How to hold the yarn and the hook

Sorry about the grainy image - I used an old digital camera and it was also an overcast day. But hopefully this will help you get the idea. Bottom line: left hand holds the yarn and doles it out, right hand wields the hook.

For someone who has never attempted crochet, I suggest starting with a size F or G hook and a plain medium weight yarn (the yarn label will say either 'medium' or 'size 4'.)