The directions say:
1. Cast on 12 stitches by making a 12 st. chain with a crochet hook.
okay, I don’t know how to do that.
2. Pick up 12 stitches from the crochet chain, with dpns.
okay, I loathe dpns.
3. Join in the round.
okay, I could do that, if I could ever get a daisy chain of crochet-ed, dpn-ed stitches in a nice l’il circle.
I’ve tried various “easy alternatives” and can’t figure them out. I think the result is supposed to be a small circle of 12 stitches, which then expands to 24, and thus to a lovely pattern that is the beginning of a shawl.
I am frustrated, hot, sweaty, and feeling really really lame. Every other person in the whole universe has already posted a beautiful picture of their finished “Clue 1” with many comments about how absurdly easy, how laughably brief, how comically quick ‘n easy, this first clue is. Ha bloody ha.
*whimper*
Many Happy Returns 
Dear Tamsie –
Did you find your way? How can I help?
One thought – when you can find the time, go directly to your favourite local yarn store. Tell them what you want to do (i.e., slide 12 sts on to 3 dpns) and **do not** not leave until they get you up and running!
Sorry – the 2nd line should read:
Tell them what you want to do (i.e., slide 12 sts on to 3 dpns) and **do not** leave until they get you up and running!