purlJam

# Pattern: Fibonacci Felted Storage Cylinder

**Description:**
A sturdy, textural storage container featuring distinct Fibonacci striping. Created by knitting flat panels on the Addi King Size machine, seaming them together, and felting (shrinking) the piece in a washing machine to create a stiff, structural fabric. The rim is finished with a hand-knitted applied I-cord for a polished look.

**Difficulty Level:** Beginner

**Terminology:** UK English (Metric/Imperial)

### Materials & Tools
*   **Yarn:** Feltable Wool Roving (Worsted weight/Aran).
    *   *Crucial:* Yarn must be **100% Non-Superwash Wool**. Acrylic or Superwash wool will NOT felt.
    *   *Quantity:* Approx 600g total.
*   **Machine:** Addi Express King Size (46 pin model), used in Flat Setting.
    *   *Note on pins:* Use 42 pins for the flat panel width as requested.
*   **Needles:** 6.0 mm (US 10) double-pointed needles (for I-cord).
*   **Extras:** Tapestry needle (large eye), waste yarn, scissors, washing machine for felting.

### Colour Scheme: "Coastal Stone"
*   **Colour A:** Cream (Unbleached)
*   **Colour B:** Stone Grey
*   **Colour C:** Terracotta or Sage Green

### Tension (Gauge) & Dimensions
*   **Machine Tension:** Approx 12 sts & 16 rows = 10 x 10 cm (unfelted).
*   **Pre-Felt Dimensions (Before washing):** 145 cm (57 in) circumference x 60 cm (23.5 in) depth.
*   **Finished Dimensions (After felting):** Approx 100 cm (40 in) circumference x 40 cm (16 in) depth.
    *   *Note:* Felting creates shrinkage of 30-40%.

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### Instructions

#### Part 1: The Wall Panels (Make 4)
*You will knit 4 identical rectangular panels. These will be seamed side-by-side to create the large tube circumference.*

**Setup:**
Set machine to **Flat Knitting** mode. Cast on over 42 pins using waste yarn. Switch to **Colour A** (Cream).

**Fibonacci Stripe Sequence:**
Reset row counter to 0. Knit the following stripe sequence:

1.  **Rows 1–3 (3 rows):** Colour A (Cream) `[Row 3]`
2.  **Rows 4–8 (5 rows):** Colour B (Grey) `[3 + 5 = Row 8]`
3.  **Rows 9–16 (8 rows):** Colour C (Terracotta) `[8 + 8 = Row 16]`
4.  **Rows 17–29 (13 rows):** Colour A (Cream) `[16 + 13 = Row 29]`
5.  **Rows 30–50 (21 rows):** Colour B (Grey) `[29 + 21 = Row 50]`
6.  **Rows 51–84 (34 rows):** Colour C (Terracotta) `[50 + 34 = Row 84]`
7.  **Rows 85–96 (12 rows):** Colour A (Cream) (Adjusted to reach final height) `[84 + 12 = Row 96]`

*Total Rows per panel: 96.*

**Fasten Off:**
Cut yarn leaving a long tail (50 cm) for seaming. Remove from machine using waste yarn method (knit a few rows of waste yarn and drop from machine). Secure the live stitches later or crochet slip stitch them closed immediately to prevent unravelling.

#### Part 2: The Base Panels (Make 2)
*To create a square-ish base that will felt into a sturdy bottom.*

1.  Set machine to **Flat Knitting**.
2.  Cast on over 42 pins with **Colour B**.
3.  Knit **60 rows** (approx 38 cm length).
4.  Cast off using waste yarn method.

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### Assembly (Before Felting)

**1. Create the Tube (Walls):**
Using the Mattress Stitch and the matching yarn tails, sew the long edges of the 4 Wall Panels together to form a large tube. Ensure the stripes align horizontally.
*   `[Math Check: 4 panels x approx 36cm width = 144cm circumference.]`

**2. Create the Base:**
Sew the long edges of the 2 Base Panels together to form a large square (approx 38 cm x 72 cm... wait, we need a square. We should actually sew them side by side. 36cm width x 2 = 72cm wide. 60 rows length = approx 38cm. *Correction:* To make a square base for this large tube, we need a roughly 45x45cm square.
*Revised Base Assembly:* Sew the two base panels side-by-side. Cut/sew to trim if necessary to create a rough square approx 40-45cm x 40-45cm.
*Simpler Beginner Method:* Turn the wall tube inside out. Flatten the bottom. Sew a straight line across the bottom (like a tote bag). Then, to box the corners: Pinch the corners of the bottom seam, measure 8 cm (3 in) in, and sew a line perpendicular to the seam. This creates a flat "box" bottom. **Use this method for stability.**

**3. Attach I-Cord Rim (Hand Knit):**
This is applied to the top edge (Row 96) of the Wall Tube *before* felting for a cohesive look, or *after* felting for a contrasting texture. **Recommendation: Apply BEFORE felting** so it shrinks with the bag.

1.  Using 6mm DPNs and Colour B (Grey).
2.  Cast on 4 stitches.
3.  **Setup Row:** K3, ssk (slip 1, slip 1, knit slipped sts together) joining the I-cord to the live stitches of the machine panel top edge.
4.  **Pattern:** Slide stitches to other end of needle. Pull yarn tight across back. K3, ssk (joining to next stitch on container rim).
5.  Repeat around the entire circumference. Graft ends together.

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### Felting Process

This is the "magic" step where the oversized, loose bag becomes a sturdy container.

1.  **Preparation:** Place the bag in a zipped pillowcase or laundry bag to catch loose fibres (fuzz). Include an old pair of jeans or tennis balls to increase agitation.
2.  **Wash:** Run a hot cycle (approx 40–60°C) with a small amount of detergent. Do not use fabric softener. Low water level is best to increase friction.
3.  **Check:** Check the bag every 15 minutes. It will look small and crinkled. Pull and stretch it to shape.
4.  **Repeat:** If it is still too loose or large, wash again. You want the fabric to become thick and stiff, where individual stitches are barely visible.
5.  **Shaping:** When it reaches the desired size (approx 40 cm high, 100 cm circumference), remove from washer.
6.  **Blocking:** Stuff the container tightly with towels, pillows, or a cardboard box cut to size to force it into a perfect cylinder shape. Let it dry completely (this may take 24-48 hours).

### Technical Notes
*   **Seaming:** Sew seams loosely using the same wool yarn. If you sew too tightly with cotton or synthetic thread, the thread won't shrink, and the seams will pucker.
*   **Fibonacci Math:** The stripes follow the sequence $F_n = F_{n-1} + F_{n-2}$. We used 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34.
*   **Yarn Subs:** If you cannot find roving yarn, use 100% wool worsted weight held double (2 strands together) to achieve the necessary bulk.