I’m Heidi, and I’m a craft book author and pattern designer specializing in yarn crafts like knitting, crochet, latch hook and macramé. I have been running the Hands Occupied Blog since 2010. Over the years I’ve collaborated with various crafters, companies and artists.
From the June 2017 issue
Master simple short rows, twisted stitches, and basic lace by working up the Ruby Stole. Its many different elements combine to form a pear shape inspired by one of the many forms rubies take. This versatile piece can complement both your day dresses and your more upscale night attire.
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The Shawl You’ll Ever Need is the perfect accessory to add a touch of elegance to any outfit, effortlessly combining beauty with practicality. This lace shawl is knit from left to right, using a simple and relaxing lace stitch pattern that’s easy to memorize. As you work, you’ll increase at the cast-on edge until you reach the body of the shawl, creating a beautifully flowing shape that drapes gracefully around your shoulders.
The design features a unique, pouch-like shape at one end, specifically crafted to fit comfortably around one shoulder for an effortless, secure fit. This thoughtful feature ensures the shawl stays in place without slipping, offering both style and function. Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or looking for a cozy, lightweight layer on a cool evening, this shawl is versatile enough to wear with anything.
Perfect for knitters looking for a project that’s easy to follow but still produces a beautiful, wearable result, the Shawl You’ll Ever Need makes a thoughtful gift or a luxurious addition to your own wardrobe. The gentle lace pattern provides a delicate, airy texture that will have you reaching for this shawl time and time again.
View ProjectFrom the Why I Love Knitting: A Love Letter to My Favorite Hobby issue
In the world of superheroes, they have these things called origin stories. You know, the part of the movie that usually encompasses the first however many minutes of the film? The part when you learn that Captain America (or whoever) started out as an underweight Army reject before undergoing the science experiment that made him
View ProjectFrom the April 2022 issue
This scarf uses a popular repeating stitch known as the English Mesh Lace Stitch and plays with positive and negative space to create a lightweight summer scarf that’s nice enough to wear at the beach or out for dinner. The linen yarn used is perfect for a scarf that might get a lot of outdoor use as it’s completely washable and dryable.
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