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Hands Occupied

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

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Picks of the Week for November 25, 2016 | Hands Occupied

Picks of the Week

November 25, 2016 2 Comments

Take advantage of free blog patterns & tutorials that work up quickly to make handmade gifts a breeze!

Picks of the Week for November 18, 2016 | Hands Occupied

Picks of the Week

November 18, 2016 Leave a Comment

It appears neck warming season is here! I’d wager there are more scarf and cowl patterns out there than any other type of knit or crochet accessory. With so many great options to try, why not whip up a new scarf or cowl for yourself this weekend?

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 28, 2016 | Hands Occupied

Picks of the Week

October 28, 2016 1 Comment

Now that Halloween is upon us, the blogs are sharing some lovely patterns, tutorials and ideas that are so perfect for fall! It’s nice to be in this little non-season-specific bubble for a week or two before the holidays descend, don’t you think?

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. :)

Leucadia is a new knitting pattern from designer Heidi Gustad, featuring undulating lace bordered with eyelets for a lightweight, elegant and adaptable wrap. Pattern is available as a Ravelry download, click through for the link.

Meet Leucadia!

February 22, 2016 Leave a Comment

Leucadia is Heidi’s newest knitting pattern, featuring undulating lace bordered with eyelets for a lightweight, elegant and adaptable wrap. Pattern is available as a Ravelry download, click through for the link.

Picks of the Week for February 19, 2016 | Hands Occupied

Picks of the Week

February 19, 2016 1 Comment

Anybody else find themselves in the mood to knit home accessories this week? I can’t quite put my finger on what is drawing me to work on projects for the home right now (maybe it’s the season change?), but I’m not mad about it.

Click through to get a free pattern for the Quad Cable Scarf by Heidi Gustad

Quad Cable Scarf

February 8, 2016 4 Comments

This scarf is a quick and snuggly knit thanks to using a nice, bulky yarn. And the featured cable makes it complicated enough that you won’t get bored knitting a classic scarf. A win/win!

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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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