Spring, 2014
We've had a wonderful week of late rain here in Napa, helping flowers to bloom and trees to leaf out all over the place. There is nothing like that fresh spring green and the smell of the year's first flowers. Here's hoping the rest of the country's weather catches up to ours soon!
We've got some brand new yarn in the shop, classes scheduled, and new projects a plenty! Read on for all the news.
*We will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 20th*
Rowan Pure Wool Worsted

We are happy to be carrying this new offering from Rowan. Pure Wool is a soft 100% wool, machine washable worsted weight yarn. We have a nice selection of brights and neutrals, perfect for garments, as well as smaller accesories. Rowan has released 2 collections of free patterns supporting this yarn, the Home Decor Collection, including 14 designs for the home and the Pure Wool Online Collection, featuring 5 timeless designs.
Marcie immediately knit up an adorable Garter Ear Flap Hat, a free pattern from Purl Bee. So cute!
Knit.Wear

The ever popular publication from Interweave has been released, and is, as always, full of fabulous designs. Come on in for your copy today!
Classes
Knitting 101 knitting
instructor: Judy du Monde

Learn all your basic knitting skills with Judy, who will lead you through knitting, purling, and pattern reading skills. This class is perfect for absolute beginners, as well as those looking to refine exisiting skills in order to move onto more advanced work.
Three class sessions, Tuesdays   $60
April  8, 15, 22   5-7pm
May  6, 13, 20   5-7pm
June  3, 10, 17   5-7pm

Crochet 101
instructor: Nicole Woodruff
Students will have so much fun in this beginning class with Nicole. You will learn slip knot cast on, chain, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet and slip stitch, as well as some basic pattern and diagram reading. No previous experience needed! Please bring scrap yarn and corresponding hook.
Three class sessions, Tuesdays   $60
April  8, 15, 22   5-7pm
May  6, 13, 20   5-7pm
June  3, 10, 17   5-7pm
Fix it!
instructor: Vanessa Kearns
Mistakes are part and parcel of the knitting process, even for the most advanced knitters. The key to success is knowing how to recover from them! Vanessa will teach you how to pick up dropped stitches, unknitting, unpurling, "frogging", as well as some other invaluable tips and tricks! 
One class session, Wednesdays  $10
April  9, 11-12pm
May  14, 11-12pm
Yoked Cardigan
instructor: Vanessa Kearns
This adorable top down baby garment makes a great first sweater project. Vanessa will walk you through all stages of construction, from dividing for the sleeves, to picking up the button band. Once you've mastered the baby version, you can knit one for yourself!
Three class session, Sundays   $60
April   27, May 4 and 11   1-3pm 
Double Point Workshop
instructor: Judy du Monde
Ready to move onto socks or fingerless gloves, but intimidated by working on double point needles? We have the class for you! Judy will dispel your fears and arm you with all the tricks for successful knitting small circular projects!
One class session, Saturday  $20
April  19  11-1pm
Socks 101 socks
instructor: Judy du Monde
Traditional sock style for beginning sock knitters. You will learn the basics of sock construction, including Dutch flap heel, turning the heel, gusset shaping, making a toe, and much more! Basic knitting skills and experience with double points required- check out the Double Point Workshop above!
Three class sessions, Saturdays   $45
May  3, 17, 24  11:30-1pm *2 weeks in between 1st & 2nd classes*
Cladonia
instructor: Vanessa Kearns
Join Vanessa to learn how to knit this sweet, semicircular shawl. You will learn increasing, color changing, and lace work. Pattern is both written and charted. 
Two class session, Saturdays   $40
May  17 and 31  1-3pm  *2 weeks between sessions*
On & Off the Needles
 
 Marcie just finished 2 great projects- a fun new textured cowl inspired by a scarf she saw in the New York Times Style Section. Our cowl, named the 1st St Construction Cowl, was knit out of 2 contrasting colors of Berroco's Ultra Alpaca. Free pattern with purchase!

She also just completed a gorgeous Aranami Shawl, designed by Olga Buraya-Kefelian.  Marcie used 5 shades of Cascade 220 Fingering. We were most excited to discover that by reversing the order of colors, you can get 2 shawls out of this yarn! This is a most enjoyable project!

I have just started the lovely Sand and Sea Shawlette, by Alana Dakos. This pattern was originally published in Coastal Knits, but is now available as a single Ravelry download. I am working the body of the shawl in delicate Malabrigo Lace, with plans for a MadelineTosh Sock border.

Marcie is hard at work on a new Shibui Mix 3, in Poppy- a simply gorgeous colorway perfect for spring.
Alice's Embrace

We are very pleased to be partnering with Alice's Embrace, an organization providing comfort and warmth to those suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. Alice's Embrace is working with The Eskaton Foundation, a non-profit organization that has assisted living facilities and memory care units for those suffering from dementia.  Their goal is to provide each of their residents with a lap blanket or a prayer shawl.  
If you are interested in knitting a blanket or prayer shawl to donate, we have a binder of patterns written specifically for Alice's Embrace. The yarn must be machine washable and dry-able. Yarns on First is a drop off location for your finished item. Thank you!
Contest!
Alice's Embrace is currently running a contest- the shop that has the most donated items dropped off by June 30, 2014 will put all the participant's names in a drawing for a $50 Gift Certificate for that shop.  So knit, knit, knit or crochet, crochet, crochet and get your name in the drawing one, two or maybe even three times!!
Yarns on First
1305 First Street
Napa, California 94559


Marcie and Jess
707-257-1363
Yarns on First 
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday  10:30-5:30pm 
Thursday 10:30-4:00pm 
Sunday 12:00-5:00pm 
closed Monday