Try this California HomeBrew club. http://www.maltosefalcons.com/other/ They can probably help you find a local source that isn't across the country like Midwest and Northern.
No one in this thread has said anything about the 1-2-3 rule as a guide line. One week in the primary, two weeks in the secondary, and three weeks in the bottle.
I buy my kits at Midwest mainly because they are close to home. I think they have fresh product and have very clear instructions. The staff there is also helpful if you have any questions. I just brewed one of their kits last night.
I moved it back to the cool area. I'll let it do it's thing. Did I mess it up by moving it into the warmer area? or will it be OK? Thanks for the help!
I have my first batch of Octoberfest Lager in the primary. This is a brew kit from Midwest. I brewed it 12 days ago and have had it in a 52 deg area. It has been bubbling the whole time. On the 10th day I moved it to a 65 deg. area for a diacetyl rest and it has been there 2 days. It is still...
With the boiling bags you can tie it off so it doesn't touch the bottom. I'm not to sure about using a panty hose for a boiling bag. I think I would opt for cheese cloth before that.
I'm sold on the nylon boiling bags from Midwest. They really hold back the small particules. They cost $4.75 but you can use them over and over. http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdByID.aspx?ProdID=4684
It doesn't sound like has started to ferment yet. I'm a new brewer myself but mine started bubbling like crazy within 24 hours. I have learned that the temp of the wort must be lower than 80 deg. before you pitch it and should be kept warm enough to make the yeast ferment.