Knitting crisis need local help, please

Hi! I hate to make a separate thread for this but i'm at my wits end. Decided to pick up knitting as a relaxing hobby to help with my anxiety about the state of the world- now I am just stressed about knitting instead (I guess it worked?).

Youtube is not helping. Quarter Stitch store in the FQ is so nice and they have guided me a few times but I feel like a nag and I dont want to distract them from work too much.

Could I possibly take an experienced knitter out to lunch so I can ask several specific questions about a pattern I am working on? Or another pay option of your choice (including hard cash).

Additionally are there any active knitting groups? Does anyone want to start one?

Tips on meeting people from reddit in real life are appreciated as well.