The Day Before Rhinebeck - 2011 - A Beginner Fair Isle and Steeking Day at Leyden Glen Farm

I'm trying something new this year. Last spring, I scheduled to have a tour group here at the farm just before the annual "Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival." The name of the tour was "The Road to Rhinebeck" and it was a literary and knitting tour. Sounded great! I was glad to be included. Unfortunately, with the state of the current economy, the trip didn't fill. I was left with a free day on my hands. 

Rather than moan about the loss of a day's work, I have decided that I will take this as an opportunity to have a special ONE DAY RETREAT here at the farm on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14th. Here's what I have in store for 10 lucky knitters......

 Fair Isle and Steeking One Day Retreat

at Leyden Glen Farm

Friday, October 14, 2011

10 a.m.

Arrival at the Farmhouse

Tour of the colorful cape style home and a sheep farm tour

11 a.m.

Casting on for Fair Isle

Using double pointed needles

Learning how to follow a color-work chart

1 p.m. 

Farm Lunch

2 p.m. 

More Fair Isle instructions and knitting

Sewing and cutting a STEEK!

5 p.m.

Class Departs 

You are then free to run off to NY State or spend the night near here. Here is a list of accommodations which are closely situated to our farm. Spend the night here, get an early start and you'll be Rhinebeck before you know it.

How good a knitter do I need to be?

You can be a beginner-ish knitter although you must know how to knit and purl. Fair Isle knitting isn't difficult - it takes patience and time to become good at it.

What is the cost? 

$195 includes a goodie bag, instructional hand-out, a Farm Lunch, coffee, tea, seltzer and luscious snacks to keep you knitting. Hands-on help all day long. You will leave knowing how to work with two colors in a row, knit in the round, and having completed a steek on my sewing machine.

What else should you bring? 

Two balls of worsted weight yarn in a dark and a light color. You will need to bring a set of size 7 double pointed needles with you and your regular knitting accessories (stitch markers, scissors, etc.)

Where is Kristin's Leyden Glen Farm as compared to Rhinebeck?

Our farm is located about 125 miles from Rhinebeck, the home of the New York Sheep and Wool Festival. (I have driven it and can do it in about 2 1/2 hours.) We are the last town in Massachusetts, just south of the Vermont line, 15 minutes off of Route 91 at Greenfield. We are two hours west of Boston, 40 minutes north of Springfield, MA, and one hour north of Hartford, CT.

Now mind you - you do not need to be going to Rhinebeck to take this class! If you are an interested knitter who wants to learn how to knit Fair Isle with two colors so you can make the projects in my books, this class is for you. The class is being held on a Friday so it may involve you either taking a vacation day or calling in to your job with some awful illness (I won't tell, I promise). 

Come with a friend or by yourself. I guarantee a nice day in the country, near grazing sheep, in my colorful studio! Knitting, knitting, and steeking.

To register, go to this page! If you have any questions, feel free to email me.

And lastly, if you and your knitting friends would like to organize your very own retreat here at the farm, e-mail me and I can set this up. I have several weekends available this fall and winter and can teach you very easily during the week if you can make it. I need a minimum of 5 students and maximum of 10. If you would like to discuss classes I teach, e-mail me at knATkristinnicholasDOTcom.

Celebration of Color, Flowers, Knitting and Stitching Class

These are some photos from the 2010 Celebration of Color, Flowers and Knitting Class. Almost all of the projects were made by my students.

Come and "Get Stitched" at Kristin Nicholas' Leyden Glen Farm

Kristin Nicholas announces a new series of intensive and inspirational Knitting and Stitching Weekend Classes being held at Leyden Glen Farm, her family’s sheep farm and farmhouse in western Massachusetts. Classes will be held throughout the year in the antique cape farmhouse, in her studio, and gardens. Come and experience a weekend on a working sheep farm with one of North America’s most well-known handknitting designers. 

See the main Knitting Retreat Website HERE!
 

•Sheep Grazing at the Front of the Cape House which was built in 1751•

A very small group of dedicated, creative knitting enthusiasts is invited to share Kristin’s inspirational farmhouse space while learning her knitting and stitching techniques. Participants will be inspired by Kristin’s hand-painted walls, her library full of knitting, stitching and art books, her ethnic and historic textile collection, and the antiques and ceramics that decorate the family’s home.

•The Dining Room with Kristin's Hand-Painted Walls•


•The Library with Kristin's Hand-Painted Walls•

The participants will get to enjoy the screened-in porch, the hammock strung between two apple trees, the Adirondack chairs, and garden spaces while breathing in the surrounding hillsides, abandoned apple orchard, grazing sheep, farm kitties, Border Collies, and chickens. Roosters will crow, sheep will baaaah, dogs will bark and cats will purr. A memory will be made that you can keep for the rest of your life. Kristin is creative, funny, down-to-earth and you’ll love her energy and joie de vivre attitude towards knitting and life.

•The Screened-In Porch during the Summer•

•Sheep Grazing the Pasture Below the Hills•

•Chickens Roosting•

About Kristin Nicholas
Kristin’s home and needlework has been featured in many magazines including Country Home, Country Living, Better Homes and Garden’s Embellish, Vogue Knitting, Family Circle Knitting, Knit Simple, Knitter’s, House and Garden and more. Kristin is a Knitting Expert on PBS’s Knit and Crochet Today and has appeared as well on Martha Stewart Living (February 2004). Kristin is the author and/or illustrator of 8 books including Kristin Knits, Knitting the New Classics, Colorful Stitchery and the her newest book Color by Kristin (Sixth and Spring, November 2009). Kristin lives with her husband Mark Duprey and daughter Julia at Leyden Glen Farm in western Massachusetts. Her family will also participate some in the weekend's festivities.

Class Size
Class size is limited to six participants. Everyone will get plenty of time to ask lots of questions while soaking up the artsy, farmhouse atmosphere. Sign up as soon as you can, as space is very limited.

What is the Cost of the Weekend?
$500 for the two days of total immersion in knitting, stitching, or fabric decoration which includes lunch and dinner on Saturday, lunch on Sunday and snacks and beverages on both days. This cost does not include accommodations.

To learn more about Kristin Nicholas, visit her website.
Kristin is the author of the popular blog Getting Stitched on the Farm.

2011 Class Schedule

October 1/2

Autumn On a New England Sheep Farm - Knitting and Stitching Immersion Weekend. TWO SPACES AVAILABLE FOR THIS CLASS AS OF 9/13/11.


Visit Leyden Glen Farm when the autumn leaves are turning gold, red, orange, and bronze (nature permitting). See growing lambs grazing in the pastures. This class is for anyone from advanced beginner to experienced knitter. The Weekend includes two days of knitting, stitching and color instruction, a farm tour, a hayride, two lunches, and one dinner.

Class will include Steeking, Fanciful Edgings and Embroidery on Knits. Students will bring have a "sunflower homework pillow-top" which they will bring with them.

Students will also produce samplers similar to these:







What is Included:
All two day Weekend Retreats include two lunches, one dinner, a hayride, instruction, and a goodie bag. Class size is limited to six students. Lodging is not included. Click here for suggestions for local lodging.

Fair Isle and Steeking One Day Retreat

at Leyden Glen Farm

Friday, October 14, 2011

 

See more information here!

NEW FOR 2011! SPECIAL CLASS OPTIONS AVAILABLE!
If you would like to bring your own group of six to eight friends to Leyden Glen Farm, Kristin will be happy to set up a custom class for your own group of friends! Please e-mail her with your desired date and she will get back to you with the availability of the farm and studio. This is a great opportunity for a group of friends or a small faction of a knitting guild to have a very special creative knitting, stitching and color experience. Kristin can also teach other textile crafts, including Fabric Printing, Fabric Painting on Lampshades, and Decorative Painting on Walls. Bring some friends and Kristin will build you a custom class!

Leyden Glen Farm is available for one day Knitting Guild Visits Classes and Special Workshops for Yarn Shops. WOW your customers or guild members by bringing them to Leyden Glen Farm for a very special day of learning about color, knitting and stitching. Please contact Kristin via e-mail or phone for further information.

E-Mail Kristin at kn AT kristinnicholas DOT com for further information.

Click here for registration and payment. Click here for Cancellation Policy.

For further information, see the main "Get Stitched on the Farm with Kristin Nicholas Website" here.

Registration and Payment for Classes 2011

Payment in full is best made by Paypal.

If you do not use Paypal, payment by personal check is possible. See the end of this page if you would like to pay via personal check.

Once payment is made, you will receive a Registration Form (in PDF format) to fill out and return by mail or e-mail. Please read the Cancellation Form and the Farmhouse Need to Know Pages and FAQ before registering.

AUTUMN AT LEYDEN GLEN FARM 

KNITTING AND STITCHING RETREAT

OCTOBER 1/2, 2011
TWO SPACES AVAILABLE AS OF 8/16/11

Click below to register and pay for the entire class fee ($500) for the OCTOBER 10/11, 2011 Knitting + Stitching Retreat at Leyden Glen Farm. 

 

FAIR ISLE AND STEEKING ONE DAY RETREAT

OCTOBER 14, 2011
TEN SPACES AVAILABLE AS OF 9/14/11

Click below to register and pay for the entire class fee ($195) for the OCTOBER 14, 2011 Fair Isle and Steeking Class at Leyden Glen Farm.

 

If you want to take one of the classes and do not choose to pay for the class via Paypal, you can send a check. Please e-mail Kristin immediately to request a Registration form by e-mail. Send the form with a check to the address which will be found on the form. If you have any questions, you may contact Kristin by e-mail and she will either answer your questions or call you.

Kristin's e-mail is: knATkristinnicholasDOTcom

Farmhouse Rules and Need To Know

Leyden Glen Farm is a working sheep farm and artist’s home. Please do not expect perfection and suburban looking tidiness. We try our best but things happen. We don’t have a gardener or housekeeper - the two of us do it all ourselves. Along with raising farm animals, comes all kinds of extra bonuses such as manure, mud, and bugs. Our cats and dogs are in the house and out. If any of these things may make you uncomfortable, please re-consider enrolling.


The house and studio is set up on three floors. The farmhouse was built in 1751 and is a working farmhouse. It is not handicapped accessible. This is real life here and it is charming but it surely isn’t as picture perfect as it looks in magazine photos and in most people’s minds.

First off, Leyden Glen Farm is a working farm and farmhouse. Please do not wear fancy clothing, including white pants. When you leave, they certainly won’t be white anymore! Sundresses, shorts, and blue jeans work best. In the summer, bring a sweater or a shawl because evenings can be chilly.


This is a real farm and there are lots of animals. There are working, jumpy Border Collies. There are sheep and chickens. We have nine farm cats that go in and out of the house. There is often a litter of kittens. If you are allergic to cats or dogs, this probably isn’t the class for you.

Fences are there for a reason and many are electrified. Please heed them. If you want to take a walk through a field, please check with Mark or Kristin.

Private spaces of the farmhouse are not open to class attendees.

Our water comes from a farm well. Wasting of water is not allowed, otherwise we may not be able to flush the toilet.

There are a lot of hills and valleys around our house so flat shoes, preferably sneakers or “Merrell-type” footwear is advisable. Look down while walking.

Please leave your cell phone in your car.

What you’ll need to bring:
Bug spray
Sunscreen

If you have special dietary restrictions, we will need to know. This is a private home and we cook with nuts, eat meat, and drink cow’s milk. If you don’t, that’s fine too, just know we do.

Homework:
You’ll need to bring an 8 x 8” swatch knit in stockinette stitch knit of worsted weight yarn. Bring matching needles and several colors of contrasting worsted weight yarn (part balls okay).

If you would like to bring your own collection of Kristin’s books for her to sign, please do so. She would love to sign them. Many of her books will be available for sale and takeaway.

What’s not included:
Transportation to and from the class and your lodging. If you are flying, you’ll need to rent a car at the airport. You should print out the Directions to the Farmhouse and bring them with you. You can find them here.

Sorry, at this time, we are not offering half or day classes. Weekend workshops only. Check back in case things change.

Lamb Sales
You’d like to take away a whole or half frozen lamb when you leave? We can make arrangements! Make sure to bring a cooler for the lamb to transport it. See our Leyden Glen Lamb website for pricing.

Smoking policy
Smoking is NOT permitted in the farmhouse, on the porch or in the classes. However, you may smoke outdoors away from the house as long as you bring your smoking remains inside and put them in the trash.

Is Internet Access available?
No, we have dial-up. You wouldn’t even want to try. Cell phone service seems to work somewhat but we prefer that you leave your cellphone in your car.

What is the Cost of the Weekend?
Cost: $500 for the 2 days which includes lunch and dinner on Saturday, lunch on Sunday and snacks and beverages on both days.

Cancellation Policies

If you must cancel your participation in a class, your class fee will be refunded except for a $100 cancellation fee. You must cancel your attendance 60 days previous to the date of the class.

In the unfortunate event that Kristin Nicholas should have to cancel a class for any reason, all fees, including deposits, will be fully refunded. The costs of any travel arrangements you may have made will not be reimbursed.

Note that if a class does not have a sufficient number of students, it may be cancelled .

How to Get to Leyden Glen Farm

•The Studio•

Flying
Hartford’s Bradley Airport is 1 hour and 20 minutes from the farm. Several major airlines fly in and out of Hartford.

By Car
Leyden Glen Farm is two hours west of Boston, 1 1/2 hours north of Hartford, and 3½ hours north of New York City. Find driving instructions here.

By Train
The closest Amtrak station is Brattleboro, VT or Springfield, MA. Arrangements can be made for pick-up at either of these locations. It has been announced that Greenfield (the closest town) will have Amtrak service in 2012! Won't that make things easy?

By Bus
The closest bus stop is Greenfield, MA. Arrangements can be made for pick-up at the bus station and transportation to your B&B or hotel.

Google Maps and Mapquest don't get you to Leyden Glen Farm so make sure you print out the directions before leaving home. The phone number to the farmhouse will be included on your registration form. Please bring it with you on your trip in case you get lost and need help finding the farm.

•The Dining Room with its Painted Walls•

Where To Stay

Here are some B+B’s and hotels that are conveniently located to Leyden Glen Farm.

Note that B + B's fill up fast during summer and fall. The Pioneer Valley is a popular place to take a vacation and there are several private schools located in the Valley. We suggest you make a reservation as soon as you decide to attend so you won't be disappointed.

Bed and Breakfast

Closest B + B to Leyden Glen Farm:

House on the Hill
Donna and Alain’s lovely inn has 4 rooms (some can be shared if two knitters come together). The House on the Hill is only 3 miles from the farm and 1/2 mile from our sunflower field.
Please mention the Kristin Nicholas Knitting Retreat when registering.

330 Leyden Rd., Greenfield, MA 01301
413-774-2070

15 to 20 minutes from Leyden Glen Farm:
Brandt House A beautiful old mansion with lovely porches, gardens and grounds, this small inn has many rooms that can be shared and even a penthouse which can fit 3. There is a total of 9 rooms. There are many public spaces in which to knit and visit. This Inn ia close to downtown Greenfield and about 15 minutes from Leyden Glen Farm. Please mention the Kristin Nicholas Knitting Retreat when registering.
22 Highland Drive, Greenfield MA 01301 800-235-3329

20 minutes from Leyden Glen Road:
West Winds Inn A small inn (6 rooms) set into the side of a hill with an amazing view of the Pioneer Valley.
151 Smead Hill Road Greenfield, Ma 01301 Phone: (413) 774-4025

A Little further afield but lovely....

Shelburne House B&B
Owned and operated by Elaine Hinze, this lovely antique B&B is close to the Mohawk Trail and about 25 minutes from Leyden Glen Farm. Although the home is old, the amenities are completely up to date and very comfortable.
Please mention the Kristin Nicholas Knitting Retreat when registering.
413-625-9955

For those who prefer a “regular” hotel

Greenfield:
Quality Inn
Just off the Rt. 91 Rotary in Greenfield, the Quality Inn is about 15 minutes from Leyden Glen Farm.
125 Mohawk Trail
Greenfield, MA 01301
(413) 774-2211

Brattleboro:
For those who prefer a town location, Brattleboro, Vermont is an artsy town about 25 minutes from Kristin’s farm. Here we suggest:

Latchis Hotel
50 Main Street- Brattleboro, VT 05301 (802) 254-6300 | (800) 798-6301

What Can My Spouse/Traveling Partner Do While I Knit?

If your spouse (or non-knitting traveling companion) will be coming with you, there are many things for he or she to do while you are knitting. Check out the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Website for all kinds of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing in stocked streams, white water rafting, and more.

The Pioneer Valley is rich in history. It is home to Historic Deerfield and many schools and universities including Northfield Mt. Hermon, Deerfield Academy, Smith College, Mt. Holyoke College, University of Massachusetts, and Hampshire College.

Shelburne Falls is very close by where you can visit The Trolley Museum, The Glacial Potholes, and The Bridge of Flowers.

Northampton is a great "small" city to explore and it is only 35 minutes from our farm and 20 minutes from Greenfield. Knitters know it as home to Webs, America's largest yarn store and Northampton Wools but there is so much more there including the Smith College Art Museum and lots of great restaurants and stores.

Spouses will be able to attend the Saturday night dinner and the closing Sunday lunch for an additional fee. Reservation is necessary in order to accommodate them so please let Kristin know when you return your registration form.