Bad Blogger!

I've been a bad blogger, having abandoned my poor blog for some tweeting lately. I love the instant gratification, but it doesn't get my blog properly updated, I'm afraid. I'm RomiDesigns on Twitter, so stop by and see me!

I've been knitting secret projects and swatches, and I've been spinning, making pins, crocheting and writing. I need some simplification, I think. May was crazy, what with the kiddos going to swim meets, 4H fair and end of school year. What a strange month it's been! Lisa says it's because Mercury has been retrograde. I'm thinking she has a point there!

Here's some of the spinning I've done. First we have the singles.

It's a merino/tencel blend (in Gingko) from Tactile Fiber Arts and it spins up soooooo beautifully! There's a lovely sheen to it, and the color is gorgeous. Here it is as it's being plied.

I am not up on all the spinning technical talk, but I can tell you that I used the worsted method. This is more accurate as far as color goes.

I put a lot of twist into it.

I love the way it turned out. Not perfect, but I enjoyed knitting with it!

Tune in soon to see the project I've done with it! I also have some left, and I think it's enough for a lacy scarf. Wooot!

In other news, the wonderful Shannon Okey featured my felted jewelry projects and my book, Elements of Style... in an article in Yarn Forward Magazine!

She rocks. :)

Memorial Day Musing

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

-by John McCrae

Please remember those who fought and who gave their lives unselfishly.

Monday's Musing

This is from Wynne's blog. It seemed like the perfect quote for today.

"A jewel is a bit of ordinary earth which has passed through some extraordinary experiences." - unknown

Have a great week, everyone!

Yarn Ball!

Monday's Musing

Seeing that I'm so late in posting today's musing, I'll just go with that theme!

"It's never too late to have a happy childhood." - Berke Breathed

I intend to do something child-like this week. That's different from childish, right?!

Have a great one! :)

New! + 15% Off Mother's Day Sale

New at Designs by Romi: a design made especially for heavier knits. This little number is perfect for closing your favorite cardigan or wrap.

You can use it on lighter weight pieces, too.

It's a little under two inches in length.

Here, on the back, you can see the grippers that help the pin stay put.

It's available in copper and sterling.

Next up is a twisty pin! Very simple to put in.

All you do is twist it in! It works great with laceweight and heavier gauge yarns. I use mine to close a cardigan.

It comes in copper or sterling.

You can purchase them here.

And I almost forgot! Sterling yarn ball earrings and pendants are back in stock!!!

And to celebrate the new pins and Mother's Day, everything on my site is 15% off a $15 or more purchase through Sunday, May 10! Use coupon code MOTHER at checkout. Enjoy!!!

Monday's Musing

"I am a part of all that I have met." - Alfred Lord Tennyson

This fascinates me on so many levels, and is so true. The bad that has been part of my life, as well as the good, has shaped me in ways that have led me to where I am now. And I'm not sure, were I able to change anything, if I would care to. What do you all think? Would you change your past if you could?

Have a wonderful week, everyone!

What a difference a week makes

In the weather, that is.

I just got back from a very rainy swim meet. Outdoor meet, that is! Believe it or not, though, it was a fun time! And #1 Son swam really well, with a couple of personal bests.

But last week this time, I was sailing San Francisco Bay with my family on a friend's boat. It was a perfect day, the opening of the Maritime Season, and I promised you some pics!

The Golden Gate Bridge in the distance, as we sailed past Alcatraz (not in the picture).

A little closer here; you can see the outline of Fort Point on the left under the bridge.

The San Francisco skyline. It was too hazy to pick out much detail as this was looking back towards the sun.

Me, coming out of the companionway.

A giant container ship we saw unloading at the Port of Oakland and then heading back out to Tokyo.

The Bay Bridge.

The base of one of the Bay Bridge towers. Bear with me here. I am a total geek about bridges, so I took a bunch of shots going under the bridge.

Underneath the Bay Bridge.

More underneath the bridge.

The tower as we passed out the other side.

This was such an incredible day! And I'm so glad to have some pictures of it, because I don't have anything knitting-, crochet- or bead-related that I can divulge on my blog! Soon, though. :)

Back to the second day of the swim meet tomorrow. More wind and rain expected. :sigh: