purlJam

# Fibonacci Felted Vessel
**A Large Storage Container**

**Difficulty Level:** Beginner
**Finished Dimensions:** Approximately 40.5 cm (16 inches) diameter by 12.5 cm (5 inches) deep.
*Note: Dimensions are approximate as felting is an organic process.*

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## Materials & Tools

**Yarn Weight:** Worsted (Aran/10-ply).
*IMPORTANT: You must hold the yarn **DOUBLE** (two strands together) throughout the entire project to create a chunky, feltable fabric.*

**Specifications for this Yarn Weight:**
*   **Fibre:** 100% Non-Superwash Wool (e.g., Highland Wool, Merino Roving). *Do not use "Superwash" or acrylic blends; they will not felt.*
*   **Colour A (Brown):** 400g (approx. 800 metres). Used for base and stripes.
*   **Colour B (Beige):** 100g (approx. 200 metres). Used for stripes.

**Needles & Notions:**
*   6.0 mm (UK 4, US 10) Double Pointed Needles (DPNs) for the centre start.
*   6.0 mm (UK 4, US 10) Circular needles, 60 cm (24") and 100 cm (40") lengths.
*   1 Stitch marker (distinct colour to mark beginning of round).
*   7 Stitch markers (optional, to mark increase sections).
*   Tapestry needle.

## Tension (Gauge)
**Before Felting:**
13 stitches and 18 rounds = 10 cm (4 inches) in Stocking Stitch using yarn held double.
*Note: Tension is not critical for fit, but affects the final size. A loose knit felts better.*

## Terminology & Abbreviations
*   **k:** Knit
*   **p:** Purl
*   **kfb:** Knit into front and back of stitch (Increase 1 stitch)
*   **st(s):** Stitch(es)
*   **Rep:** Repeat
*   **RS:** Right Side
*   **Cm:** Centimetres

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## Instructions

### Part 1: The Base (Colour A - Brown)
*Use yarn held DOUBLE. Start with DPNs, switching to circular needles when the circumference becomes too large.*

**Cast On:**
Using Colour A, cast on 8 sts. Distribute over 3 or 4 DPNs. Join in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.

**Round 1:** Knit all sts. `[8 sts]`
**Round 2:** kfb in every st. `[8 sts + 8 inc = 16 sts]`
**Round 3:** Knit all sts.
**Round 4:** *k1, kfb; rep from * to end. `[16 sts + 8 inc = 24 sts]`
**Round 5:** Knit all sts.
**Round 6:** *k2, kfb; rep from * to end. `[24 sts + 8 inc = 32 sts]`
**Round 7:** Knit all sts.
**Round 8:** *k3, kfb; rep from * to end. `[32 sts + 8 inc = 40 sts]`

*Continue increasing in this manner (increasing 8 stitches every other round).*

**Rounds 9-46:**
Continue strictly following the pattern: Odd rounds are always plain Knit. Even rounds involve increasing. The number of stitches knit before the `kfb` increases by 1 each increase round.
*   Round 10: *k4, kfb...
*   Round 12: *k5, kfb...
*   ...continue until...
*   Round 46: *k22, kfb; rep from * to end.
`[Verification: Start 184 sts + 8 inc = 192 sts]`

*Tech Edit Check: The piece should measure approx. 58-60 cm across. If it is significantly smaller, work 2 more increase sets.*

### Part 2: The Turning Ridge
This round creates a sharp fold so the walls stand up straight.

**Round 47:** Purl all sts. `[192 sts]`

### Part 3: The Walls (Fibonacci Stripes)
Work in Stocking Stitch (Knit every round). We will follow a symmetric Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 5, 3, 2) for a pleasing stripe effect.

*   **Row 1 (Beige):** Break Brown, join Beige. Knit 1 round.
*   **Row 2 (Brown):** Join Brown. Knit 1 round.
*   **Rows 3-4 (Beige):** Knit 2 rounds.
*   **Rows 5-7 (Brown):** Knit 3 rounds.
*   **Rows 8-12 (Beige):** Knit 5 rounds.
*   **Rows 13-20 (Brown):** Knit 8 rounds.
*   **Rows 21-25 (Beige):** Knit 5 rounds.
*   **Rows 26-28 (Brown):** Knit 3 rounds.
*   **Rows 29-30 (Beige):** Knit 2 rounds.

### Part 4: Finishing
**Bind Off:**
Using Colour B (Beige), bind off all stitches *very loosely*. If you bind off too tightly, the opening will constrict too much during felting.

1.  Weave in all ends securely. You do not need to be invisible, as felting will hide the ends, but ensure they are tied so holes don't form.

### Part 5: The Felting Process (The Magic)
*Warning: You are about to shrink your work purposely. This takes courage!*

1.  **Preparation:** Place the giant baggy knitted bowl into a pillowcase (tie the top shut) or a zippered mesh laundry bag. This prevents loose fuzz from clogging your machine.
2.  **Wash:** Put it in the washing machine with a pair of old jeans (to provide friction). Add a small amount of detergent. Run a **Hot Wash** cycle with a **Cold Rinse**. The agitation and temperature shock cause the felting.
3.  **Check:** Check the bowl after the first cycle.
    *   *Is it still loose and stitch-definition visible?* Run it again.
    *   *Is it thick, firm, and roughly 40cm (16") wide?* It is done.
4.  **Shaping:** While the wool is damp, it is pliable. Stretch and pull it vigorously into the perfect bowl shape.
    *   *Pro Tip:* Find a bucket, waste paper bin, or mixing bowl that has a 16-inch diameter. Invert the damp felted project over this mould and leave it to dry completely. This ensures a perfect circle and flat bottom.
5.  **Dry:** Allow to air dry completely (this may take 24-48 hours).