Stitchery is not a dieing art... it's just not promoted enough. My EGA group would love to participate in a stitching day at the local library. There is also a national Stitch-in- Public day. Just find a local group, EGA, or senior center, or whatever. As long as we keep on stitching and talking, there will be needleworkers.
I do cross-stich, blackwork, hardanger, painted canvas needlework, and counted canvas needlework. But I cut my teeth on stamped cross-stitch, then went on to free-style and crewel. We all have to start somewhere and find our comfort zone. (I dislike hardanger, but can do it.)
Just start where you're comfortable, and grow from there. The iron-on patterns are usually at JoAnn's or Hobby Lobby. Kits by Dimensions are at H.L., too. Not a bad start. But if you have an LNS.... please, use them!!! We're loosing too many LNS's due to lack of use.
And talk to us here any time!!! We'd rather encourage than discourage.... we may tell you when a pattern is way too difficult for the user's expertise, but that's honest criticism. Be well, and happy stitching. -barb