Before you turn the heel, this is what you’re working with – a ribbed leg that’s several inches long, and a 2.5-3 inch heel flap. Now all of a sudden, since humans’ feet are perpendicular to their legs, you’ve got to start knitting in a totally different direction than you have been! Plus, half your sock is chilling up on the top of your foot, and the other half is down at the base of your heel. First time knitters, you’re probably thinking this is pretty weird about now, amirite?
Weekly Reader
Easter may be behind us now, but there are still so many ways to get inspired to DIY this spring. Cinco de Mayo is coming up fast, and there’s always room in any season to DIY some awesome jewelry! Other than getting inspired by the crafty internet to DIY, you can always jump in on the Knit Along I’ve got going on Hands Occupied, or you can throw your hat in on the ring to win a copy of Washi Wonderful for more great craft ideas. Read on for my favorite inspiration of the week.
Knit Along Day 2: Heel Flap
How’s it going, knit-alongers? Hopefully you’ve all survived swatching, casting on, and knitting your ankles last week. If you’re still working on the ankle, no worries! Everyone is welcome to knit at their own pace and ask questions as you work through each phase of your socks. :)
Today we’re going to be adding a heel flap to our socks, which is super duper easy! It’s the one part of knitting a sock done flat instead of in the round. This means you’ll be knitting back and forth for a few inches, turning your work just like you’re making a scarf or blanket.
Book Review & Giveaway | Washi Wonderful
In my library career, I’ve had the awesome opportunity to incorporate my craft life in a few different ways. Most notably, I get to design DIYs for my teens on a regular basis, and I’ve also been in charge of selecting craft books for a couple of my libraries’ collections. That means getting to pick out which titles get bought, cataloged and put on our shelves for people to check out and DIY with at home. It’s pretty fun! So when I was contacted about reviewing a book full of washi tape crafts, I was excited – I’ve always wanted the chance to review craft books on Hands Occupied!
Fleur de lis Bar Ring
This ring is fun to make and accessorize with. Bar rings can be a little challenging to DIY, but they’re so rad! Plus the copper color and fleur de lis design are totally hardcore, which makes this fun too. So heat up your glue guns and grab some strong adhesive to whip up a bar ring of your own.
Weekly Reader
Easter weekend is finally upon us! And once again, the craft blog world did NOT disappoint. The decoupage bunny eggs and doodle eggs above are particular faves of mine from this whole Easter season. I wonder what will inspire the world’s DIYers next month? Mother’s Day? Spring gardening? I can’t wait to see what everyone posts next week!
Easter Egg Garland
This last minute Easter egg garland is super simple, festive, and adorable! It takes just a few minutes to make and only a handful of supplies. In past years I haven’t done too many Easter DIY projects, but I’m so glad I changed my habits this year. The trends are especially colorful and cute this season, I think that’s what got me so inspired!
Knit Along Day 1: Testing Gauge & Casting On
Oh man! The Knit Along is finally here!!! I’m so excited. Today we’re going to test our yarn gauge by knitting a swatch (optional, but I recommend it), cast on, and start knitting our sock ankle.
Washi Tape Twist Ties
At least in my neighborhood, twist ties are super hard to find!* And sometimes a DIY chick really just needs a couple of frigging twist ties to do her project right now. Such was the position I found myself in last week when it came time to do a final Easter project shoot (tune in Wednesday, btw), so I had to get creative. That’s when washi tape and craft wire from my stash came in very handy!
