If you're a blogging knitter, I have probably left a comment on your site at some point to say something along the lines of "how lovely, so jealous that I can't knit".
Well the time has come to do something about it. I have to say, the thing that has spurred me into action is Julie's blog, Little Cotton Rabbits. Her things are so gorgeous and she has a free pattern for some mini-stockings which I can picture on my mantle.
So desperate was I to own one, that I had my mother show me how to cast on. I knit a square, which seemed OK ...

So I decided I needed to try a stocking. Unfortunately, my Mum had to go home before she could explain how to slip, knit 2 together, knit through the back, pick up stitches or anything else useful to know. So it was just me and some fairly dodgy Internet knitting tutorials.
I will show you if you promise not to laugh. Bear in mind that at 2pm yesterday, I could not knit, but I am now the proud owner of a too big, slightly holey, backwards in places mini stocking from the pattern. And no, you can't see the other side, because there is a really big hole there.

Am I a knitter now then?
Wow, that is great, and much much more than I could do!!!! Well done!
Posted by: raspberryfairy | 16 October 2006 at 12:50
Holy moly! You are, indeed, a knitter. Most people embark on miles and miles of garter stitch for scarves as their first project, and I've always said that something smaller and more complicated (er, interesting) is a far more suitable first project.
Congrats!
Posted by: Renee | 16 October 2006 at 14:25
GOOD for you! I've left those same comments on people's site, except I really don't mean it. I'm leaving the knotting arts up to others for a while :-)
Posted by: Amy | 16 October 2006 at 14:46
hooray for you! i have knitting-envy, too - but i just can't take that on right now.
are you going to knit a mate for this sock?
Posted by: kirsten | 16 October 2006 at 15:09
Yes. Yes you are.
I think it looks fabulous! Way to go. I'm also guilty of leaving those comments. You've given me hope...
Posted by: Alicia A. | 16 October 2006 at 16:01
THAT is what you knit after making the test square? Wowsers! I have yet to turn out a sock for any size foot, but I hope to have a pair soon.
I have found the website knittinghelp.com very, very helpful. It has weensy short videos of all the stitches and I watch them over and over again when I need a new stitch.
Keep it up!
Posted by: Heels | 16 October 2006 at 17:18
Well done Ali, I'd say you'd mastered the pointy sticks. I'm very flattered that it was my pattern that prompted you to give it a go - as Renee says it's usually miles of holey scarves that get embarked upon as first knitting projects. The question is, do you ever want to see a pair of knitting needles again?
Posted by: Julie | 16 October 2006 at 18:09
Now I can visit your site and say things like, "Wow, I wish I could do that!" because I'm still trying to figure it out. And crochet, which I thought would be easier since it's only one needle. Hooray for Ali!
Posted by: madmommy | 16 October 2006 at 18:11
I would most certainly say you can knit now.
And now I'll tell you what I tell all the other knitter... "kinda jealous over your awesome knitting skills!"
Posted by: capello | 16 October 2006 at 18:17
No doubt about it, Ali! You ARE a knitter. What a brilliant first attempt; it looks like a bona fide stocking to me :)
Posted by: joanna | 16 October 2006 at 18:23
at least you've made something!!!
i started teaching myself to knit the day before my baby was born (3 wks ago) and haven't touched it since ... and i only have a square to show for it.
good job on your stocking!!!!
Posted by: lera | 16 October 2006 at 18:28
i think you did and AMAZING job. i can only knit a scarf!
Posted by: elizabeth | 16 October 2006 at 19:39
Rock on!
Posted by: nuttnbunny | 16 October 2006 at 19:43
I too cannot knit, so I think you have done a marvelous job. A sock for you first attempt is very brave. You'll never look back now.
Posted by: tiel s-k | 16 October 2006 at 22:21
You sure are a knitter! I wouldn't have a hope in hell of knitting a stocking. Man, I am impressed.
BTW, holes, schmoles.
Posted by: kirsty | 16 October 2006 at 22:44
Seriously impressed with that! Well done you. Socks are on my list of presents to make for Xmas! No pressure..Xmas 2009 will be fine! What next?
Posted by: bigbucketgirl | 17 October 2006 at 00:00
You are now officially a knitter and the sock looks so cute! Aren't small things a lot trickier to make? I think you did a great job! (coming from a someone who would love to knit but doesn't know how to!)
Posted by: Soo | 17 October 2006 at 00:43
Well done they look fab, I took several more squares to advance to shaping when I started!
Posted by: Sal | 17 October 2006 at 13:25
You are definitely a knitter now! I couldn't seem to progress past the scarf stage--socks were way to hard for me!
Posted by: RANDI | 17 October 2006 at 18:44
bloody hell! excuse my french here, all that in a day? hat off my lady!!
Posted by: monica | 17 October 2006 at 19:19
Oh wow I am so impressed! I have tried knitting but am not very good at it. My baby's mittens came out looking like rockets and could fit an 8 year old, hahaha!
Oh I'm Donna by the way, thanks for visiting my crafty blog :-)
Posted by: donna | 17 October 2006 at 21:33
Do you still want to swap with me? What do you need me for now? You can knit your own scarf. Today socks, tomorrow lace.
Posted by: Sarah | 17 October 2006 at 23:42
As someone who knows how to knit, but does not call herself a knitter, I would say VERY nice job, Ali, and if you *want* to call yourself a knitter, you ARE one IMHO.
Personally, I like crochet better because it goes faster and then I have a chance of actually getting something finished (gasp). I learned to do both knitting and crochet from computer CDs from Coats&Clark.
Depending what the project is, I found that using nubbly yarn hides a multitude of sins - but the trade-off is that you sometimes can't count your stitches as easily and therefore make more mistakes!
Keep it up - stellar results for a first (and complicated) project!
Posted by: Candlestring | 18 October 2006 at 05:08
i think it was meant to be! you did a great job on the mini stocking for a first time knitter! i love that pattern and think i might give it a try. by the way, i love your blog! i am a new blogger, having a hard time getting started, but working on it.
Posted by: jen | 26 October 2006 at 21:40