Master these techniques and you can create a number of Cabin + Cove designs.
The Fundamentals:
Cast On - Long Tail Thumb Method
Let's get fancy:
sl1wyif - slip 1 with yarn in front (purlwise)
k2tog - knit two stitches together
KFB - knit front and back (adds a stitch)
Left-handed? I encourage my lefties to try right handed knitting first. If it still feels awkward to you, then here's a great video that shows how to knit mirror-image of right handed knitting. Give it a try to see if this feels better for you.