just found you guys. So helpful! Thank you!

About the provisional cast on: I definitely agree about the contrast colors. I have had good luck with using non-wool also. I usually use a contrasting color, like you suggest, but also smooth--usually a cotton or silk (coated cotton thread or crochet cotton works well too). Cotton , especially coated or mercerized, works well for lifelines too. Don't want it sticking to the wool!