I am the Kat that Walks By Itself

Try a yarn with a tight twist - that won't split as much. Don't go too big on the needles - it's easier to see the stitches on big needles, but they do tend to slide around more.

Go with a light colour of yarn, and don't start with circulars. I find them fiddly and they get in the way. (though others will feel different)

I'm not a fan of circular needles. I've tried them, and even when kitting socks, I've gone back to double pointed needles.

Scarfs. Always start with a scarf on ordinary average size needles. (they're average for a reason - that's the size that people find easy to use)