Question about right side of work and cast on method...

[shreck]

I'm a new knitter and so far have just made very simple patterns that only call for knit or purl stitches. I'm now starting a new pattern(a wool diaper soaker) that has some terminology in it that I'm not sure about. For one thing it makes a notation of (RS) at the beginning of the instructions for the 9th row. I know that stands for right side, but how do I tell that I'm on the right side? Which side is the tail of the yarn on when it's the right side of the work, like if it's facing me? And, if I'm not on the right side, how do I change it?

Does it matter which cast on method I choose if the pattern doesn't specify? I've been using the long tail/double cast on up to this point which I believe means the first row of knitting is done in the same step as the cast on. So far, all the patterns I've knitted have called for knitting the first few rows, so it's worked out fine. But, this new pattern I'm starting calls for 1 x 1 ribbing the first 8 rows, so should I use a single cast on as opposed to the long tail/double cast on so that I don't have an extra row of knitting at the top? Which single cast on method is the best or does it even matter?

Thanks for any help!

[Ingrid]

I always use the long-tail cast on and I don't count it as a row--it's my cast on.

Just cast on and then work your ribbing. As for the right side, in this case they're telling you that row 9 is the right side--probably a knit row after the ribbing. If you're working stockinette--knit one row, purl one row--then the flat knit side is the right side.

[CarmenIbanez]

I love long tail cast on, it is my favorite. It is what I use if it doesn't specify.

As far as your other question, what Ingrid said!

[shreck]

Thank you!