I thought I wanted to try making socks but I bought a pair on Etsy and don't like them at all. I've bought socks on Etsy that are machine made and love those. So no sock making for me.
Leon, you are correct. I've heard of continental but haven't learned.

leonf, there are actually way more than 2 methods to knit. Many, many methods, from all over the world. But you have to start someplace. I teach beginners Continental style because it has so many advantages as you advance in your skills. But... if they just aren't "getting it", I try them on English style (throwing), and it usually clicks.

Then you opened the can of worms of sock knitting! LOL. There are so many techniques used nowadays, you could knit a sock dozens of different ways, with different style heels and toes. I suggest starting with a basic top-down, flap and gusset heel sock. Just to learn the basics... But then not everyone will want to knit socks.

Beginners get bored making endless scarves, so I suggest some cotton wash cloths which go quickly and are useful. Having a knitting friend or friends you can turn to for help, is also a plus.

My ex used to weave so when my GF started dragging me around to yarn shops, I knew many of them and showed her others. That worked well. I loved that there is a yarn shop across from the Mayo clinic with a man's corner with chairs and magazines.

I walked into a trendy yarn shop in Santa Fe or maybe Taos. I got a glace from the three women who were knitting . It felt like . "no your wife isn't here, don't bother us." I was not appreciative. When one finally asked, Wat is your current project?' I decided I wasn't gong to be nice. "I don't knit." They all nod with "we knew that" attitudes. Then I followed up with, "I spin, what to you have in roving." They didn't have any. Can't have knitting without spinning. And I have been known to drop some serious money in a yarn shop..

Thanks for the info about the many types. . The project is in time out now.

That is a gorgeous sock, Leon! Hope it comes out of 'Time Out' and gets finished.

Yarn shops are notoriously snobby. Especially when you encounter a gaggle of the Regulars entrenched in their corner! You were 'lucky' they even spoke to you. Usually you'd be ignored. I don't know why that is, but it's true.

I agree with SBG. I have no idea why but they do tend to be snobby. There was a shop close to me that recently closed. I didn't care because I couldn't stand the people who ran it and stopped shopping there.
There was another shop whose owner talked a mile a minute and I couldn't think straight.
But the poor thing got Alzheimer's and I felt bad when I found out.
Leon- that sock is beautiful.