Airplane protocol

In less than two weeks, ABM and I will be taking a trip. Part of this trip involves flying to Miami. Now, I have only flown once in my life and that was 15 years ago. I have blocked out everything about the flight. So I woke up this morning in a panic because I can't remember what I am allowed to carry on the plane! Am I allowed to carry my everyday purse? Will I be able to take my knitting? ABM has been planning this trip for a year and I have left everything to him. Now that it is here, I'm freaking out. I guess I better do some research.