I've always found the patterns (or charts) way to small to read - let alone stitch from. I always photocopy and enlarge my patterns. Sometimes this makes it a little difficult if you're dealing with a huge pattern, but I've never come across one that big.
I use a highlighter to mark the stitches I've done. Fluro yellow is always good because you can still see the stitch symbol underneath. Just make sure it's got a pretty fine point.
By colouring in the stitches you have done you will keep track of where you are in your pattern and not get lost.
Folding the photocopied pattern can lead to fading of the symbols on the fold line. This is easy to remedy because you still have the original to refer back to.
I have come across some patterns that have colour symbols and are so intricate that modern colour photocopiers won't copy them (there is a money copying thing involved - don't understand that much). Anyway this can be over ridden - just ask the local photocopier to do it for you. They will know how.
I always get all my patterns copied and enlarged at once so the local copier always has a smile on his face when I come it.