Switching modes is an asymmetrical triangle shawl with multi-color yarn ridges that dangle off the edge of a neutral background. This project is especially well-suited for small quantities of hand painted or colorful hand spun yarn because the ridges highlight individual colors in the yarn. Sock yarn works very well, and the typical skein or hank of sock yarn would be enough for four shawls.

Although using fingering weight yarn for the color ridges produces a flexible fabric and allows the fringe to twist easily, it is possible to substitute sport weight yarn.

The Neuroscience of Switching Modes
All that mind wandering you do when the knitting is easy is the product of the default mode network, a group of brain structures that act together when your thoughts are not otherwise occupied. When you are focused on something that is challenging, but not too much so, the task-mode network takes over. This shawl is designed to gently exercise your task-mode brain circuit, while providing an ample amount of relaxation and rest while your brain’s default mode network takes over. Rows 1-8 will rely on the default mode network (once you repeat the sequence a few times and it gets familiar) while Rows 9 and 10 will engage your task-mode network.

New version April 11, 2020: Cowl and Hat