Happy Spring from Kristin Nicholas Designs

Hello Colorful Friends!

Spring has finally arrived here at Leyden Glen Farm in western Massachusetts. There is something so wonderful about spring - all the new re-birth, awakenings, and finally some color popping out in the world around us.



We are having a long, slow spring which has been refreshing. So often, spring is just a quick blip before temperatures climb into the 80's. We are due for a week of rain and temps in the 60's this coming week which will make all the vegetation go into overdrive. My hens are already in overdrive. It is hard to keep up with all the eggs.



My ceramic studio is back in production. I am working on decorating all the pots I had left over from before the holidays and hoping to run a batch in my kiln soon. Watch this space if you are interested in purchasing a piece of my pottery.



Things are starting to get busy again now that winter is over. I will be at the Amherst Farmers Market next Saturday from 8 to 1:30 for the first market of our season. I will be selling our farm raised lamb and my own tea towel designs. All my tea towels can also be found in my NEW on-line shop here. They make a lovely gift.



I have been working away every evening on my second hexagon afghan. I've had so much fun with the colors and crochet that I think I have enough pieces for two afghans. Now to keep sewing them together! Here is a link to the free pattern.

I'm looking forward to the annual Webs Tent Sale on May 18th where I will have a small booth selling our farm raised lamb, crewel threads and my handmade things. Maybe I will see some of you there. Here is the info.

I will be attending the Brimfield Flea Market in Brimfield, MA the week before the Tent Sale. Are you planning to go? Here is info for Brimfield - it is a great show full of fabulous things that you can't find everywhere. So many treasures. May is my favorite show to go to because the dealers have been stockpiling all winter. I have yet to decide which day I will be going.

Here are some good links I have been saving up for you all.

• Did you know that Linda Ligon, the founder of Interweave Books, is publishing again (along with some others from the old Interweave days)? Her new biz is called Thrums. I loved her blog post about Easter celebrations in Latin America. What color and tradition.
• Speaking of Interweave, their new owner F&W filed for bankruptcy. Time will tell what happens there.
• This book blows my mind. Stunning.
• Talk about creative - check out this combo of Victorian costume and frozen water. Wow!
ª I am enjoying this interview with the owners of Purl Soho. (podcast)
• If I ever get to London again, I am definitely going to seek out this place.
• I loved this article about a woodturning business in London. What talent and history.

I wish you a Happy Easter if you are celebrating this weekend. I hope spring is springing in your neighborhood as it slowly is here in western Mass.

Yours in color and creativity,

Kristin Nicholas

p.s. Visit my Instagram here. Or see me once in a while on Facebook here.

Here is a video of my Talk at Google. I went to Cambridge, Massachusetts and spoke at their offices there in late June.

A fun video of our farm, our farmhouse, and my family. Our farm is located 2 hours from Boston and 3 1/2 hours from NYC. We are at the northern most part of western Massachusetts bordering Vermont. Our farm is 15 minutes off of Route 91, the north/south highway connecting Montreal to NYC.