I’m a new knitter. I am trying to knit a baby blanket. I’m not sure if I should use regular needles or circular. I will attach pattern below. Any suggestions would be helpful. I tried using the circular and after I cast on and knit the first row I realized that everything is attached so wouldn’t I just be knitting a big circle? I guess I don’t understand how to use the needles. Thanks for your suggestions.
http://www.coatsandclark.com/fun_and_free/yarn/womans_day_mag/lw1417.htm
My “student” tried to make this blanket. She tried it on straights; all of the sts fit, but it was a tight squeeze. I recommended from the beginning that she should use circs since the yarn is bulky, but she was too “afraid”. There’s no reason to be afraid 
I told her as much too!
Anyhoo - you don’t have to knit a big circle to use circular needles. When you’ve completed one row, you simply turn your work as if you were still using straights. Simple 
Hope that helps!
Personally I prefer circulars for longer items. The weight of the item (especially towards the finish) can put a strain on my arms at the beginning and end of rows if I use straight needles, while with circulars the weight can be spread out on a wider area.
I agree!
I’ve even started using circs for small st counts b/c they are less cumbersome in traveling.