Help, please

Hi everyone, I'm having a problem with the cast on for the sun ray shawl. I can do the knit 3 but then how do you pick up the stitches on the sides? Is it the same way you would pick up stitches on a sock? I hope this doesn't sound stupid !
I think my yarn is too small , I might get some heavier yarn. Thanks in advance :)

Lisa, your Sun Ray Shawl

Lisa, will you please show us a picture of your Sun Ray shawl on a blocking stage. I would love to see how the edging is being pinned.