In fact, if you want to dispel all notions of knitting as an elderly woman's hobby, tell people about the tradition among fishing villages in many countries. The stitches in their jerseys were a necessary means of identification. While people finish shuddering, you can then tell them that people in the Victorian era were obliged by law to instruct both male and female children how to knit. It's a good way to pass the time and is a cheaper alternative to buying expensive knitted goods out of retail stores. As you prepare to get started, find somewhere quiet so that you can really focus on what you're doing.
Noisy distractions can just add up to a lot of unnecessary frustration.
Once you get the hang of these basic stitches, you can move on to more advanced projects, like a scarf or even a bag. Attach a piece of masking tape to the base of each needle. This should help you decipher which needle you should be using in following these instructions. Place the yarn on the floor next to you or in your lap. Knitting can be almost a kind of meditative experience while serving the practical purpose of creating something useful.