A friend (in a locked post) just mentioned that she was trying 'continental' knitting.

I'd never heard of it before, so did a quick hunt and found this excellent little video  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuRLFl36tDY

If I ever take up knitting again, I shall definitely try and teach myself to do it that way.  It looks both faster and easier.