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Welcome spring!
The days are growing longer and warmer, and here in Napa, it feels like everything is coming into bloom. What a beautiful time of year! We've been busy receiving lots of exciting shipments of yarn- restocking our shelves with some old favorites, as well as some brand new lines. We've also got some great workshops coming up, so read on for all the news!
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Kinu & Sensai
We are super excited to introduce you to two new yarns we are carrying from Ito, a specialty yarn company out of Japan. Ito, a Japanese word meaning yarn or thread, sources much of their materials from small mills around Japan, a country with a long tradition in textiles. These yarns are outstanding due to their special production processes and their specific composition of materials, such
as silk, paper, and stainless steel. We fell in love with the colors- so rich and unique!
We are now carrying 2 Ito yarns- Kinu and Sensai. Kinu is 100% silk noil yarn, also called organic silk, as it is produced from the leftovers of spun filament silk. Differently colored fibers are blended for this silk noil yarn, to produce a melange effect. Sensai is a delicate mohair yarn with 40% silk; luxurious and light as a feather. Both are lace weight yarns.
Marcie immediately cast on a Unemizo Capelet, holding a strand on Kinu and Sensai together. This is an easy and quick knit, and will produce one of the prettiest, most versatile cape/cowl/shoulder cozy I have ever seen!
Next on our list is Sally Melville's L'Enveloppe, another wonderfully versatile piece that is not quite shawl, cape, or poncho, but a little of all 3. We are planning to pair Kinu with Isager Alpaca 2, for a lighter weight version.
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Cobasi
Finally, a wool free sock yarn! Knitters and their lucky recipients have long clamored for a wool free sock yarn, that won't irritate or over heat. Enter CoBaSi, a Cotton, Bamboo, and Silk blend with elastic nylon that is gentle on the hands, with a wool-like stretch. We are carrying a wide range of colors, perfect for warm weather color work. Soft and machine washable, this will be a go to for a variety of hardy garments. The possibilities are endless!
Marcie is working on a pair of "Tom and Ethel" socks and loving the feel of CoBaSi! We also have our eye on "Audrey", a baby girl swing coat- so adorable!
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Espresso
This brand new bulky yarn from Berroco is perfect for spring! Espresso is a cotton blend with a vibrant hand-dyed look that knits up quickly, creating beautiful pieces that are machine washable and easy to care for. It's unique mesh construction makes for light and airy garments and accessories. Berroco has some great pattern support for this yarn- 2 of my favorites are the Maiella tank and the Cimone fringed shawl.
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Madelinetosh
At long last and moments before sending out this newsletter, 2 huge boxes from Madelinetosh were delivered to our doorstep. Hooray! We are labeling and shelving as quickly as we can! The shipment included Merino Light, Vintage, DK, and Sport, in all of our favorite colorways, as well as some brand new ones, so don't delay! This yarn doesn't hang around for long!
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Crocheting 101 
instructor: Dara Weyna
Students will have so much fun in this beginning class with Dara. 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 session, Tuesdays
April 14, 21, 28th 5:30-7:30pm $60
May 12, 19, 26th 5:30-7:30pm $60
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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 8th, 1-2:00pm
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Gatsby Necklace
instructor: Vanessa Kearns
This 1920's inspired necklace will captivate you. It is hard to only make one once you start combining different bead and yarn colors. They are wonderful as gifts for women of all ages. Pre- stringing of beads before class required.
One session class, Sunday $20
March 29th, 1-3pm
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Lucy Hat 
instructor: Vanessa Kearns
Join Vanessa to learn this adorable hat pattern. Skills include short row shaping and knitting in the round, double pointed needles. Pattern provided!
Two sessions, Saturdays $40
May 2 and 9th, 1-3:00pm
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Knit-as-you-go modular afghans and throws, based on mitered squares. No seaming, no assembly, endless options! Learn stockinette and garter mitered square, log cabin variations, no-show color changing, and other time-saving techiniques. The only limit is your own imagination!
Three sessions, Saturdays $45
April 11, 18, and 25th, 11:30-1:00pm
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Crocheted Boteh Scarf 
instructor: Dara Weyna
This super cool scarf is perfect for the advanced beginner, who has some knowledge of reading diagram patterns and the double treble stittch. Works up quickly and makes a great gift! Pattern provided!
Two class session, Saturdays $40
April 11 and 18th 2-4:00pm
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Recipe
Need a quick and easy crowd pleasing spring salad?
Look no further!
Helen's Chick Pea Salad
Ingredients
2 cans Chick Peas, drained and rinsed well
4-5 scallions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 cucumbers, peeled, seeded & diced
1/2 lb feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 C fresh lemon juice
1/4 C olive oil
2 Tbls parlsey, minced
Directions
Gently mix all ingredients & chill.
Serve & enjoy!!
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Yarns on FIrst
1305 First St.
Napa, CA, 94559
707-257-1363
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Hours
Tues, Wed, Fri, & Sat 10:30-5:30pm
Thursday 10:30-4:00pm
Sunday 12:00-5:00pm
Closed Monday
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