Have you heard of the custom of “telling the bees” about important family happenings? Inspired by the European tradition to share meaningful news with the family bees, this crescent shaped shawl in three colors features honeycomb-inspired details.

In some European traditions, it is customary to tell the bees about meaningful family events. According to tradition, it’s a way to prevent the bees from feeling left out and flying away or stopping their honey production. Any important events in the home or family (such as birth, death, marriage, arrivals, and departures) would be customarily shared with the bees. Did you know bees were so curious about our happenings? I didn’t, either.

I’m lucky to have a host of neighborhood bees who visit my lavender and my garden (especially in the spring and summer seasons), and I sometimes sit outside and tell them what’s happening at our house while I watch them buzz happily from flower to flower. Next time you have news to share (good or bad), be sure to Go Tell the Bees.

Go Tell the Bees is a large crescent shaped shawl worked side to side (starting at the neckline).

Skill Level: Intermediate

Size: One size

Yarn

Sport or heavy fingering weight yarn | 3 skeins Sincere Sheep Cormo Sport (or any sportweight or fingering weight wool) | Approximately 400 yards/366 meters in 100g | Pictured: Cumulus (MC), Vitamin C (CC1), Russet (CC2)

Needles

US Size 6/4mm 32-60 in (80–150 cm) circular needles

Gauge

Approximately 20 st in 4 in/10 cm blocked. Row gauge will vary between sections.

Note: Gauge will vary according to your yarn choice, and isn’t critical

Notions

Stitch markers
Darning needle
Blocking pins, blocking mat

Finished Measurements (Blocked)

87 in/217.5 cm from wingtip to wingtip
20 in/50 cm from top center to bottom point