Faster to make than you think! A perfect offering to the Boiling Cauldron of Death that isn't another purse, not that there's anything wrong with purses mind you...Featured in the Winter 04 issue of Knitty.

Inspiration:Kiddo had a math learning games CD that had a version of Mancala on it which all of us would take turns playing. I figured if we all liked the game so much why not make one? Wouldn't it be better to play against another person than say a computer opponent?

I googled all I could to find out about the history of the game, origins, rules etc. Thought it was neat that there were so many theories, variations on the name and rules. Game play is open to interpretation i.e. House Rules.

Process: From the initial thought of making one to actually making one was about 7 months. In the intrim I'd made a gazillion different little basket/bowl dealies, polled the Kittyboards for feedback regarding feltable wool that was easy to find in the states, made note that a big issue with knitters was the lack of issue on subbing fibers and demand for more felted projects. All of these I took into consideration when making the game.

Once I had the pattern finalized it was a matter of acquiring feltable wool. I had been experimenting with Serendipity's wool but was not quite convinced with the way it felted, too much stitch definition left for what I had in mind. Fortunately Leslie (grazie Leslie!) was up for a trade so Cascade 220 was to be mine! Note: you might think because I live in Italy - land of fab fibers - that feltable wool would be widely available, well it isn't! They grow the sheep here superwash! Bah! I hopy you all enjoy making it as much as I did and playing it as much as we do! If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask :)