Welcome Lora,
I am new to the forum also. I have been knitting for a long time. I am originally from Chgo. and was taught to knit while working for Sears & Roebuck. We had a lot of time on our hands.... :roll:
Then I taught myself to crochet from books, started with the granny square. I do easy patterns.
Have always used straight needles and am trying (every so often) to use circular needles. My stitches come out loose. Sometimes you can't teach a old dog new tricks......lol
So welcome again,