A few months ago I realized I was seeing more and more of your lovely takes on DIYs from Hands Occupied, so I decided to set up a gallery page to showcase them all! And then I realized I should probably tell you all about it in a post so everyone knows it exists! Shame on me for not thinking of posting about it sooner. :) The best part of the Reader Gallery has been getting to have conversations, even just in Instagram comments or tweets, about your processes of making. Everything from helping folks who’ve gotten stuck to getting tips from those of you who’ve discovered new and helpful ways to do a DIY.
YOU are all SO inspiring!
Most inspiring has been getting to email with reader Liliana about her knitting loom journey. A girl after my own public service worker heart, Liliana works at a Chicago agency serving those dealing with homelessness. After I shared my knitting loom tutorial last fall, she and I started messaging back and forth on Facebook and then via email as she worked to learn how to loom knit so she could teach others. Little did I know just how far Liliana would run with it! She started a knitting club at her shelter for adults to knit everything from scarves to afghans to hats with their popsicle stick looms. I mean, just look at how much her club has made!!
I absolutely cried when she emailed me this collage of incredible creations. This past winter in Chicago was really, really brutal, so I think Liliana’s club must have been a warm distraction to the rough weather. Liliana, you should feel really proud of this program!
If you’d like to donate any yarn to Liliana’s program, please drop me a line at handsoccupied[at]gmail[dot]com. Her Guests are plowing through yarn right and left. :)
Interested in sharing a Hands Occupied DIY? There are a few ways to share your projects:
You can email me at handsoccupied[at]gmail[dot]com, use the hashtag #handsoccupied, or @handsoccupied me on your favorite social network. I’m all over the place, and I love getting to hear your stories! It’s so rewarding to see what you’re all making, and it’s really cool to connect one on one with fellow DIY lovers. above: @katelynmade‘s Staggered Holes Baby Blanket / @apriljanye DIY’d a balloon garland for 8th grade dance decor! / Liliana’s Tree Costume / @ibranibella‘s Ruler Clutch Purse / la kokeshette‘s faux woven cowl / Looms from Liliana’s shelter’s knitting loom knitting club.
PS: We have a giveaway winner to announce!
The winner of Washi Wonderful is… Facebook entrant MJ! Thanks to everyone for entering, and MJ, I’ll be in touch via email with how to claim your prize.
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