A great diagram of stitch can be found at http://www.marthabeth.com/colonial.gif.

I would also recommend using a needle with a smaller eye since a larger eye can disrupt coils as it goes through.

A catalog or online buy will probably cost less, but you'll also incur shipping and insurance charges, and it will take longer to return goods if you're unsatisfied.

Comic book conventions are great for price deals, but there are two caveats: sales are final for day, so be sure you get what you want; and not every city will have a regular convention. Check around and look in back section of "Wizard," or see if your local shops are advertising any upcoming conventions.

Warnings: If you're buying at a store or convention, take time to examine book and make sure it's in condition it's being advertised as. With volume of books that are priced and cataloged by retailer, mistakes are inevitable, so protect yourself by double-checking.