YouTube videos. I am partial to Stacey of VeryPinkKnits, but there are countless good ones out there. If you don't like one, just click on another of the same topic. To start, you want cast-on videos. I would set a beginner up with an inexpensive basic wool yarn (WM's Lion Brand would probably work, acrylic actually ok too, best thickness would be labeled as DK, or "worsted weight") and I'd pick about size US4 needles, 24" circulars, or 8" double points (known as DPN's). The specifics aren't all that critical however, if you already have some yarn and needles just start with that.
Potholders and dishcloths are good beginner projects, and aren't just for beginners. Lots of interesting stitch patterns to try, and you can combine both crochet and knitting. Peaches and Cream thick cotton yarn from WalMart is a good choice for the dishcloths. There is actually a book out on creative pot holders in wool. Again, videos. Also, dare I say it, Ravelry has lots of free patterns for little dishcloths. They are basically just big swatches in pretty and clever stitch patterns. Some knitters like swatching stitch patterns so much, that is mostly all of what they make. Ravelry is still goodie-two-shoes lefty annoying, but the TDS is no longer out front and center. The few forums I follow over there are explicit about avoiding "hot button issues," and just sticking to our love of knitting.
Denim is always tempting. I love old 100% cotton denim, and have many squares that I hand embroidered sashiko designs in white with aim to make a quilt. It IS heavy, and hard to piece by hand. Would make a good bed cover in a house with dogs that are allowed on the bed (my house). You can make it as just a "coverlet" with the pieced denim top, and only a backing. Utility quilting just in-the-ditch, that is, directly over the seams would be easier on a basic home sewing machine. Back when we still had an open thrift store, I could get a paper grocery bag stuffed full of old denim jeans for $5.
