Ok, have I got the thing for you! Get a knifty knitter (the round ones) from a craft store and join the yahoo groups. You will learn all kinds of things and it takes a lot less time than conventional methods.I made, in a two week period, three scarfs with different types of yarn and different patterns. They make ponchos, newborn and older beanie hats, scarves, slippers, bags, etc.
They are the newest trend right now and they are wonderful and a lot easier.