Have done socks. I'm not the most talented knitter, but my socks have turned out well. The heel is tricky the first time, but follow the pattern and you'll be fine. Self patterning yarn makes it fun, and because they are a smaller project they are done in a reasonable amount of time, and easy to transport if you knit on the go. (impossible now I know, but I have knit a sock on a long car voyage)
I was worried that hand knit socks would not wear well, but they do! I have some that have lasted years.
I've got another 'keen'... Ouch!