Alternating Long Tail Cast On for Ribbing

The long tail cast on is one of my favorites because it's fast and easy (once you figure out the motion) and it creates a fairly flexible edge. It works very nicely when your first row is primarily purls or your first round is primarily knits. However, when you're working ribbing, with both knits and purls, the alternating long tail cast on can be a nicer looking alternative.