The surface stitch is a way to add a decorative “drawing” to your knitting. I’ve seen it frequently used in crochet, but it’s just as easy to add to your knitting.

You can find more information about Knitter’s Pride needles and hooks, as well as retailers using these links:
Bryson Distributing
Accessories Unlimited
Knitter’s Pride Shop finder

The Knitter’s Pride hooks I’m using can be found here.