I spent a LOT of time for 12 years, taking Dad to various appointments. I always brought along my current project. I was surprised at how many people (men and women) would ask me about what I was making and ask to sit by me and watch.
They were either very bored or very interested.
We should all be Craft Ambassadors! :)
We always added bell-bottoms and embroidery to our blue jeans when I was a teen. Not sure if that was a 'Bored Teen Midwest Thang' or if others did it. Anyhow, mending your clothes with visible artwork is creative, and pretty and fun. Hoping to rip a hole in my bluejeans or a sweater sleeve, ASAP. ;)
https://www.gathered.how/arts-crafts/upcycling/visible-mending/
When my deaf aunt was in the hospital and I sat with her (spent nights sometimes), I was able to crochet - not knitting at the time. I would make crocheted bookmarks - small, easy projects, but kept my hands busy. I don’t have many of those bookmarks left - have given them away.
Currently, I cannot knit in the room. There is too much going on & often I have to sit right by dad’s bed, he’ll want to hold hands, etc. .... haven’t figured out how to knit with one hand yet. In the last couple of days, he’s developed “Hospital Delirium” and doing anything but sitting with him & keeping him in bed, etc. is impossible. Once he gets home, I should have more time for knitting.
When I was much younger and a lobby receptionist, I literally had very little to do. In time I made 3 granny square crocheted blankets. A granny square is small and can be ditched when someone comes around.