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# Fibonacci Felted Container (Addi Machine Edition)

**Description:** A sturdy, beginner-friendly felted basket featuring a Fibonacci sequence stripe pattern. This project is constructed using an Addi Knitting Machine (Kingsize recommended) by creating flat panels and tubes that are seamed together and then felted in a washing machine. The result is a dense, structural container approximately 30cm (12") deep and 102cm (40") in circumference.

**Difficulty Level:** Beginner
**Yarn Weight:** Worsted (Aran/10 ply)
**Machine:** Addi Express Kingsize (46 needles) or similar circular knitting machine.

**Specifications for Yarn:**
*   **Material:** 100% Wool (Must **NOT** be Superwash). Superwash wool will not felt.
*   **Texture:** Rustic/Roving style spun yarn is ideal for the requested aesthetic.
*   **Yardage:**
    *   Main Colour (White): Approx. 600m (656 yds)
    *   Contrast Colour (Stripes): Approx. 200m (218 yds)
*   **Waste Yarn:** Small amount of contrasting colour (acrylic or superwash) for casting on/off.

**Terminology & Abbreviations (UK Terms):**
*   **st(s):** Stitch(es) / Needle(s)
*   **RC:** Row Counter
*   **MC:** Main Colour (White)
*   **CC:** Contrast Colour (Stripes)
*   **Tension:** 13 sts and 18 rows = 10 cm x 10 cm (approximate machine tension before felting).

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## Dimensions & Math Validation

**Target Finished Size:**
*   Depth: 30 cm (12")
*   Circumference: 102 cm (40")

**Shrinkage Calculation (Standard 30% shrinkage for felting):**
To get the finished size, we must knit the piece larger.
*   **Pre-felt Circumference:** 102 cm ÷ 0.70 = **146 cm** (57.5")
*   **Pre-felt Depth:** 30 cm ÷ 0.70 = **43 cm** (17")

**Machine Math:**
*   **Panel Width:** An Addi Kingsize in flat mode uses 43 needles. With worsted yarn, this produces a panel approx. 30-33 cm wide.
*   **Panel Length (Circumference):** We need 146 cm length.
    *   `[146 cm x 1.8 rows/cm = 262.8 rows]` -> Rounded to **264 rows**.
*   **Wall Height Strategy:** We need 43 cm of height *before* folding. To make the basket rigid, we will create a double-thick wall.
    *   We will knit **2 identical long panels**.
    *   We will seam them lengthwise to create a total width of ~60-66 cm.
    *   This provides enough height for the base allowance + wall + fold-over rim.

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## Pattern Instructions

### Part 1: The Wall Panels (Make 2)
*Set machine to **FLAT** knitting mode (stopper in place).*

**Pattern Note (Fibonacci Stripes):**
The stripes are created by changing yarn colours at specific row counts. Because we are knitting a long flat panel that will be wrapped into a circle, these horizontal rows of colour will become **vertical stripes** on the finished basket.

**Sequence:**
1.  **Cast on** using Waste Yarn. Knit 5 rows.
2.  Switch to **MC (White)**. Reset RC to 0.
3.  Knit the following Fibonacci sequence (Check off as you go):

    *   **Row 0 - 60:** Knit 60 rows MC.
    *   **Row 61 - 62:** Knit 2 rows CC. `[Fibonacci 2]`
    *   **Row 63 - 65:** Knit 3 rows MC. `[Fibonacci 3]`
    *   **Row 66 - 70:** Knit 5 rows CC. `[Fibonacci 5]`
    *   **Row 71 - 78:** Knit 8 rows MC. `[Fibonacci 8]`
    *   **Row 79 - 91:** Knit 13 rows CC. `[Fibonacci 13]`
    *   **Row 92 - 112:** Knit 21 rows MC. `[Fibonacci 21]`
    *   **Row 113 - 146:** Knit 34 rows CC. `[Fibonacci 34]`
    *   **Row 147 - 201:** Knit 55 rows MC. `[Fibonacci 55]`
    *   **Row 202 - 264:** Knit remaining rows in MC (approx 63 rows) to complete the length.

    `[Math Check: Total Rows = 264. Total Length approx 146 cm.]`

4.  Change to Waste Yarn. Knit 5 rows.
5.  Cast off (remove from machine).

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### Part 2: The Base Panels (Make 3)
*Set machine to **CIRCULAR/TUBE** knitting mode.*
*Why Tubes? Tubes are double-layered. Flattening them creates an instant thick base without needing to knit two separate flat squares.*

1.  **Cast on** using Waste Yarn.
2.  Switch to **MC (White)**. Reset RC to 0.
3.  Knit **90 rows**.
    `[Math Check: 90 rows / 1.8 rows/cm = 50 cm length. Target base diameter pre-felt is ~46cm. This gives allowance.]`
4.  Change to Waste Yarn. Knit 5 rows.
5.  Cast off.
6.  **Repeat** to create 3 identical tubes.

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### Part 3: Assembly (Pre-Felting)

**1. Prepare the Walls:**
*   Lay the two long Wall Panels flat, side-by-side (long edges touching).
*   Using **MC** yarn and a tapestry needle, sew the two panels together lengthwise using a mattress stitch.
    *   *Result:* One giant rectangle approx. 60 cm wide x 146 cm long.
*   Secure the live stitches at the ends (remove waste yarn) and seam the short ends together to form a large cylinder (the hoop).
    *   *Result:* A very large, floppy cowl/cylinder.

**2. Prepare the Base:**
*   Remove waste yarn from the 3 Base Tubes and close the ends (sew them shut flat).
*   Flatten the tubes. Sew them side-by-side (long edge to long edge) to create a rectangle approx. 50 cm x 54 cm.
*   (Optional) Using sharp scissors, trim the corners of this rectangle to make it roughly circular. *Note: You must quickly overcast stitch the cut edges to prevent unravelling, but felting will lock them eventually. For beginners, leaving it square is safer; the washing machine will round the corners naturally.*

**3. Attach Base to Walls:**
*   Turn the Wall Cylinder inside out.
*   Pin the Base to the bottom edge of the Wall Cylinder.
*   Sew securely all around the perimeter.

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### Part 4: Felting

1.  **Preparation:** Place the giant bag into a pillowcase or zippered wash bag (to prevent machine damage from loose fibres).
2.  **Wash:** Run a hot cycle (approx 60°C) with a small amount of detergent. Add an old pair of jeans or tennis balls to increase agitation.
3.  **Check:** Check the size after the first cycle.
    *   *If too big:* Wash again.
    *   *If just right:* Proceed to shaping.
4.  **Shaping (Critical Step):**
    *   While wet, stretch and pull the container into shape.
    *   **The Rim:** Fold the top edge of the wall down towards the outside or inside (user preference) by about 10-15cm to create a double-thick rigid rim. This gives the basket its structure.
    *   Stuff the container with towels or plastic bags to hold the circular shape while it dries.
5.  **Drying:** Allow to air dry completely (may take 24-48 hours).

### Troubleshooting
*   **Holes appear:** Use a felting needle and spare wool fluff to patch holes after drying.
*   **Pattern twisted:** This is natural with circular knitting ("skew"). Block vigorously while wet to straighten the stripes.