Thin yarn plus big needles = frustrating practice. Thicker yarn (in wool per the book recommendation) + big needles (plus a few tips from *YOU AWESOME PEOPLE* = much better practice results
What Is Helix Knitting?
Cotton punch needle yarn - Wild Wool Way
Amazon.com: Yarn Darning Tapestry Large Sewing Big Eye Weaving Crochet Wool Blunt Needles Needle : Arts, Crafts & Sewing