Learning to knit

It looked so easy on the video. I thought I could do this. But it is clearly the work of a beginning knitter. My stitch count varies uncontrollably between 10 and 13 (supposed to be 11). I forgot the initial slip stitch until I was about 30 rows into it. It took me several tries before I settled on a natural position for my hands. I hold the yarn in my left hand and throw it over the needle, so it’s not an orthodox “continental” style. I brace the needle with the work anywhere from my armpit to my lap to my crotch. It’s only 140 rows, so eventually this part will be done and I’ll be able to resume with crochet and then Tunisian crochet. Another learning experience.