I learned to knit when I was 6 and I never did learn how to hold the yarn properly. So, yes, for 52 years I've been doing it wrong. I actually studied the Continental method about 10 years ago and used it for for several years and then went back to the susandennis method. I lift my right hand to move the yarn over the needle holding that yarn between my index finger and my thumb. My 52 years of experience encourages you to find a comfortable way to knitting and go for it. And enjoy. And remember that one man's mistake is another man's design element.