purlJam

# Earth & Sequence: The Fibonacci Felted Container

**Description**
A sturdy, rectangular-based storage container knit in the round and felted for structural integrity. The striping pattern follows the Fibonacci sequence (nature's numbering system), creating a naturally pleasing aesthetic. The container is knit using two strands of yarn held together throughout to ensure the finished sides are thick enough to stand up 16 inches high without collapsing.

**Difficulty Level**
Beginner

**Finished Dimensions (Approximate)**
*Note: Felting is an organic process; final size depends on your specific washing machine and yarn choice.*
*   **Circumference:** 101.5 cm (40 inches)
*   **Depth/Height:** 40.5 cm (16 inches)
*   **Base:** Approx. 30 cm x 20 cm (12 in x 8 in)

**Materials**
*   **Yarn:** Worsted or Aran weight feltable wool (100% wool, NOT Superwash). You will hold two strands together throughout.
    *   *Colour Scheme (Earth Tones):*
    *   **Colour A (Slate Grey):** 600g (approx 1000m)
    *   **Colour B (Burnt Orange):** 100g (approx 160m)
    *   **Colour C (Unbleached Cream):** 100g (approx 160m)
    *   **Colour D (Moss Green):** 100g (approx 160m)
*   **Needles:** 8.0mm (UK 0 / US 11) circular needles, 60cm or 80cm length.
*   **Notions:** Stitch marker, tapestry needle, scissors, pillowcase (for washing).

**Tension (Gauge)**
*Important: Measure tension BEFORE felting.*
12 stitches and 16 rows = 10 cm x 10 cm in stocking stitch using 2 strands of yarn held together.

**Terminology & Abbreviations (UK English)**
*   **k:** Knit
*   **p:** Purl
*   **st(s):** Stitch(es)
*   **RS:** Right Side
*   **WS:** Wrong Side
*   **Pick up and knit:** Insert needle into edge, wrap yarn, pull loop through to create a new stitch.

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## Instructions

**Note on Construction:**
1.  **Base:** Knit flat in Garter Stitch (knit every row) to create a thick bottom.
2.  **Setup:** Stitches are picked up around the rectangle to begin working in the round.
3.  **Body:** Knit in Stocking Stitch (knit every round) with Fibonacci stripes.
4.  **Felting:** Agitated in hot water to shrink and harden.

### Part 1: The Rectangular Base
*Using 2 strands of Colour A (Slate Grey) held together:*
Cast on 34 sts.

**Row 1 (RS):** Knit all sts.
**Row 2 (WS):** Knit all sts.

Repeat Rows 1–2 until you have completed 68 rows total (34 garter ridges).
*Math Check: [34 sts width ≈ 28cm; 68 rows length ≈ 42cm]*

### Part 2: The Body Setup
Do not cast off. You will now pick up stitches around the other three sides of the rectangle to work in the round.

**Setup Round:**
1.  **Short Side 1:** Knit across the 34 sts currently on the needle. Place Marker (this denotes the start of the round).
2.  **Long Side 1:** Rotate work 90 degrees. Pick up and knit 52 sts along the side edge (approx 3 sts for every 4 rows).
3.  **Short Side 2:** Rotate work 90 degrees. Pick up and knit 34 sts along the cast-on edge.
4.  **Long Side 2:** Rotate work 90 degrees. Pick up and knit 52 sts along the final side edge.

**Total Stitch Count Validation:**
`[34 (Front) + 52 (Right) + 34 (Back) + 52 (Left) = 172 sts total]`

### Part 3: The Fibonacci Stripes
Continue working in the round. All rounds are Knit stitch (Stocking Stitch).
*Keep 2 strands held together for all colour changes.*

**Section 1: Base Anchor (Colour A)**
Rounds 1–10: Knit in Colour A (Slate Grey).

**Section 2: The Sequence**
*The stripe widths follow the Fibonacci sequence: 21, 13, 8, 5, 3, 2, 1, 1.*

*   **Stripe 1:** Switch to **Colour B (Burnt Orange)**. Knit 21 rounds.
*   **Stripe 2:** Switch to **Colour C (Cream)**. Knit 13 rounds.
*   **Stripe 3:** Switch to **Colour D (Moss Green)**. Knit 8 rounds.
*   **Stripe 4:** Switch to **Colour A (Slate Grey)**. Knit 5 rounds.
*   **Stripe 5:** Switch to **Colour B (Burnt Orange)**. Knit 3 rounds.
*   **Stripe 6:** Switch to **Colour C (Cream)**. Knit 2 rounds.
*   **Stripe 7:** Switch to **Colour D (Moss Green)**. Knit 1 round.
*   **Stripe 8:** Switch to **Colour A (Slate Grey)**. Knit 1 round.

**Section 3: Top Rim**
Switch to **Colour A (Slate Grey)**.
Knit 40 rounds (or until piece measures approx. 67cm from the base).

**Cast Off:**
Cast off all stitches loosely. (If cast off is too tight, the top will pucker during felting).
Weave in all ends securely. Do not worry about neatness; they will felt into the fabric.

### Part 4: Felting Instructions
1.  Place the container inside a zippered pillowcase (to catch loose fuzz).
2.  Put in washing machine with a pair of old jeans or tennis balls (to increase agitation).
3.  Add a small amount of detergent.
4.  Run a hot wash cycle with a cold rinse.
5.  **Check frequently:** After the first cycle, check the size. If it is still too large/loose, run it again.
6.  **Shaping:** When the container reaches the desired size (approx 40cm high, 101cm circumference), remove from washer.
7.  While wet, stretch and pull the container firmly into a rectangular shape.
8.  Stuff the container with plastic bags or towels to hold the rectangular shape and let it dry completely (this may take 2-3 days).