Why I need stockinette projects...

Laura's Scarf
Originally uploaded by trainlady1114

This is simple lace. A four row repeat that I have memorized. And, I can read it. So why if I can look at a row and know what I need to do next, do I just do whatever comes into my head instead of actually looking and thinking?

There have been far too many occasions where I've picked it up to find that the last time I worked on it, I knit instead of purled or vice versa. I might be done by now if not for the regular ripping out. I'm hoping this is a practice makes perfect thing and not a hopeless statement of my abilities.