Fiber Monday

 

In Which More Progress, however small, Has Been Made

When last we saw the Secret Project, it was getting super close to being done, and now we're even closer!

But not quite finished yet.

Today, I made three rings from copper wire and held them together with pipefitter's tape. Friction tape of any kind would work for this, including medical tape, but sticky tape probably wouldn't work well. See, making the rings small enough to function as a spot to join the strap to the body and serve as a front closure means there's not a lot of room to maneuver the tape without getting it stuck where you don't want it if it's sticky. If it's a friction-based tape like pipefitter's tape, then you can just cut lengths and they'll go through easily until you tighten the wrap.

Three Rings! They're each about the size of a nickel, possibly bigger.

You can use any kind of ring you want, and if you use premade ones, you (probably) won't even have to put tape on them! I Have the tape on mine because I didn't want the ends of the wire poking through the next step.

I also took this opportunity to finish the little hanging loop!

The hanging loop is a few slip-stitched rows of the red color, approximately 4" long. I folded that in half and then put 3 single crochet stitches through both ends, binding them together. After that, I made a ch1, then placed a single crochet in the back loops of each single crochet, turned, and went back around, making a sc in the remaining loops of those original 3 sc. After that, I increased from 6 sc to 12 sc by placing 2sc in each sc. At that point I tied off the loop.

This red ring will be for the closure!

To crochet over the closure ring, take your cap color and find a point on the ring, then put your hook through, yarn over, and holding onto the tail, pull the caught loop through to form a slip stitch. From there, treat the ring as though it was a magic ring, holding onto the tail. You don't have to be too terribly picky about how many single crochets you make around this ring, just try to minimize any gaps! Once you have covered the entire ring, slip stitch into the first sc made and fasten off.

A Finished Beige Ring

Cover the other two rings with single crochet in the same way as the first, using your body color (beige in my case). These will be used to sew on the strap!

All Three Finished Rings

When you've finished your rings, go back to that loop you made earlier and slip-stitch it into place on the top of the cap of the bag! Now you have a hanging loop!

The ridge left behind will eventually be covered up - stay tuned for next week!

I hope to have the bag 100% assembled and finished next week, but we'll see. I've been saying that for the last ten weeks haven't I? lol!

That being said, I've learned a lot from this crochet-together project, and I hope you all have, too! If you've been working along with me, I'd love to see some of your guys' progress! Feel free to, if you have Twitter, tag me in a picture of your work! If you have Instagram, I'm there, too, as Grumpmuffin89, so if you know what you're doing there, hit me up because I'm all the way out in the weeds and it's incredibly confusing.

That'll about do it for me tonight - I'm hot and sweaty and ready for beddy. If you have any requests for Thursday's art blog, please feel free to send me a Ko-Fi with a message telling me what category (refer to my "commission" page in the sidebar for categories) and don't forget to...

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Fiber Monday

 

In Which Seeeeeecret Project is finally updated!

I'm sure you're tired by now of all my excuses so behold:

One Very Annoying Strap.

The strap above is made entirely with slip stitches and that is why it took for-freaking-ever. But now it's... done? Maybe? We'll see when I start to attach things. I also started a similarly slip-stitched loop for the top of the mushroom cap! I've been working on this bag for so long that I keep losing track of how to do things, but if you look up the "secret project" tag, you can find the whole pattern up to this point!

I've also been struggling a lot to try to structure this project. You see, crochet thread? it's super duper floppy. It won't look good in glamor shots if it's super floppy, so how do I hold the mouth of the bag open? I tried so many ways to do things - wires, strengthening things with plastic, and even zip ties! And yet none of them worked well.

Today I just went ahead and did it - I added wire.

Fortunately I had some cheap $1 jewelry wire that I used on the mouths of the lower part of the bag, and then I used thin copper wire around the bottom of the cap. The thin wire is purely aesthetic - I'll be stiffening the base of the cap with thin plastic of some sort (or possibly craft foam if I find some), and that will hold it against various things being stored in the cap!

The plastic tie failure - they were only top-closure, I'd need side-closure

The jewelry wire is still quite pliable so I doubled it up!

And I attached the wire using single crochet through each dc from either mouth

I think it came out pretty well!

The copper wire was harder because it's thinner, softer, and I measured wrong!
Measure twice! Cut once! Then you don't poke yourself with twisted wire lol

The bag assembled & reinforced!

Hopefully today's blog has helped someone trying to figure out how to create structure in a project. Here's some additional advice: grab sandpaper to round off the cut ends of your wire so it hurts less when it pokes you.

So now we just have a few more things to do!

• Finish/attach straps
• Make and attach spots for the cap!
• Add the final structure elements
• Make a closure for the stem (maybe a braided cord?)

That doesn't seem like so much when you look at it that way!

And that's gonna do it from me for tonight. I'm pooped!

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Fiber Monday

 

In Which I Continue To Work Slowly...

It's been a long project with the Mystery Project aka Mushroom Bag.

And it'll be a few more weeks yet I fear.

See, it turns out that slip stitching 420 stitches by 12-24 rows is... a really long and boring process.

So if you have access to canvas straps or ribbons you like? USE THOSE.

Seriously. Use what you've got because it takes forever to slipstitch.

This is what 10 rows looks like:

It may look pretty decent, but I assure you, it's only about...
0.5" or about 1.3cm wide.

It's also fairly thick, though, so it should be very comfy to carry on the shoulder once it's completed.

And as for the zip-tie situation to hold the mouth open? I'm uh... I'm still working on that lol. I haven't gotten one from the basement yet, but I know that it should, theoretically, work.

We'll see!

Sorry this week's is short, but it's been insanely hot (85℉/29,4℃) for the last couple days and today was the first break from the heat that we've gotten.

Honestly, the rain was welcome and lovely, even if I did feel a bit cooped up and craved a walk.

If I don't have the project 100% finished by next Monday, I'll try to have another little One Day Make to show off instead, just so there's a little variety!

Maybe some flowers!

Tomorrow I'll have my thoughts more together, I think - today has been... very scattershot for me, so I'm not going to be able to write too much beyond my instructions for a slipstitched strap:

1. Make a row of chain stitches as long as you want your strap to be, then make one more as a turning chain
2. Slip stitch from the second chain from the hook to the end of the chain, chain one, turn your work
3. Slip stitch in every slip stitch - do not do what I suggested last week and slip stitch through both loops, the stitches will be waaaaay too tight, so just slip stitch in the back loop only! At the end of the row, chain one and turn your work
4. Repeat the previous row until your strap is wide enough.

If, like me, you find yourself getting highly distracted and cranky, pour yourself a glass of water. Every time you get cranky, pour yourself some water. It might not make your work less frustrating, but you'll have built-in breaks as you keep having to run to the bathroom and you'll end up well-hydrated as a bonus lol.

I think I should probably call it a night before I start losing what's left of my mind. Braincell number 3 may have retired today. I'll know better tomorrow.

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Fiber Monday

 

Slow progress is still progress

So it's week 22 and we're still working on this "Secret/Mystery Project". Unless you're a better pattern engineer than me and figured out how to close & carry the bag on your own lol, then I'm the only one who's still working on this 22 weeks in.

I have, however, figured out what to do about the straps!

Good old slip stitches.

That's right, I made 421 chain stitches with my 1.9mm hook and I'm going to slip stitch each row (chaining 1 before I turn and slip stitch down each row) until it's wide enough for my liking. Will it be quick? No. Will it be stable? Heck yes.

This is nowhere near wide enough

But it is very sturdy!

I'll probably do 12-24 rows at 420 stitches for the main strap and then switch to red for a 120 stitch long 6-12 row wide loop for the top of the bag. Just something nice and short to hang the bag by!

And since I do not have any other zippers to sacrifice to the mouth of the purse where the cap & stem connect, I will be attempting to attach something stiff like maybe a plastic cable tie to the inside this week. And then it will just be time for spots and maybe a cute charm! We'll see...

Still, thank you all for coming on this journey with me!

I know this is the first week I haven't included the rest of the bag pattern, but in my defense, it's 10pm and I'm heckin sleepy. Yes, I've only got that much done since this morning. I'm disappointed in me too.

But hey, that's life sometimes. Sometimes you work all day on something and the progress, once you set it down, seems minute.

But especially with crochet, any progress you can see is going to be way smaller than the effort you put in, because you can't see the sixteen times I had to frog it or the six attempts at mushroom lace I failed at or the many many many curses I uttered while stabbing myself in the thumb with the pointy end of my hook because those stitches are super tiny and I can't stop making them super tight. I need to chill lol!

So that'll do it from me for today!

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Fiber Monday

 

In Which Attempts Were Made

Last week, we finished the cap on our Secret Project/Mystery Project, aka the Mushroom Bag, and this week, we're left to experiment. First, I wanted to experiment with ways to hold open the bottom opening.

I decided to use some very low grade jewelry wire I have had laying around, but I'm very unhappy with the way it's turning out. I'll have to undo it and start over.

Specifically, I'm unhappy with how the wire bunches and twists

I am quite disappointed in the stiff-yet-wobbly nature of that wire, though I can see myself making a couple of rings, covering them in ribbon, and sewing them in place to hold the gill portion stiffer.

Now, it's unfortunate, but I only found two different "mushroom" stitches. One was from a YouTuber called Crochet With Samra, and the other was from Fiber Spider. I have my concerns with using the very lovely but delicate stitch from Samra as straps, but as you can see below, even a single repeat of the Mushroom stitch from Fiber Spider is a bit... broad and loud for a strap for such an oddly-shaped bag? I have dilemmas. 

She a thicc band

If anyone out there has better suggestions on a mushroom-themed strap I could whip up out of natural-colored, red, and/or white thread, please let me know!

Also I still need to wash the bag because she is a dirty dirty bag.

For now, though, I'm going to relax and try to figure out some ways to fix what I've borked, test out new designs, etc!

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Fiber Monday

 

WE ARE FINALLY DONE WITH RED!
sort of...

My friends, it's finally happened. We hit the end of our interminable red section! We'll be able to start on decorations, closures, and hardware now! And I'm still working on figuring out how any of those work lol.

I have a few ideas of how the straps might work, but aside from that I think I need to just troubleshoot for a bit.

Here's how it's gone so far:

With Beige thread

Round 1: sc 6 into magic ring (6 sc)

R2: 2sc around (12 sc)

R3: [2sc, sc] around (18 sc)

R4: [sc, 2sc, sc] (24 sc)

R5: [2sc, sc in next 3 sts] (30 sc)

R6: sc around (30 sc)

R7: [sc in next 2 sts, 2sc, sc in next 2 sts] around (36 sc)

R8: [2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (42 sc)

R9: [sc in next 3 sts, 2sc, sc in next 3 sts] around (48 sc)

R10: [2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (54 sts)

R11: [sc in next 4 sts, 2sc, sc in next 4 sts] around (60 sc)

R12-13: sc around (60 sc)

R14: [2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (66 sc)

R15: [sc in next 5 sts, 2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (72 sc)

R16: [2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (78 sc)

R17: [sc in next 6 sts, 2sc, sc in next 6 sts] around (84 sc)

R18: [2sc, sc in next 13 sts] around (90 sc)

R19-21: sc around (90 sc)

R22: [sc in next 7 sts, 2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (96 sc)

R23: [2sc, sc in next 15 sts] around (102 sc)

R24: [sc in next 8 sts, 2sc, sc in next 8 sts] around (108 sc)

R25: [2sc, sc in next 17 sts] around (114 sc)

R26: [sc in next 9 sts, 2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (120 sc)

R27-30: sc around (120 sc)

R31: [2sc, sc in next 19 sts] around (126 sc)

R32: [sc in next 10 sts, 2sc, sc in next 10 sts] around (132 sc)

R33: [2sc, sc in next 21 sts] around (138 sc)

R34: [sc in next 11 sts, 2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (144 sc)

R35: [2sc, sc in next 23 sts] around (150 sc)

R36-40: sc around (150 sc)

R41: [sc 2 together, sc 23] around (144 sc)

R42-47: sc around (144 sc)

R48: [sc 11, sc 2 together, sc 11] around (138 sc)

R49-55: sc around (138 sc)

R56: [sc 2 together, sc 21] around (132 sc)

R57-64: sc around (132sc)

R65: [sc 10, sc 2 tog, sc 10] around (126 sc)

R66-74: sc around (126 sc)

R75: [sc 2 tog, sc 19] around (120 sc)

R76-84: sc around (120 sc)

R85: sc around, sl st to first sc (120 sc)

R86: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in each sc around, sl st in top of ch3 (120 sc)

R87: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in next 10 dc; yarn over, insert hook into next dc, pull through 1 loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops (does not count as 1st foundation dc), foundation dc next 96 stitches, then (being careful not to twist) dc in the 12th dc from the end of the round, dc to the end of the round (24 dc, 96 foundation dc = 120 dc); sl st to top of ch3, fasten off.

You should now have something that looks like a hinged ring or a handle attached to an odd, pear-shaped pouch. Now we’ll begin the underside of the lid (this is going to be weird, I’m sorry).

Form a magic ring from the same color as you’ve been using. I use a double-magic-ring for added security but you can start this in the round however you like.

R1: ch3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), dc 11 in ring, sl st to the top of the ch3 (12dc)

R2: ch3, fpdc in same dc, (dc in next dc, fpdc in same dc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (12dc, 12fpdc = 24st)

R3: ch3, dc in next st, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 2 st, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (24dc, 12fpdc = 36st)

R4: ch3, dc in next 2 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (36dc, 12fpdc = 48st)

R5: ch3, dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (48dc, 12fpdc = 60st)

R6: ch3, dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (60dc, 12fpdc = 72st)

R7: ch3, dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (72dc, 12fpdc = 84st)

R8: ch3, dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (84dc, 12fpdc = 96st)

R9: ch3, dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (96dc, 12fpdc = 108st)

R10: ch3, dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 9 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (108dc, 12fpdc = 120st)

Take your hook out of the disc you formed (which we will now refer to as the “Lid”), then choose a spot to attach it to on the weird flap/hinge part of the first piece (which we’ll now refer to as the “Body”). With the ridged pattern facing downward (towards the open mouth of the Body), insert your hook back through one stitch of the Body’s hinge/flap and back into the loop of the Lid. We will be making our stitches through the hinge/flap stitches and back into the Lid for this round.

R11: ch3 (pull the first loop all the way through the hinge/flap stitch to make your 1st ch), dc in next 9 dc going through the corresponding flap/hinge stitches as you go; on the next stitch, do not go back through the hinge/flap stitch to make your fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around until the last fpdc, which is basically impossible (if you figure it out, great!) so just fake it til you make it; sl st in top of ch3. (120dc + 12fpdc = 132 sts)

You should have something that looks a bit like a sand dollar stuck in a ring.

R12: ch3, dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (132dc + 12fpdc = 144 sts)

R13: ch3, dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (144dc + 12fpdc = 156 sts)

R14: ch3, dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (156dc + 12fpdc = 168sts)

R15: ch3, dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (168dc + 12fpdc = 180sts)

R16: ch3, dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (180dc + 12fpdc = 192sts)

R17: ch3, dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (192dc + 12fpdc = 204sts)

R18: ch3, dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (204dc + 12fpdc = 216sts)

R19: ch3, dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (216dc + 12fpdc = 228sts)

R20: ch3, dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (228dc + 12fpdc = 240sts)

R21: ch3, dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 20 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (240dc + 12fpdc = 252sts)

R22: ch3, dc in next 20 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 21 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (252dc + 12fpdc = 264sts)

R23: ch3, dc in next 21 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 22 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (264dc + 12fpdc = 276sts)

R24: ch3, dc in next 22 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 23 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (276dc + 12fpdc = 288sts)

R25: ch3, dc in next 23 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 24 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (288dc + 12fpdc = 300sts)

You'll have a nice big weird ribbed disc now, but we're not done yet!

R26: ch3, insert hook through back loops of next dc - by this I mean the back loop usually used and there should be a very small wrapped section just below that loop that you can wiggle the hook onto. If you cannot find that, don't worry, just work in back loops only to the end of the round, otherwise, dc into both loops around, change to your second color in the end of the last dc, sl st in top of ch3 to join. (300 sts)

R27: ch3, dc in next 74 dc, hdc in next dc, sc in next dc, sl st in next 146 dc, sc in next dc, hdc in next dc, dc in last 75 dc, sl st to top of ch 3 to join. (150 dc, 2 hdc, 2sc, 146 sl st = 300 sts)

R28: ch3, dc in next 74 dc, foundation dc 150 stitches, skip the sc, hdc, and sl st, dc in next 75 dc, sl st in top of ch 3 to join. (300 dc)

R29-32: ch2, hdc around, sl st in top of ch2 to join. (300 hdc)

After this row, work in a spiral without joining

R33-47: sc around (300 sc)

At any point in these single crochet rounds, you should start to sew in your zipper!

R48: [sc2tog, sc in next 23 sc] around (288 sc)

R49-60: sc around (288 sc)

R61: [sc in next 11 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 11sc] around (276 sc)

R62-73: sc around (276 sc)

R74: [sc2tog, sc in next 21 sc] around (264 sc)

R75-80: sc around (264 sc)

R81: [sc in next 10 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 10 sc] around (252 sc)

R82-87: sc around (252 sc)

R88: [sc2tog, sc in next 19 sc] (240 sc)

R89-94: sc around (240 sc)

R95: [sc in next 9 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 9 sc] around (228 sc)

R96-98: sc around (228 sc)

R99: [sc2tog, sc in next 17 sc] around (216 sc)

R100-102: sc around (216 sc)

R103: [sc in next 8 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 8 sc] (204 sc)

R104-106: sc around (204 sc)

R107: [sc2tog, sc in next 15 sc] around (192 sc)

R108-110: sc around (192 sc)

R111: [sc in next 7 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 7 sc] (180 sc)

R112: sc around (180 sc)

R113: [sc2tog, sc in next 13 sc] around (168 sc)

R114: sc around (168 sc)

R115: [sc in next 6 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 6 sc] around (156 sc)

R116: sc around (156 sc)

R117: [sc2tog, sc in next 11 sc] around (144 sc)

R118: sc around (144 sc)

R119: [sc in next 5 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 5 sc] around (132 sc)

R120: sc around (132 sc)

R121: [sc2tog, sc in next 9 sc] around (120 sc)

This Week:

R122: [sc in next 4 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 4 sc] around (108 sc)

R123: [sc2tog, sc in next 7 sc] around (96 sc)

R124: [sc in next 3 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 3 sc] around (84 sc)

R125: [sc2tog, sc in next 5 sc] around (72 sc)

R126: [sc in next 2 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 2 sc] around (60 sc)

R127: [sc2tog, sc in next 3 sc] around (48 sc)

R128: [sc in next sc, sc2tog, sc in next sc] around (36 sc)

R129: [sc2tog, sc in next sc] around (24 sc)

R130: sc2tog around (12 sc)

Next Steps:

Washing!

Closure/Stabilization

Decoration

Straps (patterned?!)

Surprise! It's a mushroom purse!

We're leaving the 12 stitch hole open for now.

Let's knot the thread, clip it (leave a tail for sewing!), and we'll start up next week on some finishing touches!

I... will have to look up inspiration/ideas on how to finish this project, but I have some solid ideas!

Please use this very amateurish pattern as a jumping off point for making your own projects! Experiment with different reductions on the cap, different colors, different yarn or thread weights! I wouldn't recommend too fine a thread, since it wouldn't hold up well to overwear, but if you're using a bigger yarn, remember that using a smaller hook than the yarn maker recommends will make your project stiffer naturally, meaning you have to use less starch or other stiffening agents later!

As for me, I'm going to wind down with a cup of decaf mocha and some internet videos! Check back in tomorrow when I do a Talk About Tuesday.

And as always,

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Fiber Monday

More Secret Project Progress!

 

Goodness me, it's a gorgeous, glorious, fantabulous day, and I'm so glad I got to spend some of my time outside! It was sunny with a very light breeze and the birds were happily frolicking in the field as my mother trimmed back invasive multiflora rose vines. At about 60℉/15,5℃, it was just the perfect day to go outside and sketch. It was also the perfect day for carpenter bees to be intrigued by my sketchpad.

I didn't stay out as long as I'd have liked lol.

I did, however, get a bunch done on the Secret Project this week! It may not be a huge amount, but we'll absolutely be done with the red thread next week. Thank goodness!

The Project Thus Far:

Round 1: sc 6 into magic ring (6 sc)

R2: 2sc around (12 sc)

R3: [2sc, sc] around (18 sc)

R4: [sc, 2sc, sc] (24 sc)

R5: [2sc, sc in next 3 sts] (30 sc)

R6: sc around (30 sc)

R7: [sc in next 2 sts, 2sc, sc in next 2 sts] around (36 sc)

R8: [2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (42 sc)

R9: [sc in next 3 sts, 2sc, sc in next 3 sts] around (48 sc)

R10: [2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (54 sts)

R11: [sc in next 4 sts, 2sc, sc in next 4 sts] around (60 sc)

R12-13: sc around (60 sc)

R14: [2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (66 sc)

R15: [sc in next 5 sts, 2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (72 sc)

R16: [2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (78 sc)

R17: [sc in next 6 sts, 2sc, sc in next 6 sts] around (84 sc)

R18: [2sc, sc in next 13 sts] around (90 sc)

R19-21: sc around (90 sc)

R22: [sc in next 7 sts, 2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (96 sc)

R23: [2sc, sc in next 15 sts] around (102 sc)

R24: [sc in next 8 sts, 2sc, sc in next 8 sts] around (108 sc)

R25: [2sc, sc in next 17 sts] around (114 sc)

R26: [sc in next 9 sts, 2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (120 sc)

R27-30: sc around (120 sc)

R31: [2sc, sc in next 19 sts] around (126 sc)

R32: [sc in next 10 sts, 2sc, sc in next 10 sts] around (132 sc)

R33: [2sc, sc in next 21 sts] around (138 sc)

R34: [sc in next 11 sts, 2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (144 sc)

R35: [2sc, sc in next 23 sts] around (150 sc)

R36-40: sc around (150 sc)

R41: [sc 2 together, sc 23] around (144 sc)

R42-47: sc around (144 sc)

R48: [sc 11, sc 2 together, sc 11] around (138 sc)

R49-55: sc around (138 sc)

R56: [sc 2 together, sc 21] around (132 sc)

R57-64: sc around (132sc)

R65: [sc 10, sc 2 tog, sc 10] around (126 sc)

R66-74: sc around (126 sc)

R75: [sc 2 tog, sc 19] around (120 sc)

R76-84: sc around (120 sc)

R85: sc around, sl st to first sc (120 sc)

R86: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in each sc around, sl st in top of ch3 (120 sc)

R87: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in next 10 dc; yarn over, insert hook into next dc, pull through 1 loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops (does not count as 1st foundation dc), foundation dc next 96 stitches, then (being careful not to twist) dc in the 12th dc from the end of the round, dc to the end of the round (24 dc, 96 foundation dc = 120 dc); sl st to top of ch3, fasten off.

You should now have something that looks like a hinged ring or a handle attached to an odd, pear-shaped pouch. Now we’ll begin the underside of the lid (this is going to be weird, I’m sorry).

Form a magic ring from the same color as you’ve been using. I use a double-magic-ring for added security but you can start this in the round however you like.

R1: ch3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), dc 11 in ring, sl st to the top of the ch3 (12dc)

R2: ch3, fpdc in same dc, (dc in next dc, fpdc in same dc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (12dc, 12fpdc = 24st)

R3: ch3, dc in next st, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 2 st, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (24dc, 12fpdc = 36st)

R4: ch3, dc in next 2 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (36dc, 12fpdc = 48st)

R5: ch3, dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (48dc, 12fpdc = 60st)

R6: ch3, dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (60dc, 12fpdc = 72st)

R7: ch3, dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (72dc, 12fpdc = 84st)

R8: ch3, dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (84dc, 12fpdc = 96st)

R9: ch3, dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (96dc, 12fpdc = 108st)

R10: ch3, dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 9 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (108dc, 12fpdc = 120st)

Take your hook out of the disc you formed (which we will now refer to as the “Lid”), then choose a spot to attach it to on the weird flap/hinge part of the first piece (which we’ll now refer to as the “Body”). With the ridged pattern facing downward (towards the open mouth of the Body), insert your hook back through one stitch of the Body’s hinge/flap and back into the loop of the Lid. We will be making our stitches through the hinge/flap stitches and back into the Lid for this round.

R11: ch3 (pull the first loop all the way through the hinge/flap stitch to make your 1st ch), dc in next 9 dc going through the corresponding flap/hinge stitches as you go; on the next stitch, do not go back through the hinge/flap stitch to make your fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around until the last fpdc, which is basically impossible (if you figure it out, great!) so just fake it til you make it; sl st in top of ch3. (120dc + 12fpdc = 132 sts)

You should have something that looks a bit like a sand dollar stuck in a ring.

R12: ch3, dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (132dc + 12fpdc = 144 sts)

R13: ch3, dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (144dc + 12fpdc = 156 sts)

R14: ch3, dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (156dc + 12fpdc = 168sts)

R15: ch3, dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (168dc + 12fpdc = 180sts)

R16: ch3, dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (180dc + 12fpdc = 192sts)

R17: ch3, dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (192dc + 12fpdc = 204sts)

R18: ch3, dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (204dc + 12fpdc = 216sts)

R19: ch3, dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (216dc + 12fpdc = 228sts)

R20: ch3, dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (228dc + 12fpdc = 240sts)

R21: ch3, dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 20 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (240dc + 12fpdc = 252sts)

R22: ch3, dc in next 20 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 21 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (252dc + 12fpdc = 264sts)

R23: ch3, dc in next 21 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 22 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (264dc + 12fpdc = 276sts)

R24: ch3, dc in next 22 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 23 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (276dc + 12fpdc = 288sts)

R25: ch3, dc in next 23 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 24 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (288dc + 12fpdc = 300sts)

You'll have a nice big weird ribbed disc now, but we're not done yet!

R26: ch3, insert hook through back loops of next dc - by this I mean the back loop usually used and there should be a very small wrapped section just below that loop that you can wiggle the hook onto. If you cannot find that, don't worry, just work in back loops only to the end of the round, otherwise, dc into both loops around, change to your second color in the end of the last dc, sl st in top of ch3 to join. (300 sts)

R27: ch3, dc in next 74 dc, hdc in next dc, sc in next dc, sl st in next 146 dc, sc in next dc, hdc in next dc, dc in last 75 dc, sl st to top of ch 3 to join. (150 dc, 2 hdc, 2sc, 146 sl st = 300 sts)

R28: ch3, dc in next 74 dc, foundation dc 150 stitches, skip the sc, hdc, and sl st, dc in next 75 dc, sl st in top of ch 3 to join. (300 dc)

R29-32: ch2, hdc around, sl st in top of ch2 to join. (300 hdc)

After this row, work in a spiral without joining

R33-47: sc around (300 sc)

At any point in these single crochet rounds, you should start to sew in your zipper!

R48: [sc2tog, sc in next 23 sc] around (288 sc)

R49-60: sc around (288 sc)

R61: [sc in next 11 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 11sc] around (276 sc)

R62-73: sc around (276 sc)

R74: [sc2tog, sc in next 21 sc] around (264 sc)

R75-80: sc around (264 sc)

R81: [sc in next 10 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 10 sc] around (252 sc)

R82-87: sc around (252 sc)

R88: [sc2tog, sc in next 19 sc] (240 sc)

R89-94: sc around (240 sc)

R95: [sc in next 9 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 9 sc] around (228 sc)

R96-98: sc around (228 sc)

R99: [sc2tog, sc in next 17 sc] around (216 sc)

R100-102: sc around (216 sc)

R103: [sc in next 8 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 8 sc] (204 sc)

R104-106: sc around (204 sc)

R107: [sc2tog, sc in next 15 sc] around (192 sc)

R108-110: sc around (192 sc)

R111: [sc in next 7 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 7 sc] (180 sc)

R112: sc around (180 sc)

This Week

R113: [sc2tog, sc in next 13 sc] around (168 sc)

R114: sc around (168 sc)

R115: [sc in next 6 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 6 sc] around (156 sc)

R116: sc around (156 sc)

R117: [sc2tog, sc in next 11 sc] around (144 sc)

R118: sc around (144 sc)

R119: [sc in next 5 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 5 sc] around (132 sc)

R120: sc around (132 sc)

R121: [sc2tog, sc in next 9 sc] (120 sc)

As you can see, we're running out of red thread again :|

I am so thrilled that we're nearly done with this part of the project - we've reached the home stretch on the red thread - closing in the top! Once that's finished, it's just closures, decorations, and some straps and we'll be done! I can't wait to finish this!

And I have several other projects I'm working on right now, too, including a 90x90 block filet crochet panel, a blue-toned plush, and two tricolored vest projects that may or may not work out.

I'll talk more about the fine weather and fun art tomorrow. For now, I'm going to listen to the peeper frogs chirping along in the small ponds near me, the ducks and chickens next door bedding down for the night, and a bunch of Youtube vids to watch.

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Fiber Monday

Progress Continues!

I did some more work on the Secret Project/Mystery Project this week, and I'm pleased to announce we have left the realm of Multiple Single Crochet Rounds! After this week, we'll be reducing, making One (1) round of single crochet, and repeating that pattern for a bit. You'll see next week.

Here's what we've got so far:

Round 1: sc 6 into magic ring (6 sc)

R2: 2sc around (12 sc)

R3: [2sc, sc] around (18 sc)

R4: [sc, 2sc, sc] (24 sc)

R5: [2sc, sc in next 3 sts] (30 sc)

R6: sc around (30 sc)

R7: [sc in next 2 sts, 2sc, sc in next 2 sts] around (36 sc)

R8: [2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (42 sc)

R9: [sc in next 3 sts, 2sc, sc in next 3 sts] around (48 sc)

R10: [2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (54 sts)

R11: [sc in next 4 sts, 2sc, sc in next 4 sts] around (60 sc)

R12-13: sc around (60 sc)

R14: [2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (66 sc)

R15: [sc in next 5 sts, 2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (72 sc)

R16: [2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (78 sc)

R17: [sc in next 6 sts, 2sc, sc in next 6 sts] around (84 sc)

R18: [2sc, sc in next 13 sts] around (90 sc)

R19-21: sc around (90 sc)

R22: [sc in next 7 sts, 2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (96 sc)

R23: [2sc, sc in next 15 sts] around (102 sc)

R24: [sc in next 8 sts, 2sc, sc in next 8 sts] around (108 sc)

R25: [2sc, sc in next 17 sts] around (114 sc)

R26: [sc in next 9 sts, 2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (120 sc)

R27-30: sc around (120 sc)

R31: [2sc, sc in next 19 sts] around (126 sc)

R32: [sc in next 10 sts, 2sc, sc in next 10 sts] around (132 sc)

R33: [2sc, sc in next 21 sts] around (138 sc)

R34: [sc in next 11 sts, 2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (144 sc)

R35: [2sc, sc in next 23 sts] around (150 sc)

R36-40: sc around (150 sc)

R41: [sc 2 together, sc 23] around (144 sc)

R42-47: sc around (144 sc)

R48: [sc 11, sc 2 together, sc 11] around (138 sc)

R49-55: sc around (138 sc)

R56: [sc 2 together, sc 21] around (132 sc)

R57-64: sc around (132sc)

R65: [sc 10, sc 2 tog, sc 10] around (126 sc)

R66-74: sc around (126 sc)

R75: [sc 2 tog, sc 19] around (120 sc)

R76-84: sc around (120 sc)

R85: sc around, sl st to first sc (120 sc)

R86: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in each sc around, sl st in top of ch3 (120 sc)

R87: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in next 10 dc; yarn over, insert hook into next dc, pull through 1 loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops (does not count as 1st foundation dc), foundation dc next 96 stitches, then (being careful not to twist) dc in the 12th dc from the end of the round, dc to the end of the round (24 dc, 96 foundation dc = 120 dc); sl st to top of ch3, fasten off.

You should now have something that looks like a hinged ring or a handle attached to an odd, pear-shaped pouch. Now we’ll begin the underside of the lid (this is going to be weird, I’m sorry).

Form a magic ring from the same color as you’ve been using. I use a double-magic-ring for added security but you can start this in the round however you like.

R1: ch3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), dc 11 in ring, sl st to the top of the ch3 (12dc)

R2: ch3, fpdc in same dc, (dc in next dc, fpdc in same dc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (12dc, 12fpdc = 24st)

R3: ch3, dc in next st, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 2 st, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (24dc, 

2fpdc = 36st)

R4: ch3, dc in next 2 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (36dc, 

2fpdc = 48st)

R5: ch3, dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (48dc, 12fpdc = 60st)

R6: ch3, dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (60dc, 

2fpdc = 72st)

R7: ch3, dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (72dc,  2fpdc = 84st)

R8: ch3, dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (84dc, 12fpdc = 96st)

R9: ch3, dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (96dc, 12fpdc = 108st)

R10: ch3, dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 9 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (108dc, 12fpdc = 120st)

Take your hook out of the disc you formed (which we will now refer to as the “Lid”), then choose a spot to attach it to on the weird flap/hinge part of the first piece (which we’ll now refer to as the “Body”). With the ridged pattern facing downward (towards the open mouth of the Body), insert your hook back through one stitch of the Body’s hinge/flap and back into the loop of the Lid. We will be making our stitches through the hinge/flap stitches and back into the Lid for this round.

R11: ch3 (pull the first loop all the way through the hinge/flap stitch to make your 1st ch), dc in next 9 dc going through the corresponding flap/hinge stitches as you go; on the next stitch, do not go back through the hinge/flap stitch to make your fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around until the last fpdc, which is basically impossible (if you figure it out, great!) so just fake it til you make it; sl st in top of ch3. (120dc + 12fpdc = 132 sts)

You should have something that looks a bit like a sand dollar stuck in a ring.

R12: ch3, dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (132dc + 12fpdc = 144 sts)

R13: ch3, dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (144dc + 12fpdc = 156 sts)

R14: ch3, dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (156dc + 12fpdc = 168sts)

R15: ch3, dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (168dc + 12fpdc = 180sts)

R16: ch3, dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (180dc + 12fpdc = 192sts)

R17: ch3, dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (192dc + 12fpdc = 204sts)

R18: ch3, dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (204dc + 12fpdc = 216sts)

R19: ch3, dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (216dc + 12fpdc = 228sts)

R20: ch3, dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (228dc + 12fpdc = 240sts)

R21: ch3, dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 20 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (240dc + 12fpdc = 252sts)

R22: ch3, dc in next 20 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 21 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (252dc + 12fpdc = 264sts)

R23: ch3, dc in next 21 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 22 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (264dc + 12fpdc = 276sts)

R24: ch3, dc in next 22 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 23 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (276dc + 12fpdc = 288sts)

R25: ch3, dc in next 23 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 24 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (288dc + 12fpdc = 300sts)

You'll have a nice big weird ribbed disc now, but we're not done yet!

R26: ch3, insert hook through back loops of next dc - by this I mean the back loop usually used and there should be a very small wrapped section just below that loop that you can wiggle the hook onto. If you cannot find that, don't worry, just work in back loops only to the end of the round, otherwise, dc into both loops around, change to your second color in the end of the last dc, sl st in top of ch3 to join. (300 sts)

R27: ch3, dc in next 74 dc, hdc in next dc, sc in next dc, sl st in next 146 dc, sc in next dc, hdc in next dc, dc in last 75 dc, sl st to top of ch 3 to join. (150 dc, 2 hdc, 2sc, 146 sl st = 300 sts)

R28: ch3, dc in next 74 dc, foundation dc 150 stitches, skip the sc, hdc, and sl st, dc in next 75 dc, sl st in top of ch 3 to join. (300 dc)

R29-32: ch2, hdc around, sl st in top of ch2 to join. (300 hdc)

After this row, work in a spiral without joining

R33-47: sc around (300 sc)

At any point in these single crochet rounds, you should start to sew in your zipper!

R48: [sc2tog, sc in next 23 sc] around (288 sc)

R49-60: sc around (288 sc)

R61: [sc in next 11 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 11sc] around (276 sc)

R62-73: sc around (276 sc)

R74: [sc2tog, sc in next 21 sc] around (264 sc)

R75-80: sc around (264 sc)

R81: [sc in next 10 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 10 sc] around (252 sc)

R82-87: sc around (252 sc)

R88: [sc2tog, sc in next 19 sc] (240 sc)

R89-94: sc around (240 sc)

R95: [sc in next 9 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 9 sc] around (228 sc)

R96-98: sc around (228 sc)

R99: [sc2tog, sc in next 17 sc] around (216 sc)

R100-102: sc around (216 sc)

This Week:

R103: [sc in next 8 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 8 sc] (204 sc)

R104-106: sc around (204 sc)

R107: [sc2tog, sc in next 15 sc] around (192 sc)

R108-110: sc around (192 sc)

R111: [sc in next 7 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 7 sc] (180 sc)

R112: sc around (180 sc)

We're getting so close! SO FREAKIN CLOSE!!!

I have to admit, I'm gonna be so stoked when this project is done lol. I have an idea of what to do to stabilize things (spoilers: it involves wire, single crochet, and sewing...) but we'll have to wait and see if that works.

Also, I'm... running out of red thread from the first new spool. Already.

This project is apparently quite the yarn-eater!

Getting so excited to finish!

Hope all of your projects are going well, too, but this'll do it from me - kinda tired from all the hooking today :P

Go Enjoy Something!

FC

Fiber Monday

 

Behold: More Secret Project!

I know, I know, I forgot to post art on Thursday. I have no excuses - I worked on stuff all day on Thursday! However, despite Sunday being Easter, I was able to do more work on the Secret Project!

Here is the Pattern So Far!

Round 1: sc 6 into magic ring (6 sc)

R2: 2sc around (12 sc)

R3: [2sc, sc] around (18 sc)

R4: [sc, 2sc, sc] (24 sc)

R5: [2sc, sc in next 3 sts] (30 sc)

R6: sc around (30 sc)

R7: [sc in next 2 sts, 2sc, sc in next 2 sts] around (36 sc)

R8: [2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (42 sc)

R9: [sc in next 3 sts, 2sc, sc in next 3 sts] around (48 sc)

R10: [2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (54 sts)

R11: [sc in next 4 sts, 2sc, sc in next 4 sts] around (60 sc)

R12-13: sc around (60 sc)

R14: [2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (66 sc)

R15: [sc in next 5 sts, 2sc, sc in next 5 sts] around (72 sc)

R16: [2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (78 sc)

R17: [sc in next 6 sts, 2sc, sc in next 6 sts] around (84 sc)

R18: [2sc, sc in next 13 sts] around (90 sc)

R19-21: sc around (90 sc)

R22: [sc in next 7 sts, 2sc, sc in next 7 sts] around (96 sc)

R23: [2sc, sc in next 15 sts] around (102 sc)

R24: [sc in next 8 sts, 2sc, sc in next 8 sts] around (108 sc)

R25: [2sc, sc in next 17 sts] around (114 sc)

R26: [sc in next 9 sts, 2sc, sc in next 9 sts] around (120 sc)

R27-30: sc around (120 sc)

R31: [2sc, sc in next 19 sts] around (126 sc)

R32: [sc in next 10 sts, 2sc, sc in next 10 sts] around (132 sc)

R33: [2sc, sc in next 21 sts] around (138 sc)

R34: [sc in next 11 sts, 2sc, sc in next 11 sts] around (144 sc)

R35: [2sc, sc in next 23 sts] around (150 sc)

R36-40: sc around (150 sc)

R41: [sc 2 together, sc 23] around (144 sc)

R42-47: sc around (144 sc)

R48: [sc 11, sc 2 together, sc 11] around (138 sc)

R49-55: sc around (138 sc)

R56: [sc 2 together, sc 21] around (132 sc)

R57-64: sc around (132sc)

R65: [sc 10, sc 2 tog, sc 10] around (126 sc)

R66-74: sc around (126 sc)

R75: [sc 2 tog, sc 19] around (120 sc)

R76-84: sc around (120 sc)

R85: sc around, sl st to first sc (120 sc)

R86: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in each sc around, sl st in top of ch3 (120 sc)

R87: ch3 (counts as 1st dc), dc in next 10 dc; yarn over, insert hook into next dc, pull through 1 loop, yarn over, pull through 2 loops, yarn over, pull through 2 loops (does not count as 1st foundation dc), foundation dc next 96 stitches, then (being careful not to twist) dc in the 12th dc from the end of the round, dc to the end of the round (24 dc, 96 foundation dc = 120 dc); sl st to top of ch3, fasten off.

You should now have something that looks like a hinged ring or a handle attached to an odd, pear-shaped pouch. Now we’ll begin the underside of the lid (this is going to be weird, I’m sorry).

Form a magic ring from the same color as you’ve been using. I use a double-magic-ring for added security but you can start this in the round however you like.

R1: ch3 (counts as 1st dc here and throughout), dc 11 in ring, sl st to the top of the ch3 (12dc)

R2: ch3, fpdc in same dc, (dc in next dc, fpdc in same dc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (12dc, 12fpdc = 24st)

R3: ch3, dc in next st, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 2 st, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (24dc, 12fpdc = 36st)

R4: ch3, dc in next 2 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (36dc, 12fpdc = 48st)

R5: ch3, dc in next 3 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (48dc, 12fpdc = 60st)

R6: ch3, dc in next 4 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (60dc, 12fpdc = 72st)

R7: ch3, dc in next 5 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (72dc, 12fpdc = 84st)

R8: ch3, dc in next 6 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (84dc, 12fpdc = 96st)

R9: ch3, dc in next 7 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (96dc, 12fpdc = 108st)

R10: ch3, dc in next 8 sts, fpdc in fpdc (dc in next 9 sts, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st to top of ch3 (108dc, 12fpdc = 120st)

Take your hook out of the disc you formed (which we will now refer to as the “Lid”), then choose a spot to attach it to on the weird flap/hinge part of the first piece (which we’ll now refer to as the “Body”). With the ridged pattern facing downward (towards the open mouth of the Body), insert your hook back through one stitch of the Body’s hinge/flap and back into the loop of the Lid. We will be making our stitches through the hinge/flap stitches and back into the Lid for this round.

R11: ch3 (pull the first loop all the way through the hinge/flap stitch to make your 1st ch), dc in next 9 dc going through the corresponding flap/hinge stitches as you go; on the next stitch, do not go back through the hinge/flap stitch to make your fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around until the last fpdc, which is basically impossible (if you figure it out, great!) so just fake it til you make it; sl st in top of ch3. (120dc + 12fpdc = 132 sts)

You should have something that looks a bit like a sand dollar stuck in a ring.

R12: ch3, dc in next 10 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (132dc + 12fpdc = 144 sts)

R13: ch3, dc in next 11 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (144dc + 12fpdc = 156 sts)

R14: ch3, dc in next 12 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (156dc + 12fpdc = 168sts)

R15: ch3, dc in next 13 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (168dc + 12fpdc = 180sts)

R16: ch3, dc in next 14 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (180dc + 12fpdc = 192sts)

R17: ch3, dc in next 15 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (192dc + 12fpdc = 204sts)

R18: ch3, dc in next 16 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (204dc + 12fpdc = 216sts)

R19: ch3, dc in next 17 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (216dc + 12fpdc = 228sts)

R20: ch3, dc in next 18 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (228dc + 12fpdc = 240sts)

R21: ch3, dc in next 19 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 20 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (240dc + 12fpdc = 252sts)

R22: ch3, dc in next 20 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 21 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (252dc + 12fpdc = 264sts)

R23: ch3, dc in next 21 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 22 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (264dc + 12fpdc = 276sts)

R24: ch3, dc in next 22 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 23 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (276dc + 12fpdc = 288sts)

R25: ch3, dc in next 23 dc, fpdc in fpdc; (dc in next 24 dc, fpdc in fpdc) around, sl st in top of ch3 (288dc + 12fpdc = 300sts)

You'll have a nice big weird ribbed disc now, but we're not done yet!

R26: ch3, insert hook through back loops of next dc - by this I mean the back loop usually used and there should be a very small wrapped section just below that loop that you can wiggle the hook onto. If you cannot find that, don't worry, just work in back loops only to the end of the round, otherwise, dc into both loops around, change to your second color in the end of the last dc, sl st in top of ch3 to join. (300 sts)

R27: ch3, dc in next 74 dc, hdc in next dc, sc in next dc, sl st in next 146 dc, sc in next dc, hdc in next dc, dc in last 75 dc, sl st to top of ch 3 to join. (150 dc, 2 hdc, 2sc, 146 sl st = 300 sts)

R28: ch3, dc in next 74 dc, foundation dc 150 stitches, skip the sc, hdc, and sl st, dc in next 75 dc, sl st in top of ch 3 to join. (300 dc)

R29-32: ch2, hdc around, sl st in top of ch2 to join. (300 hdc)

After this row, work in a spiral without joining

R33-47: sc around (300 sc)

At any point in these single crochet rounds, you should start to sew in your zipper!

R48: [sc2tog, sc in next 23 sc] around (288 sc)

R49-60: sc around (288 sc)

R61: [sc in next 11 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 11sc] around (276 sc)

R62-73: sc around (276 sc)

R74: [sc2tog, sc in next 21 sc] around (264 sc)

R75-80: sc around (264 sc)

R81: [sc in next 10 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 10 sc] around (252 sc)

R82-87: sc around (252 sc)

R88: [sc2tog, sc in next 19 sc] (240 sc)

R89-94: sc around (240 sc)

This Week:

R95: [sc in next 9 sc, sc2tog, sc in next 9 sc] around (228 sc)

R96-98: sc around (228 sc)

R99: [sc2tog, sc in next 17 sc] around (216 sc)

R100-102: sc around (216 sc)

This Picture was taken at R100

As you can see, this baby is getting pretty darn tall! soon we'll be cinching in the top, and then we'll be adding closures to the pale dangly part and a few other things, but we'll probably be done in the next few weeks!

Thanks for all your patience, guys. If you've stuck through this project from the beginning, you've got more patience than me lol!

I'll probably work more on this tomorrow, since we'll be having a wind & rain storm here, and I won't be going outside at all. At least Wednesday's supposed to be sunny... it'll just also have gusts up to 34mph (54,7kph)!

I have a few ideas on what to do for my next Big Project on here, too, based on some discoveries I've made...

Anywho, that'll do it for me today - I've got a shower to take and some music to listen to!

Go Enjoy Something!

FC