It's an interesting progression from having birthdays as a kid to having them as an adult. As a kid, all I wanted was to be older, to get more privileges, learn to drive, get to the next grade, have more freedom. As an adult, the clock seems to have sped up since I've had my son and I no longer measure my age by the lines appearing on my face and hands, but by how tall he's getting or new "grown up" words and phrases that come out of his mouth. I never minded getting older like some women tend to, and I try to embrace my age and think "Wow, I've survived this long and that's a lot longer than some people get. I'm lucky." Birthdays should make you feel thankful, not shameful. With age comes wisdom and we should honor that by wearing our number of years with pride, not hide them away.
So here it is world, today I turn 35! Bump me up into that next age bracket and let's celebrate!
Getting to do what I love every day is the best present of all. Working in the creative field and having parents that knew I wouldn't/couldn't fit into the mold of sitting in a cubicle each day and let me venture off the paved road into the art field to realize my dreams and a husband who thinks it's "cool" that his wife is a knitwear designer and author makes me feel more blessed than they'll ever know. Being able to stay at home with my son and stay up late to get my work done when he's sleeping is tricky, but it's a balance that works for me and my family and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
As I usher in this new year and new age bracket, I want to celebrate YOU, dear readers. The talented and incredible bunch of friends I've made while traveling this road both in real life and online, whether you watch me on Knitting Daily TV, you read by blog, you carry your WIP around in a TanisKnits project bag, you're working on one of my designs, you just got one of my books or you come and take a class with me, I thank my lucky stars EVERY SINGLE DAY that I am doing what I'm doing and that I have you all right there with me. Thank you, from deep within my soul, thank you for being part of this great little corner of our knitting community that I call home.
If you know me in real life, you know I bake like a fiend and whether you like it or not, you're probably going home with a few dozen cookies or a loaf of bread after we hang out. You know that if I know you had a bad week or you're going through something tough, I will be there with something handmade or homemade, ears primed to listen and arms to wrap you in a hug. Since I can't do that for all of you, I try to show my appreciation throughout the year with free patterns, tutorials, hints, tips, tricks and giveaways galore! Let's welcome in 35 with a new free pattern for you, the Beecham Cowl.
Designed to use up that one hank of special yarn you either have in your stash or you've been eyeing at your LYS, this cowl is designed to be a "one and done" kind of project with only 2 ends to weave in, no finishing other than a good blocking and a nice gift for YOURSELF. Using one of my favorite lace patterns that knits up in the round looking much more difficult than it actually is, that hank of handspun you've been hoarding or that hank of luxury yarn you've been coveting is ideal. Yarn weight doesn't really matter (the photographed version is knit on sport weight on US 6 needles), just size your needles accordingly and enjoy. Download the Beecham Cowl here.
How about one other birthday gift? All TanisKnits patterns (remember that TanisKnits and Tanis Gray patterns are two different pattern lines, follow the link here) on Ravelry are 35% off today only from 12am to 12pm EST. No coupon code is needed and please enjoy!
Thank you for celebrating with me!