #norwegianpurling
Have you ever tried this style of purl? . All thi Have you ever tried this style of purl? 
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All this recent talk about throwing vs. continental style knitting made it clear many people struggle with purling in continental knitting. Turns out that Norway may have the answer! In Norwegian purling, the working yarn stays tensioned at the back at all times, helping with speed and tension. 🤯
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Head to the bl0g (🔗 in bi0) for a more in-depth look at how to work a Norwegian purl stitch, including a photo tutorial with animated GIF & a video tutorial. Wrapping your mind around how to work a stitch you’re familiar with in a totally new way can be confusing, so I tried to give a few options for clarity. 🤙🏻 Video is also on You2be. 
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#handsoccupied #norwegianpurl #norwegianknitting #norwegianpurling #continentalknitting #howtoknit #learntoknit #knitterofinstagram #knitters
It’s been a hot second since I showed my face or It’s been a hot second since I showed my face or reintroduced myself, so here goes! I’m Heidi Gustad, a craft book author, pattern designer, and tutorial creator who specializes in yarn crafts. Lately, I’ve been focused on releasing quality knitting videos and related blog posts to help teach things like the difference between provisional cast ons and how to fix common knitting mistakes. Next week I’m shooting requested crochet and latch hook videos, so h👀kers, your time is coming! And if you ever have tutorial requests, please let me know. ☺️
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TLDR: I’m Heidi. I design & teach yarn crafts. You can find tutorials on my blog (est. 2010) & You2be. I also have several knitting & crochet patterns + a book about latch hook available. / All of these can be found on my website, the 🔗 is where you’d think. 
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#handsoccupied #fridayintroduction #heidigustad #knitting #knitter #knittersofinstagram #yarncrafts #latchhookbook
Are you a picker or a thrower? Do you knit Contine Are you a picker or a thrower? Do you knit Continental or English Style? Here’s a quick overview of the differences between the two most common knitting styles, including a side by side comparison. (A good one to save for future reference. 👍🏻) 
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There’s more on the differences between picking and throwing in my latest blog post & You 2ube video - the l1nk is where you’d think!
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#handsoccupied #learntoknit #knittingstyles #howtoknit #knittersofinstagram #knitter
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