2017 Creative Retreats At Leyden Glen Farm

I have planned 3 Creative Weekends here at Leyden Glen Farm. 
Two day Retreats will open up Thursday April 14th. 
Single Day Retreats will open up Monday May 1st.

This is a new experiment I am trying this year to see how 1 Day Retreats compare to 2 Day Retreats in the form of attendance, work load for me, and income. I will welcome students for one or both days but Two Day Retreat Registration will be available first. 

Sign up for my newsletter at the top right of my sidebar to get advance notice of Creative Retreat Schedule. Newsletter subscribers are notified first. 

Weekend 1 - Fabric Printing and Lampshade Painting - July 15/16

Two Day Retreat - $360 ($38 savings)
July 15 - Fabric Printing $199  
July 16 - Lampshade Painting $199

Weekend 2 - Fabric Printing, Decorative Embroidery and Ceramic Tile Design

Two Day Retreat - $360 ($38 savings)
July 29  - Fabric Printing + Decorative Embroidery $199
July 30 - Ceramic Tile Design $199

Weekend 3 - Color and Embroidery for Knitters and Crazy Quilt Swatch Afghan

Two Day Retreat - $360 ($38 savings)
September 23 - Color for Knitters and Embroidery on Knitting $199
September 24 - Crazy Swatch Afghan $199

Other days/weekends are available if you want to get together a group of your own and take a trip to the farm. Costs will be the same as classes listed here. You will need a minimum of 4 people to book a class. See more about booking a class for you and your friends here. 

Weekend 1
Saturday - Fabric Printing
Sunday - Painted Lampshades
July 15/16, 2017

Dates: July 15-16, 2017
Come for both days ---- $360 ($38 savings) - NOW AVAILABLE
Fabric Printing + Color: July 15, 2017 ---- Saturday $199

Paint Your Own Lampshade: July 16, 2017 - Sunday ----  $199

Hours: 9:30 to 4:00 Class Limit 8 students
Prices include morning snacks, farm-raised lunch, all supplies with extra being available for purchase.

To see photos from past year's Fabric Printing Retreats, click here and here and here and here. 

What will you learn and make? 
Day One July 15 
•You will learn to design and print your own fabric using my easy favorite printing technique. 
•Introduction to fabric design and what shapes and motifs are successful and why. 
•Make your very own foam printing blocks that you can take with you for further fabric and paper printing. 
•Learn about paints and fabrics to use for successful projects.
•Make a printed fabric bag or fabric for a printed dishtowel or napkin. The fabric can also be turned into a pretty pillow. Additional fabrics to print will be available.
• Afternoon Session will include demonstration of Linoleum Block Printing. Students will be able to carve a block and print depending on their interest.
• Day One will also include a tour of our farmhouse with its decoratively painted walls and handmade interiors.
What is included: Materials for making printing blocks. Fabric paints for printing will be supplied. Fabric for tea towel or a canvas bag to print on. If you want to purchase additional fabric, it will be available. Feel free to bring your own fabric. Food, beverages, snacks.

Day Two July 16 
• Paint Your Own Lampshade. Using textile paints, you will paint a fabric lampshade. You will be given design and color guidance to plan out your project. 
•Bring your own lampshade. I will have extra for purchase if you are traveling too far.
What is Included: All fabric paints and brushes. Bring your own lampshade to paint. If you are traveling from far away, I will have shades available to purchase. I will send a list of lampshades that will be suitable for painting. Food, beverages, snacks.

Hours: 9:30 to 4:00

Includes snacks, beverages, and farm-raised lunch. 

Our farm is 2 hours from Boston and 3 1/2 hours from NYC.  
Shortly after purchasing the class, you will receive an email with more information on where to stay, directions to the farm and more. This is not an automated email, so please be patient. 

Weekend 2
Saturday - Fabric Printing + Embroidery
Sunday - Ceramic Tile Design **NEW CLASS**
July 30/31, 2017

Dates: July 30-31, 2016
Come for both days ---- $360 ($38 savings) - NOW AVAILABLE
Fabric Printing + Embroidery: July 30, 2016 - Saturday --- $199
Ceramic Tile Surface Design: July 31, 2016 ---- $199

Hours: 9:30 to 4:00
Class Limit 8 students

Day One: Fabric Printing + Embroidery
•You will learn to design and print your own fabric using my easy favorite printing technique. 
•Introduction to fabric design and what shapes and motifs are successful and why. 
•Make your very own foam printing blocks that you can take with you for further fabric and paper printing. 
•Learn about paints and fabrics to use for successful projects.
•Make a piece of fabric which we will stitch in the afternoon. The fabric can also be turned into a pretty pillow for your sofa. 
Day One will also include a tour of our farmhouse with its decoratively painted walls and handmade interiors.
To see photos from last year's Embroidery Retreat, click here. 
To see photos from past year's Fabric Printing Retreats, click here and here and here and here. 

What will you make? Printed fabric for stitching. What is included? Day One - Linen fabric to print and stitch on. Selection of crewel wool. Crewel needle.
What do you need to bring: Scissors, portable Ott-lite with magnifying glass if you have difficulty seeing small things. There will be additional embroidery supplies and fabric available for sale at the end of the class. 

Day Two: Simple Ceramic Tile Surface Design **NEW CLASS**
• You will be introduced to pattern design. 
• You will learn how to handpaint a simple pattern. No painting experience is necessary. 
• You will hand paint a set of 4 ceramic tiles using underglazes, brushes, and with help and guidance from Kristin.
• If you are quick, extra tiles can be purchased and painted during the retreat.
• Your tiles will be fired in my electric kiln after the retreat is over. You can make arrangements to pick them up later or they will be shipped to you at the cost of shipping.  
What will you make? Day Two - Set of 4 ceramic tiles, underglazes and paintbrushes. 

Price: 
Come for both days ---- $360 ($38 savings) - OPEN NOW
Day One: Saturday July 29th - $199 - Registration Opens May 1st.
Day Two: Sunday July 30th - $199 - Registration Opens May 1st.

Class Size: Limited to 8 students

Our farm is 2 hours from Boston and 3 1/2 hours from NYC.  

Shortly after purchasing the class, you will receive an email with more information on where to stay, directions to the farm and more. This is not an automated email, so please be patient. 

Weekend 3
Saturday - Color + Embroidery for Knitters
Sunday - Crazy Quilt Swatch Blanket **NEW CLASS**
September 23/24, 2017

Date: September 23-24, 2017
Come for both days ---- $360 ($38 savings) - NOW AVAILABLE
Day One: September 23, 2017 - Saturday --- $199 Registration Opens May 1st.
Day Two: September 24, 2017 - Sunday ---- $199 Registration Opens May 1st.


Hours: 9:30 to 4:00
Class Limit 8 students

Visit Leyden Glen Farm when the autumn leaves are beginning to turn 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. You will leave incredibly inspired and you will never think of your knitting the same. 

You will be supplied with a couple homework assignments to bring along which will be used during the class.
To read past student's comments about their experiences on Kristin's Weekend Retreats, click here.

To see past knitting retreats, click here and here.  

Day One: Color and Embroidery for Knitters

Day One Morning: All about Working with Color for Making and In Life. You will learn how Kristin sees color and how you too can become confident when working with color in your knitting and stitching life.

Day One Afternoon: Embroidery on Knit or Crochet
You will learn to embroider on your own fabrics. You will bring a knit or crochet homework swatch with you and you will decorate it similar to the swatches in this photo:

Day Two Crazy Quilt Swatch Blanket **NEW CLASS**

This is the first time I have taught this class and it is going to be loads of fun. Bring all the knit and crochet swatches you own with you. You will learn how to sew them all together into your very own Crazy Quilt Swatch Blanket. 
• Learn how to piece different size swatches together.
• Learn how to cut your knit swatches into different sizes. 
• Learn how to add decorative embroidery to swatches.
• Watch a demo on how to dye swatches to create a more appealing color selection.
• Learn how to seam swatches together.
• Learn different types of edgings.
• Learn how to seam different swatches made with different weights of yarn together.

What is Included:
Full instruction and hand-outs. Homework and a supply list will be provided. Some studio yarn will be shared.

Includes snacks, beverages, and farm-raised lunch.

Our farm is 2 hours from Boston and 3 1/2 hours from NYC.  
Shortly after purchasing the class, you will receive an email with more information on where to stay, directions to the farm and more. This is not an automated email, so please be patient. 

Class Fees:

Each class runs for one day from 9:30 to 4:30. Space is limited to 8 students. You can come one day or both days. Registration will open up first for Two Day Workshops to accommodate those traveling from far away.
One day registration will open up May 1st. 
TWO DAY Pricing: $360 - SAVINGS OF $38.
ONE DAY Pricing: $199

Our farm is 2 hours from Boston and 3 1/2 hours from NYC.  
Shortly after purchasing the class, you will receive an email with more information on where to stay, directions to the farm and more. This is not an automated email, so please be patient. 

Includes: Instruction and necessary hand-outs
Most supplies: You will be sent a list of what to bring and "homework" if any depending on which class you choose.
Meals: Morning snacks, lunch, and beverages and end of day wrap-up session. You will be on your own for dinner - a list of suggested restaurants is here.

Where to Stay: 
This page gives suggestions of where to stay in our beautiful valley. A neighboring farm is now doing Airbnb. Eden Pond Farm is 4 miles from our farm. They rent an apartment that is available for up to 5 people. Here is the link to their accommodations.

Other AirBNB are popping up in the area. Check for the towns of Bernardston, Leyden and Greenfield, Massachusetts.

Payment is by Paypal at check-out. If this doesn't work for you, I can take credit cards by phone. Please e-mail me and I can make arrangements for a credit card sale via a telephone call. Email - kristinnicholasATgmailDOTcom
Check is fine too. Email me and I will send you our address. 

2014 Getting Stitched Classes at the Farm

Here's what "Getting Stitched on the Farm Classes" I have planned for 2014. All classes are from 9:30 to 4:30. Lunch, beverages, and snacks provided. There may be a "Supplies Fee" depending on the class. 

Payment is by Paypal at check-out. 

If this doesn't work for you, I can take credit cards if you call me. Please e-mail me and I can make arrangements for a credit card sale via a telephone call.

Mother and Child Beginning Embroidery

Date: July 12, 2014 - Saturday
Hours: 9:30 to 4:30
This early in the summer date will give you and your child many days to stitch as the summer progresses.
Our farm is 2 hours from Boston and 3 1/2 hours from NYC. 
See this page for Where to Stay ideas. 
See this page for Directions to the Farm. 

Beginner Embroidery for Adult and Child: Embroidery is such a special craft that is very accessible to children. In fact, it is the very first needlecraft that I learned. I can't tell you how many hours I spent stitching during the summers when I was a child and teen. I loved (and still do love) it so much, I wrote the book Kids Embroidery (STC 2004).

•This class is designed for a mother, grandmother or adult to be accompanied by one child. 
•You and your young person will have a lovely day in the country learning to stitch, seeing the animals, and eating a farm-raised lunch. 
•This class is a great chance to spend a very special day for two which will make a lifelong memory. 
•The child should be at least 9 years old and interested in learning to stitch.
•Includes tour of farmhouse, farm and conversation about living and working on a sheep farm. 

What will you BOTH learn? Beginning embroidery
Class includes: Basic embroidery supplies including needle, cotton and wool embroidery thread, fabric and felt to stitch on. 
What you need to bring: Scissors, your own colors of embroidery floss if you are picky or passionate about a color! No guarantees I will have your favorite color. 

What will you take away? You both will learn many simple embroidery stitches that will be the backbone of your craft. With these stitches, you will be able embroider for the rest of your life. You will make a bookmark, needlebook, tea towel, and/or ipod case - depending on student's preference.

Supply Fee: Most supplies will be included in the course fee.

Sample bookmarks

Class size: Limited to 5 couples - 10 attendees total.
Class fee: $265 per couple - includes supplies as above, beverages, snacks and farm-raised lunch.
There will be no refunds for this workshop - Please know that you can make it before registering.
You will receive a registration form to be completed. Please note any dietary restrictions so I can plan accordingly.

 

Beginning Crewel Embroidery

Date: July 19, 2014 - Saturday
Hours: 9:30 to 4:30
Includes snacks, beverages, and farm-raised lunch.
Our farm is 2 hours from Boston and 3 1/2 hours from NYC. 
See this page for Where to Stay ideas. 
See this page for directions to the farm.  

Crewel embroidery is one of the most satisfying and easiest to learn needlecrafts. The last big renaissance of crewel embroidery was the 1970's which was when I first learned to stitch. With the re-awakening of embroidery as a popular craft, crewel embroidery is experiencing a comeback. I wrote the book Colorful Stitchery which is being re-published in September of 2014. Come to the farm to learn this creative craft and spend the rest of your summer stitching and creating!

What will you make: We will make a sampler of stitches that you can turn into a small bag, pillow, or framed piece. Please keep checking my blog as I will be posting photos of my bag in progress.

What is included? Linen fabric to stitch on. Small selection of crewel wool. Crewel needle.

What do I need to bring: Scissors, portable Ott-lite with magnifying glass if you have difficulty seeing small things.

There will be other embroidery supplies available for sale at the end of the class. 

Class Size: Limited to 8 students
Price: $225 includes fabric and some thread. Extra supplies will be available for purchase.
Includes snacks, beverages, and farm-raised lunch.
There will be no refunds for this workshop - Please know that you can make it before registering.
You will receive a registration form to be completed. Please note any dietary restrictions so I can plan accordingly.

Embroidery on Knits

Fair Isle Check with embroidery overstitched on knits

Date: August 2, 2014 - Saturday
Hours: 9:30 to 4:30
Includes snacks, beverages, and farm-raised lunch.
Our farm is 2 hours from Boston and 3 1/2 hours from NYC. 
See this page for Where to Stay ideas. 
See this page for directions to the farm. 

What will you make:  We will make a zippered embroidered bag which is a perfect size for knitting and sewing tools or cosmetics. You can also turn your embroidery into a pillow. I will be making a sample and posting it here soon.
Here are some posts with Student work:
HERE
HERE
HERE

Homework: You will need to make the base stockinette stitch pieces for the bag you will embroider. You will receive "homework" to be completed before attending the class. I will be making this bag soon so check the blog in the near future to see what your project will look like - although everyone's will be different. That is the beauty of embroidery!

Fair Isle knit sample decorated with embroidery

What will you need to bring: Regular knitting supplies. Large eyed tapestry needle (blunt point and preferably NOT PLASTIC!)

What supplies are included: You are welcome to use my yarn stash to embroider with while you are at the farm.  

past student work

Class Size: Limited to 8 students
Price: $225 includes use of my worsted weight yarn stash while you are at the farm. 
Includes snacks, beverages, and farm-raised lunch.
There will be no refunds for this workshop - Please know that you can make it before registering.
You will receive a registration form to be completed. Please note any dietary restrictions so I can plan accordingly.

Paint Your Own Lampshade

Date: August 9, 2014 - Saturday
Hours: 9:30 to 4:30
Our farm is 2 hours from Boston and 3 1/2 hours from NYC. 
See this page for Where to Stay ideas. 
See this page for directions to the farm. 

Class Intro: Is your home full of plain white lampshades? Learn how to transform a plain white lampshade into a piece of art that will add a designer touch to your home. You can see many of my own painted lampshades on the Houzz.com website here. 

•We will begin by talking about design. 
•I will help you sketch motifs and designs on paper. If you have fear of drawing, do not worry - I will help. 
•We will block out your design out on paper. 
•You will begin painting. You should be able to complete your lampshade in the day. If not, I will send you off with a care package of paint to finish at home.
•Includes tour of farmhouse, farm and conversation about living and working on a sheep farm. 

Samples of past student's lampshades

Class fees: Use of fabric paint and paintbrushes are included. There will be a selection of lampshades to choose from and purchase. If you want to bring your own, it is possible. Please check with me as to what kind of lampshade to purchase. If you would like to purchase the paintbrushes at the end of the class, they will be available also. 

Supply Fee: Paintbrushes and lampshades will be available for sale.

Class Size: Limited to 6 students

Cost: $225 includes paints, beverages, snacks and farm-raised lunch.
There will be no refunds for this workshop - Please know that you can make it before registering.
You will receive a registration form to be completed. Please note any dietary restrictions so I can plan accordingly.

Simple Fabric Printing

Date: August 16, 2014 - Saturday
Hours: 9:30 to 4:30
Includes snacks, beverages, and farm-raised lunch. 
Our farm is 2 hours from Boston and 3 1/2 hours from NYC. See this page for Where to Stay ideas. 
See this page for directions to the farm.  

What will you learn and make? 
•You will learn to design and print your own fabric using my favorite printing technique. 
•We will begin by talking about design and what shapes and motifs are successful and why. 
•You will make your very own foam printing blocks that you can take with you for further fabric and paper printing. 
•You will learn how to print on cotton fabric and learn about the paints available for printing. 
•You will make a printed fabric bag and fabric for a printed dishtowel or napkins. The fabric can also be turned into a pretty pillow for your sofa.
•Includes tour of farmhouse, farm and conversation about living and working on a sheep farm.  

What is included: Materials for making printing blocks. Fabric paints for printing will be supplied. One piece of fabric and a canvas bag to print on. If you want to purchase additional fabric, it will be available.

Class Size: Limited to 6 students 
Price: $225 includes snacks, beverages, and farm-raised lunch.
There will be no refunds for this workshop - Please know that you can make it before registering. 
You will receive a registration form to be completed. Please note any dietary restrictions so I can plan accordingly.

AUGUST 4, 2012 CELEBRATION OF COLOR + FLOWERS FOR KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS

CELEBRATION OF COLOR AND KNITTED + CROCHET FLOWERS
Saturday One Day Retreat
August 4, 2012

This one day retreat will awaken your creative knitting and crochet juices. Knitters and crocheters are welcome. First thing, we will hop right into learning about color and how to combine colors effectively and fearlessly. You will learn how to see color, how to combine colors, and how to work with colors. We will take our inspiration from nature and from art. You will learn how to use these techniques when designing your own projects later in the day.

You will need to complete some homework you will receive upon registration to get the most out of your day at the farm. This class is not for beginners but is for knitters and crocheters who have basic skills and the desire to learn.


Using the knitting or crochet homework that you bring with you, you will learn how to build your own flower creations. Depending on your skill level and speed, you may learn how to create your very own flower design. You will be able to bring your projects home to felt them or we may felt some of the projects if time allows. This will be a creative and fun day spent in a lovely setting and you will leave excited to try more of the techniques out when you get back to your very own home.

Here are some projects which use flowers and you will be able to use the flowers you make in similar projects.

Pillow with attached felted sunflowers

Napkin rings made from flowers

A grapevine wreath adorned with felted flowers

Class includes farm lunch, hand-outs, some supplies, and a goodie bag.
Arrival 10 a.m.
Departure 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $225 
Spaces still available.

Class is sold out. Please email me to be put on the waiting list!
Click below to pay $225. Refunds can only be made up to the 60 days before the class date for one day retreats. There will be a $20 bookkeeping fee for any refunds.
Payment may also be made by credit card via telephone. Please email me with your phone number and I will call you at time suggested to take your credit card number. Email: kristinnicholas AT gmail DOT com


If you want to make the day into a weekend, check out the local places to stay here. 
The Pioneer Valley is full of wonderful wool-inspired businesses. Extend your stay with visits to a few of the places listed here. 


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


For further information, see the main "Get Stitched on the Farm with Kristin Nicholas Website" here.
 
The following photos show projects that past students have made at a Two Day Flower Retreat.