Finally, starting a filet tree skirt. I have wanted one for years! My color theme for the tree is purple ornaments. I have a purple metallic thread that I am either going to use throughout or as an accent. It has to be blended with the crochet thread because it is so thin.

Foundation chain
It’s really annoying that she doesn’t give an exact chain count and says there are a “few” extra. Let me make that choice! I hate picking chains out, especially with thread.

61 blocks in each section -> 6 sections = 366 blocks = 366 x 3 + 1 = 1099 chains.

7 extra chains at beginning of row (for lace-up?)

5 “join)” chains between each section -> 5 join chains = 25 chains

5 extra chains at end of row (for lace-up?)

1099 + 7 + 25 + 5 = 1136 chains

There is a HUGE difference between 1160 and 1136 chains!

I know that some designers are stuck on the idea that you HAVE to work a filet chart from the bottom up. But that just isn’t true. The only reason I can see to work it from the bottom up (in this case); is so that you can work the last round of edging, around the hole for the tree, without having to break the thread.

Section join
The stitches to join between each section are merely a ch 2, sk 2 chains, sc in next ch, ch 2, sk 2 chains, on every odd row. On the even row, it is ch 5 between each section.

If I start at the top and work down:

7 blocks in each section -> 6 sections = 42 blocks
42 x 3 + 1 = 127 chains

7 extra chains at beginning of row (for lace-up?)

5 “join)” chains between each section -> 5 join chains = 25 chains

5 extra chains at end of row (for lace-up?)

127 + 7 + 25 + 5 = 164 chains

Hmmmm… which one should I choose?

I decided to go with the longer chain because I hate doing increases. It’s insanely long though. I know it will shorten as I work it. It’s just insane! lol

The first couple of rows are hard because there are so many solid blocks. Once I got past them, it became a bit easier. It helps that you decrease so much on every other row.

It’s strange to be working from 6 charts at the same time.

Ball 1 lasted through rows 1-5.

Ball 2 - Rows 6 - 12

Ball 3 - Rows 13 - 22 1/2

At this point, I am getting nervous about having enough thread. I have 4 balls of thread at 400 yards each = 1600 yards. The pattern says that it only takes 1400 yards. But I have just started my 3rd ball of thread on Row 13.

Ball 4 - Rows 22 1/2 - 36

Yep, I am pretty sure that 1 ball is not going to do the remaining Rows 22-56. So frustrating. I am going to see if I can find another ball of thread that is close enough to this thread so that it doesn’t show. If I cannot find another ball, then I will have to frog this and look for a different thread. I am a little over halfway finished. It’s going to suck if I have to frog this much!

1600 yards is not enough.

Ball 5 - Rows 37 -

Using the same brand, weight, color of thread but it’s an older version. This ball has a paper label instead of plastic label. It is not as crisp of a white as the newer balls. Hoping that is obscured by the purple metallic thread.

Finished all 556 rows and still on Ball 5. I decided to go ahead and work the edging in the same thread blend. I was going to do it in a contrast color but I am just being lazy with this project. Nothing fancy.

Border
I decided the inner edges, where you are supposed to run a ribbon, needed some reinforcing. So, after working the inner circle of the border and fastening off, I made the decision to re-attach my thread at the corner of the inner circle (!!!) and sc down the side.

I did 2 sc in each space and it worked out just fine. At the bottom of the edge, I started the instructions for the bottom edging.

When I finish that then I will sc up the other inner side. It really does help how it looks for the inner edge to be reinforced.

Dimensions
pre block
wedge widest width - 22.5 inches
wedge length - 17.7 inches

post block
wedge widest width -
wedge length -

I still have to do the finishing, weave in ends, launder and iron. Then see what it looks like.