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Local Critters for Local Knitters: BEES! Knitalong and Lectures

$5.00
$5.00

Local Critters for Local Knitters: BEES! Knitalong and Lectures

This knit along will feature 4 sessions, during each session Shianne will give an informal lecture on a bee related topic and chat about science. Don’t worry! You do not need to know anything about bees or science to participate! This is intended to be accessible to everyone. Come knit, have tea, and learn something new! If you prefer not to knit but want to learn about bees, you are also encouraged to join us! 

Dates: 

Session 1 (October 4th): Who are the native bees of New York? We will start off the first session by discussing what Entomology is and introduce the project. Then, we will discuss the bees of New York (that will be on your cowl!), chat about their life-histories, where they live, what they eat, and more! Preserved specimens will be provided to look at and provide some color-way inspiration.

Session 2 (October 11th): The bees, the myths, and the legends. During this session we will chat about common misconceptions people have about bees, as well as discuss the honey bee “bee-ocracy” and the dark sides of commercial pollination. Enjoy some local honey provided by the Dyce Lab for Honey Bee Studies in your tea while we are at it!

Session 3 (October 25th): Bee-pocalypse. Just in time for Halloween! We will discuss the spooky threats to US and NYS pollinators, and what you can do about it!

Session 4 (November 4th): Bees are artists too! Bees live in nests of all different types, most of which are not colonies like we typically think of! In fact, some bees collect natural materials such as rocks, mud, flower petals, and even natural fibers to create cozy homes for their babies. We will look at some different bee nests and do a special bonus activity!

Time: 10-11:30a

Location: Connected Stitches Yarn & Fiber Shop (10 W Main Street in Dryden, NY (parking is available along Main Street, accessible parking is located behind the building with a driveway off of North St) 

Teacher: Chris and Shianne 

Hello! My name is Shianne. I am a local PhD student and entomologist at the Cornell Department of Entomology. I love bugs of all kinds and am super passionate about teaching people about how amazing they are. However, my favorite insects, and what I have chosen to study for the rest of my life, are bees! I am currently working on a project to provide management recommendations to commercial apple growers in New York State and help farmers navigate alternatives to conventional pesticide programs in hopes of improving pollination. Oh, did I mention I also love knitting and bug-inspired fashion? Please join me for the Connected Stitches Bee Knit-Along where you will knit a custom designed cowl, designed by Meredith Wilmott (Instagram: @the_leafhopper, Ravelry: @LeafhopperKnits), featuring native bees of New York State while I teach you about all things bees and pollinator conservation! This project is part of “Local Critters for Local Knitters”, which was founded by Meredith, where she is partnering local fiber stores with local scientists to learn about local wildlife through knitting! Read more here!: https://www.the-leafhopper.com/lclk

Cost: $5

Skill Level: none to basic knitting skills interested in colorwork. You are welcome to attend for just the lectures on bees. This is a knit along, there is no knitting teaching but we will work on a bee colorwork project alongside each other as we listen to lectures on bees. 

Description: this is a knit along. You will be provided a pattern for a colorwork cowl with local bees. We will work alongside each other on a cowl while listening to a local entomologist tell us all about bees! The goal is to finish a fantastic cowl and learn more about these important little insects. 

Prerequisites: basic knitting skills, colorwork is helpful. This is not a beginner knitting class to learn to knit. 

Techniques you will learn: you will learn about incredible bees and connect with others in community while you work on your colorwork cowl. Chris is available for basic helps, but there is no designated “how to” teaching time. 

Pattern: Local Critters for Local Knitters Bee Cowl by Meredith Wilmott

What's Included:

  • A copy of the pattern for the bee cowl 
  • A 10% discount on all supplies purchased at Connected Stitches 

What You Need:

  • DK weight yarn in two contrasting colors, one skein of each color 
  • US 5 (3.75mm) circular knitting needles 24”

 

*all students will receive a 10% discount on supplies at Connected Stitches.*

Homework: if you are joining the knitting portion of this gathering, collect your supplies before the first session. 

*If you have questions about the class, please email info@connectedstitches.com or text/call (607)269-5207*

BEFORE YOU REGISTER

Please review our class policies, including our refund and cancellation policy.