In this article, I will attempt to explain some of the basic knitting stitches and everything they encompass. The process of knitting has three basic tasks: (1) the active (unsecured) stitches must be held so they don't drop; (2) these stitches must be released sometime after they are secured; and (3) new bights of yarn must be passed through the fabric, usually through active stitches, thus securing them. Long loops can also be drawn out and secured, forming a "shaggy" texture to the fabric; this is known as loop knitting.
Although the mechanics are different from casting on, there is a similar variety of methods. Separately knitted tubes can be applied to a knitted fabric to form complex Celtic knots and other patterns that would be difficult to knit. The other advantage is that these patterns are in effect free.
Cable needles are a special case of dpns, although they usually are not straight, but dimpled in the middle. To start you can even make some simple combination of stitches. A great variety of synthetic dyes have been developed since the synthesis of indigo dye in the mid-19th century; however, natural dyes are often favored, although they are generally less brilliant.
Most new knitters should start with some of the basic patterns listed above and work on mastering basic stitches. So, if you want to slow down, and find meaning in your life again, try knitting.