Hi, Fil 
 I should be able to help you here. I've been knitting for 57 years. My grandmother taught me when I was 5. I learned to sew in school, and my step mother expanded greatly on that instruction. A great deal of my wardrobe even now is sewn at home on one of my 3 vintage sewing machines. I learned to spin about 35 years ago, and weave a couple years after that. 
 
 Here is my YT video on the basics of knitting
             
                
            
 
 And here is my favorite basic slipper pattern:
 
AmedaDesigns - Ameda's Favorite Slippers
 
 I just finished these hand spun wool socks for myself. 
 
