In this episode of Homespun, Misty Doan sits down with designer Kristin Nicholas to explore a life overflowing with color, craft, and creativity. From a 4-H childhood and lessons from her grandmother, to decades leading the yarn industry, to running a working sheep farm in Western Massachusetts, Kristin shares how she finds inspiration everywhere—from nature to art history. She dives into the thrill of trying new crafts, embracing failure, and letting each creative experiment feed the next. Plus, hear about her books, pottery, embroidery, and why learning something new can completely transform your main craft.
Key Episode Highlights:
Early creative influences from family, 4-H, and Sunset craft kits in the 1960s
Career path from textile degrees to becoming a yarn company creative director
Life on a 1750s sheep farm with 400 sheep and rotational grazing
Insights on trends in crochet and embroidery
How pottery and other crafts influence her knitting and crochet design
Practical tips for finding color inspiration in nature and art
Encouragement to try new crafts to broaden skills and perspective
Reflections on her published books and current creative newsletter