RRrrr Help!

How-to Questions
1

I’m trying to follow along to make this cool knit for my sister for her birthday that’s coming up soon. Unfortunately I’m still a newbie to knitting and I’m having trouble deciphering what the directions are saying.
… (and yes I know there is an abbreviation chart to follow)

Here is the link to what I’m making:
http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/PATTnautie.html

I’m using a circular needle, I don’t even know how to begin it!

I don’t know how to, or what it means by joining CC2 (contrasting color 2). I’m using the same color, what do I need to do? I’m so confused HELP! How do I start my tube!!??
The Begining…
Shell (Coiled):
Using CC1, CO 3 sts. Work 1 row of I-Cord.

Join CC2 and continue working I-Cord as follows:

Row 1: Using CC2, m1, k to end.

Row 2: Using CC1, k all sts.

Row 3: Add stuffing; using CC2, k all sts.

Row 4: Using CC1, k all sts.

Rows 5-8: Work as for Rows 1-4.

Row 9: Using CC2, m1, k to end. 6 sts. Distribute sts evenly between 3 double-point needles and begin working in the round.

Round 10: Using CC1, coil shell, k to end.
Round 11: Add stuffing; using CC2, k all sts.
Round 12: Using CC1, k all sts.
Round 13: Using CC2, m1, k to end.
Repeat Rounds 10-13 29 times more. 36 sts.

Work Rounds 10-12 once more.

Work 4 more rounds, alternating colors as set.

BO all sts. Break yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread yarn tail on tapestry needle and sew several sts to help secure shell in coiled position. Fasten yarn and hide ends inside shell.

Proceed to Face.

Thanks!

2

First off, do you know how to make I cord? There’s a video on the Tips page, I think. Use cc1 to cast on and knit the first row, then use cc2 to m1 and knit to the end of the row, still doing it in I cord. The next row switch back to cc1 and just knit all sts, then put some stuffing in the tube you made and pick up cc2 and knit across. Next row pick up cc1 and knit, then repeat rows 1 - 5 (not the first row after the CO, the rows that are numbered). Then you’ll go to row 9, m1 with cc2 and knit to end. That gives you 6 sts which you can put on dpns to actually start working in the round.

‘Joining’ a yarn means to start knitting with it. So when you’ve got the setup row done, drop cc1 and leaving a tail, knit Row 1 with cc2. You’ll stuff the ends in later on.