Sunday, August 26, 2007

Hmm, I Wonder Who This Belongs To?

The Tattoo:
Does she look familiar? (Please ignore the less than model-perfect body.)

I can't believe I did it!

I have been thinking about this for a long time now. Ask my sister, she probably got sick of me bringing it up all the time. I've gotten hooked on some of the tattoo shows on TLC, such as L.A. Ink, and a few of my work friends have tattoos. I have been scanning the internet for knitters with tattoos, and became so intrigued and mesmerized by the idea. So at lunch on Wednesday, when Sarah asked if anyone wanted to go with her to get a tattoo Friday night, I jumped at the chance. I went home that night and searched online to create the perfect knitting tattoo design.

Right after work on Friday, Leah, Sarah, and I headed to Trader Bob's, where I got my first (and let me clarify, only!) tattoo. Leah and Sarah already each had one, so they were getting their seconds. Being able to go with them was such a bonding experience. However, I have never felt such excruciating pain; I can't imagine doing it a second time!

My tattoo artist spent a lot of time really working with what I had brought in to create something that was absolutely perfect. Interestingly enough, Sarah's took around 10 minutes, Leah's took around 5 minutes, and mine took 35 minutes! Everyone kept saying they were so proud that I was able to sit through a fairly large and detailed tattoo for my first time. Let me tell you, I honestly didn't think I was going to make it. But I knew if I got up to take a break in the middle, I would never sit back down in that chair. Somehow, I made it through. And now that it's over, I feel it was totally worth it.

I had known I wanted to get a knitting related tattoo for quite a while. To some, that may seem corny or trite, but to me, it symbolizes the person I have finally become, the person I have grown into over this past year of transition. Being a knitter has brought me into a world of friendship, honesty, and value. I now know what it means to be true to myself, and to be a part of a "culture" of acceptance, uniqueness, and creativity. I would not be who I am today if I were not a knitter.

I was so touched at the timely Knitting Daily post for Friday. I firmly believe in the healing power of knitting. Some people may think I'm crazy for doing this, and a small part of me thinks so too. But I know I did it for me, not for anyone else, and I know how meaningful knitting is to me. I will remain a knitter forever.

11 comments:

Wannabe said...

OMG! You are sooo brave! I've been wanting one for a while but I am chicken when it comes to needles. I thought I was going to pass out when I got my nose pierced and it was easy as pie...but a Tat? OMG! It looks AMAZING!

Romi said...

Hee. That's adorable!

Annie said...

Way cool. I'm too old/chicken. So will you model it for us on Wednesday?

Anonymous said...

you are one brave lady!! I freak out when it comes to needles and to go through all the pain...My sis who has one on her arm tells me it is painful. You have to look in the mirror each time you want to see it lol..cool!!

Rachel said...

I love it! I can't wait to see it in person.

Anonymous said...

Wow, I love it! I have a few tats of my own and have declared myself finished, otherwise I might consider something like yours. Good for you.

nicole said...

I think it's cool that your body now has recorded a whole year of your life in that one tattoo. To you it says a lot more than "knitter." I love it.

wheelinsticks said...

It looks great! I am so happy for you and the experience that knitting and freinds have given you!

Shannon said...

You are now officially hardcore in my book :) You'll be knitting all black in no time! Muahahh!

Penny Karma, aka the F-Bomb Mom said...

That's so cool! I gotta get another tatt.

Amanda said...

That is too cool! I must admit that I'm not brave enough for a tatoo but I will happily admire yours.