Knitting with brain fog?

[untonuggan]

Hello lovely dreamwidth knitters,

I'm having issues with knitting right now because of [health issue] that is causing both brain fog and finger stiffness. Both don't always happen at the same time, and on some happy days I am able to pick up that second sock on DPNs. However, recently I have found that this is a bit beyond my ability both mentally and physically.

I'm having trouble knitting with small needles, or with DPNs. (SO glad I already finished the lace weight scarf.) I also am having trouble concentrating on patterns, and cabling and/or charts are out when my brain is foggy. Thus the patterns that are "really exciting" when I'm doing well are Mount Everest Frustration when I'm having a flare-up.

My current project is a garter stitch scarf using chunky wool on US #11 needles. However, I would like to do something a *little* more interesting when I finish. I have a fairly ample stash to choose from due to some compulsive yarn buying, so I ask you...if you were having brain fog, what would you knit? (Easy on the hands is also a good thing.) Not knitting is driving me a little bonkers.

Thanks in advance,
lizcommotion

ETA: So here's the decision. I now have a project list! Yay!

1. A hat knit from a ball of scrap yarn tied together that I have been hoarding for about six months. It's a really simple hat pattern, but the yarn should make it *very* interesting. (I have cast on and finished the ribbing, and it looks ugly-awesome-beautiful. Pics will definitely follow later.)
2. A kid's blanket for Project Linus. I think I will basically make a giant Grandmother's Favorite Dishcloth, only it will be in acrylic instead of cotton and thus it will be a blanket. Also I'm going to do stripes because I have two colors of yarn. And this way I can stash bust the yarn from Michael's that I bought on impulse before finding out that my niece-to-be has blankets out the wazoo.
3. A shawl or kerchief of some sort. I haven't settled on a pattern yet, but this gives me time to pick one and figure out which size needles I want to use and all that goodness. I am leaning toward something ridiculously easy such as the Romney kerchief, but I haven't ruled out doing something in a drop stitch pattern. Because I like that those go fast. ^_^

Thanks again for all your help! I knew you wouldn't fail me!

Comments

[james]

Shawls, or something which has a one-row pattern repeat. I knit while watching football and hockey and I often lose my place. ;-) I have to do something where I can look down and read my knitting and see what I should be doing next. Hats and scarves are easy, but can get boring, but shawls can also be easy but they look really nice and pretty and feel more like I'm doing something interesting even if I'm not really.

Shawls also have the advantage of being able to use smaller weight yarn but bigger needles for 'holey' or fluffy shawls. So you can use whatever yarn you want and find something to suit.

You might also look into loom knitting, as being easier on your hands!

[untonuggan]

Hm, loom knitting is a possibility I had not thought of! I shall look into it indeed. Do you have any link recommendations off the top of your head? If not I shall just search myself.

Shawls are definitely to come soon. First I think I'll do a Project Linus blanket. But then a shawl...mwahahaha.

[james]

I don't have recs for loom knitting - I've never done it, but know folks who have and say it's tons easier for hands with limited mobility.