Considering I've been knitting obsessively for years, it's surprising how few stitches and techniques are solidly, reliably in my memory and ready to go. The list is pretty short: just the basic stitches (knit, purl, yarn-over, k2tog, ssk), the cable cast-on, the long-tail cast-on, a plain bind-off, and weaving in ends properly. Using these and no more, I could make a huge array of knitted stuff. But I'm a nerd and a perfectionist, so I'm always on the look out for new tricks that can add refinement or something cool or special. And that's where the internet and the library come in. :)

This afternoon I was finishing off the top of a knitted mitten, and as always, I had to look up a tutorial on grafting to remember the moves. Looking through my browser bookmarks, I was struck by just how many techniques I use somewhat regularly but never seem to remember the details from last time.

Grafting the top of a stranded mitten (pattern forthcoming!)

Some of the techniques I've used several times, and still need to look up each time are grafting (aka Kitchener stitch), fancy cast-ons like tubular & twisted German, the wrap-and-turn trick for short rows, bobbles, and Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off. I have a few favourite sites that I look up when I need to learn a new technique or remind myself of one. If it's not there or if I still don't 'get' it, I try searching on Youtube, or the Ravelry forums, or Google.

My favourite knitting instruction sites:

• Techniques with Theresa on Knitty

• The TECHknitting blog (which has a great index)

• The Purl Bee's Knitting Tutorials

And in book form:

• Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook (great basic instructions!), and Stitch 'n Bitch Superstar Knitting: Go Beyond the Basics by Debbie Stoller
  

• Little Red in the City by Ysolda Teague (jersey and cardigan patterns, plus how to get a good fit and other tricks)

I'm much less adventurous with crochet than I am with knitting, so I don't need to look up techniques as often (I mostly stick with basic stitches and granny squares). Continuing my round-up of favourite reference sites and books, here are my crochet handy-helpers:

• The Attic24 blog ('Patterns and Tutorials' links in the left sidebar)

• The Purl Bee's Crochet Tutorials

• And another book, Stitch 'n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker

Lastly, here are my favourite spinning how-tos (I'm still learning the basics):

• Respect the Spindle by Abby Franquemont
• Abby's Youtube videos, Introduction to Spinning, Part 1 and Part 2
• The Spinner's Glossary on Knitty

I'm sure having these all in one place will save me time next time I need to find that one particular video or photo-tutorial. I hope you find some of these helpful! If I've missed any great sites or books, please do share. :)