COVID-19 RESPONSE

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TAKING IT ONLINE:

By Our Hands is centered around communal interaction and hands-on activities. How can we learn together if we can't be together? I was initially dubious, but since taking BOH's classes online, we have had some wonderful experiences. Children who were working with me previously have finished projects and started new ones remotely. New students have learned how to knit using the online platform. Integrated movement exercises, stories, songs, dances, and interest expressed in the child's home life help to enliven and bring warmth to the online experience.  

PRICING:

And at this time of COVID-19 quarantine, group Zoom classes are on a pay-what-you-can basis, plus the cost of materials. If you are not able to pay the usual rate right now, please pay at a level that is comfortable for you. No one will be turned away. 

If you can pay at the usual rate, please do. If you are able to give a little more to help defray the cost of others who cannot pay at this time, your generosity is greatly appreciated. 

You can pay via cash, personal check, or I can invoice you via PayPal. When using PayPal there is a small charge that covers processing fees. 

MATERIALS:

At BOH we try to use the highest quality natural materials. Wooden knitting needles polished with beeswax, wool and mohair yarn, natural dyes, etc. When you attend a class in person, these materials are ready for you upon arrival.  Now that we are "gathering at a distance," how do you get these rich materials?    

If you are local to Brattelboro, VT, materials can be picked up at the BOH Craft Room. They will be placed in your very own handwork bag, made by Victoria, and be waiting for you in the mudroom. 

If you live farther away, materials can be mailed to you for the cost of shipping and handling and a small processing fee. 

If you would like to acquire materials on your own, I will be happy to advise you. You may find that you have many of the materials at home already.  

ARTICLES:

It has been known for ages that engaging in creative activity is nourishing, both calming and enlivening, and a good antidote to stress. Anyone who has ever engaged in creative activity knows this first hand, but there are also scientific studies that back this up.  

Knitting in particular is soothing; its rhythmic movements slow us down and bring us into the present moment. The tactile experience and scents of beeswax, wood, wool, and cotton are also nourishing.  

There are many articles that explain how vital knitting is during this time of anxiety and isolation. I have included a few below for your interest:

Feeling Overwhelmed?  Studies Show Knitting and Crochet Can Help Lower Stress Levels 

 The Benefits of Knitting for Personal and Social Wellbeing in Adulthood: Findings from an International Survey 

 How arts and crafts can help to keep the mind active during the coronavirus lockdown 

Knitting Has Stress-reducing Effects That Can Help Your Mental Health, Study Shows  

Crafting in the Time of Coronavirus  

Getting Through a Pandemic with Old-Fashioned Crafts  

Knitting to Keep Our Sanity During Isolation Due to the Corona Virus!