A Pair of Socks
No, I didn't finish a second sock, but I do have two socks in progress. That's part of my solution for solving the "Second Sock Syndrome" problem. I'll knit one sock from a pair, switch to another first sock, and then go back to the second sock from the first pair. One of my dirty little secrets is that I don't actually mind the seemingly endless stockinette involved in knitting socks on size 0 needles. Going around and around is soothing, and I can knit while paying attention to something else. Like, say, a programming class.
Yes, I am a bad, bad disrespectful student.
I used to feel guilty about playing with my PDA in class or doing something like knitting. Then I remembered that I am the one paying to be in the class, and decided that as long as I am not hindering others from learning, then quiet activities are not completely reprehenisble (I understand that those of you who teach for a living might feel differently). And I have never really learned how to take notes when it comes to programming classes. It's mostly about listening and asking questions. I could listen, answer questions and ask reasonably good questions while working on my sock. In fact, I felt like I focused a little better because my hands were busy. Not sure how that works, but it does.
Opal Southwestern Socks
After a little more TV watching tonight, I am now past where I have inserted the yarn for the afterthought heel. So now I am getting very excited about adding another pair of socks to my collection. Wish me luck getting this one finished over the weekend.
The other sock project in progress is a pair for John using the Esprit cotton elastic yarn from Elann (just like Cascade Fixation only a bit cheaper). I'm using Rob's very excellent (and easy to memorize) Broadripple sock pattern in the color "French Navy", a man-approved color.
Start of Broadripple in French Navy
I've just started, but I think this sock should really fly. Size 3 needles feel like knitting with tree trunks compared the size 0s. John surprised me by not being disturbed by the waves and eyelets, so we both win, since he gets another pair of socks in a solid color and I get to do something interesting. I suspect this will be the first of several pairs of Broadripple socks since I have quite the nice little stash of Esprit
I didn't knit in medical school classes, but I know people who knit their way through class. Kept them awake and focused. I wish I'd had the guts so good for you!
I sure wish I could have knit through law school. Probably would have kept me stress-free. It's unfortunate that I didn't know how to knit back then :-)
Lucky man John is, to have someone to knit him such fab socks. I bet he has the kickiest feet in all of Chicago!
I have started knitting at work while reading scientific papers etc, it actually does help me to keep focused otherwise I have a pitifully short attention span. I think the knitting helps to "use up" the flighty bit of the brain and the body, allowing better concentration. Well, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
Love your blog, and nice to find another knitting scientist (I'm a cell biologist, so _in vivo_ rather than _in silico_!)
Kat
Now I don't feel so bad, I knit in Sunday School class, but not worship service. I couldn't explain to people how it focuses my brain. I'd love to knit and type at the same time at work. Taking a programming class, are you? I'm a programmer/analyst. Knitting and programming = mechanical. Love it. Have a good day and weekend.
I'm in total agreement about the knitting/concentration thing. I like to knit in meetings at work where I don't have to take notes. I seriously think that the knitting occupies the part of the brain that would normally drift off and distract the main part of my brain. I find that I'm able to concentrate on the most mundane things this way. Wonder if anybody has ever done any scientific studies?
I agree about being able to concentrate better while knitting (as long as it's easy knitting). I wish it were more acceptable to do so, because I know I would get more out of meetings, church, etc. if I could knit without offending anyone.
As for scientific proof, I don't know if this is proof or not, but since my daughter has ADHD, I've done a bit of reading on distractibility and concentration, and the Psychologists say that doing a task with your hands does help a person to concentrate. I'm thinking that if it works for someone with ADHD, the rest of us could benefit also.
I'm just about to kitchener the toe on my first Broadripple. It does go quickly. And it's a fun pattern. Easy to remember and knit but a little more lively than knit, knit, knit, knit...zzzzz...
That Opal is GORGEOUS!