purlJam

# Pattern: The Fibonacci Felted Storage Tub
**Designed by:** System Persona (Expert Pattern Designer)
**Difficulty:** Beginner
**Technique:** Machine Knitting (Addi) with Hand-Knitted Trim

## Description
A sturdy, felted rectangular container featuring a mathematical striping sequence based on the Fibonacci series. This project is knitted as a long tube on a circular machine, seamed at the bottom, and given "boxed corners" to create a rectangular base. It is finished with a hand-knitted I-cord rim and integrated handles before being felted in a washing machine for a structural finish.

## Materials
*   **Yarn:** 100% Non-Superwash Wool (Worsted/Aran weight). It must be animal fibre to felt. Do not use acrylic or superwash wool.
    *   *Note on Roving:* While "roving" was requested, raw unspun roving often breaks in machines. Use a "single-ply" or "roving-style" spun yarn.
*   **Quantities:**
    *   **Main Colour (White):** 200g (approx 400 metres).
    *   **Contrast Colours (A, B, C):** 50g each (for stripes).
*   **Equipment:**
    *   Large Circular Knitting Machine (Addi King Size 46 pin, or similar 40-48 pin models). *Note: Pattern works for any large machine; width will vary slightly.*
    *   Double Pointed Needles (DPNs) size 5.0mm (for I-cord).
    *   Waste yarn (contrasting colour, non-felting acrylic).
    *   Darning needle (large eye).
    *   Measuring tape.

## Terminology & Abbreviations (UK English)
*   **st(s):** stitch(es)
*   **k:** knit
*   **k2tog:** knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
*   **I-cord:** A narrow tube of knitting made on DPNs.
*   **Tension:** (Gauge) Your stitch density.
*   **cm:** Centimetres.

## Tension (Pre-Felt)
On the machine with worsted weight yarn:
Approx. 13 sts and 18 rows = 10cm x 10cm.
*Note: Exact tension is less critical for felting, as shrinkage will vary.*

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## Instructions

### Part 1: The Machine Knit Body
We will knit a long tube. The Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21) determines the row counts for the stripes. Because single rows are too short on a machine, we will multiply the sequence by 2 for visibility.

**Sequence used:** 2, 2, 4, 6, 10, 16, 26, 42 rows.

1.  **Cast On:** Using waste yarn, cast on and knit 5-10 rows.
2.  **Base Setup:** Change to **Main Colour (White)**. Reset row counter to 0. Knit 10 rows.
    *   *Logic: [10 rows] provides a buffer for the bottom seam.*
3.  **The Fibonacci Stripes:**
    *   Change to **Colour A**: Knit **42 rows**.
    *   Change to **Colour B**: Knit **26 rows**.
    *   Change to **Colour C**: Knit **16 rows**.
    *   Change to **Main Colour (White)**: Knit **10 rows**.
    *   Change to **Colour A**: Knit **6 rows**.
    *   Change to **Colour B**: Knit **4 rows**.
    *   Change to **Colour C**: Knit **2 rows**.
    *   Change to **Main Colour (White)**: Knit **2 rows**.
    *   *Math Check: [Total Pattern Rows = 42+26+16+10+6+4+2+2 = 108 rows]*
4.  **Top Edge:** Continue in **Main Colour (White)** for another **10 rows** to create the top rim area.
    *   *Total Project Rows: [10 Base + 108 Stripes + 10 Top = 128 rows]*
    *   *Approx Pre-felt Length: [128 rows / 1.8 rows per cm ≈ 71 cm]*
5.  **Cast Off:** Knit 5-10 rows of waste yarn. Cut yarn and release from machine.

### Part 2: Assembly (Pre-Felt)
1.  **Close the Bottom:**
    *   Identify the bottom end (the start of the tube).
    *   Use the "kitchener stitch" or a secure backstitch to graft the live loops (remove waste yarn carefully) together to close the tube flat.
    *   *Current Shape: A long flat sack, open at the top.*
2.  **Box the Corners (To create the rectangle base):**
    *   Turn the bag inside out.
    *   Flatten the bottom seam. measure 6cm in from the bottom corner along the seam, and 6cm up the side fold.
    *   Sew a straight line across the corner (perpendicular to the side seam) creating a triangle.
    *   Repeat for the other bottom corner.
    *   *Math:* This creates a flat base approximately 12cm wide (pre-felt).

### Part 3: Hand Knitted I-Cord Rim & Handles
This step adds stability to the top edge and creates the handles.

1.  **Pick Up Stitches:**
    *   Remove the top waste yarn and place the live loops of the top edge onto a long circular needle or hold them carefully.
    *   There are approx 40-46 stitches (depending on machine).
2.  **Applied I-Cord Cast Off:**
    *   Using **Colour C** and 5mm DPNs, cast on 4 sts onto a DPN.
    *   **Step A:** k3, ssk (slip 1 knitwise, slip 1 knitwise, k2tog through back loop - joining the I-cord to one live stitch from the bag).
    *   **Step B:** Slide stitches back to the right end of the DPN. Pull yarn tight across back.
    *   Repeat Steps A & B until you have bound off approx 12 stitches.
3.  **Make First Handle:**
    *   Stop joining to the bag. Continue knitting the I-cord (unattached) for approx 25cm.
    *   Skip approx 8 stitches on the bag edge (leave them on a holder or stitch them closed later if you want a gap, but usually we skip them to create the space for the handle). *Correction for sturdiness: Bind off the 8 skipped bag stitches normally first, then attach the I-cord handle back to the main rim.*
    *   Attach the I-cord back to the rim and continue the Applied I-Cord (Steps A & B) for another 12 stitches.
4.  **Make Second Handle:**
    *   Repeat the handle process (knit 25cm unattached I-cord).
    *   Bind off/skip corresponding stitches on the opposite side of the bag.
5.  **Finish:**
    *   Continue Applied I-Cord to the start.
    *   Graft the ends of the I-cord together for a seamless finish.

### Part 4: Felting (The Magic)
*Warning: Felting is irreversible. Check progress frequently.*

1.  **Preparation:** Place the bag inside a pillowcase (tie the end shut) to catch loose fibres.
2.  **Wash:** Put in the washing machine with old jeans or towels (to provide friction). Add a small amount of detergent.
3.  **Settings:** Run a hot cycle (approx 40°C - 60°C) with a cold rinse. The agitation and temperature shock cause the felting.
4.  **Check:** After the cycle, check the size. If the stitches are still visible and it's too big, run it again. You want a dense, thick fabric where individual stitches are barely visible.
5.  **Shaping (Crucial):**
    *   While wet, the wool is malleable.
    *   Stretch and pull the container into a perfect rectangle.
    *   If you have a cardboard box of the desired size, wrap the box in plastic and shove it inside the wet felted bag to dry. This ensures perfect sharp corners.
6.  **Dry:** Allow to dry completely (this may take 24-48 hours).

### Final Stats (Estimated)
*   **Pre-Felt Dimensions:** ~35cm wide x 70cm high (flat).
*   **Post-Felt Dimensions:** ~24cm wide x 45cm high (depending on how much you fold down or shape it).
*   **Texture:** Thick, sturdy felt capable of standing up on its own.