• A skein of cotton or wool yarn costs $6-$20, angora $15-$40 and cashmere $19-$80.
  
• Beginners should use bamboo or plastic knitting needles because metal needles are too slippery.
  
• Skeins of yarn are sold in packages of 50 or 100 yards. You'll need 200 yards to make a long scarf.
  
• A simple way to mix colors is to use two skeins of yarn and knit or crochet with two strands at once.
  
• Begin knitting with bulky, weighted wool.
  
• Select easy first-time projects such as baby socks or a scarf.

Make Workshop
New York City
Free monthly stitching circle at Box Car Lounge, 168 Avenue B, 2-hour classes start at $30
212-533-9995
info@makeworkshop.com, www.makeworkshop.com

About.com/Crafts, Knitting section
www.knitting.about.com
The largest selection of free knitting patterns on the net

Frugal Knitting Haus
www.frugalhaus.com
Supplies, needles and wide selection of knitting and crocheting patterns, all focused on using leftover yarn