First off, can I suggest that you invest in a book? If you're only going to get one, I'd really recommend that you buy Stitch n Bitch (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0761128182/026-3570052-5524426?v=glance&n=266239) by Debbie Stoller. It's exceptionally well-written, and it's the one I used to remind me of the basics when I got back into knitting a few years ago after a fairly lenghty gap. It covers all the basics you'll need and has patterns too.

Are you right-handed? If so, I'm going to assume that you'll do the English method of knitting, as opposed to the Continental. The difference is mainly that in the latter, the yarn is held in the left hand, while in the English method (the one I use), it's held in the right. If you need advice as to how to hold the needles and the yarn (and yes, there is a technique to that too), just ask. It's covered really well in the Stitch n Bitch book.

As for the cast-on, the first thing you'll need to do is make a slip knot. Go here (http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/basic_techniques/index.php) and look under 'Cable Cast-on'. Click on 'Slip Knot'. There's a video which will show you exactly what to do (though I do suggest that you leave a longer tail of yarn than she does; perhaps 6 inches). Then, watch the video for the Cable Cast-on.

If you have trouble with the videos, right click on the links and save them to disk. They can sometimes be a bit jumpy if you try to watch them live.

Ok got it and saved.
Thanks, this should be interesting.

Yarn is held in left hand. The middle finger (or index finger) is used to push the yarn down and to the right, to where the right needle can easily push it back through the stitch. This method requires the fewest hand movements of any purl method, and is consequently the fastest (with the exception, perhaps, of the "Combined Knitting Method" of purling--see below). This is the method I use in the Continental purl videos on this site. Videos where the yarn is held in the left hand, all have a pink icon.

Im going to go completely insane, but the person who is on her way to give me the wool and needles will show me the first part I`m, sure, plus I vaguely remember doing it as a kid so I should soon settle into this part.
I hope...

Well don't worry about the purl methods yet. Get to grips with casting on and the knit methods first. Also, make the decision as to whether you'll feel more comfortable with the Continental or the English method of knitting; that's absolutely fundamental. I've never done Continental myself, so I won't be much use to you if you go for that.

If you go for the English method, you can ignore all the little pink icons on that site, as they're all for the Continental method. The icons that are half blue and half pink are suitable for both methods.

Yarn is held in left hand. The middle finger (or index finger) is used to push the yarn down and to the right, to where the right needle can easily push it back through the stitch. This method requires the fewest hand movements of any purl method, and is consequently the fastest (with the exception, perhaps, of the "Combined Knitting Method" of purling--see below). This is the method I use in the Continental purl videos on this site. Videos where the yarn is held in the left hand, all have a pink icon.

Im going to go completely insane, but the person who is on her way to give me the wool and needles will show me the first part I`m, sure, plus I vaguely remember doing it as a kid so I should soon settle into this part.
I hope...

Ooooh that sounds like continental not English:? I definitely hold the yarn in my right hand then let go of the right hand needle to wind it round. I cant get on with continental - makes me knit too tight - and I was taught a kind of odd english way:D Let us know how you get on with your voyage into the world of knitting - with piccies.:thumbsup:

LisaH xxx

...If you have trouble with the videos, right click on the links and save them to disk. ...
I've just had another look at those links. If you haven't discovered this already, what you'll actually need to do is left click on the links to get the javascript pop-up of the video. Then, you'll see 'direct link to video' at the bottom of that box. It's that which you'll need to right click on to save the video to disk.

Any news on the casting-on front yet, Jabbers?

Just sitting here waiting for my ride into town.
IF she arrives.
I have all the details scribbled down on paper of the things I need.

Carol was too busy to take me to town today.
Shes a nail technician and had a lot of work on today so she couldnt drive me into town.
I could risk going alone but my eyes are so bad that I`d probably end up as road kill.
I`m not at all dissapointed, and thats why I`m not being sarcastic.
I think youre right when you said that you arent holding your breath, it appears that the fates are conspiring against me with this knitting lark.

(I decided to remove her pic in case that smile disturbed someone)

Oh no you don't. I don't let a potential knitting bloke out of my clutches that easily.

Get your credit card out. You'll find everything you need here (http://www.mcadirect.com/shop/index.php/cPath/21_23) or here (http://www.getknitted.com/acatalog/shop.html).

Credit Card?
I wish!:hihi:

Debit card?

HAH!

I`m not allowed because they refuse to allow me to work.

Long story, bad eyes , etc.

::Hecate throws up her hands in despair::

The offer is there for some free needles and yarn if you give me your address.

Don't let it be said that I don't take my commitment to this knitting group seriously :hihi: .

::Hecate throws up her hands in despair::

The offer is there for some free needles and yarn if you give me your address.

Don't let it be said that I don't take my commitment to this knitting group seriously :hihi: .
I have to do this for myself, I have to get the needles and wool and learn to knit before my sight goes completely. Its just one of the many tasks I`ve set for myself, I fully intend to be as independant as possible.
Many thanks for the offer, but, I hope you understand this, but I have to be completely independant.
Being driven to town and escorted around kills me but my sight isnt bad enough for me to be trained.
Yet.