Time to make a crocheted rug - Part 4

You saw this picture in the last post. There's my pin, telling me I am back to the beginnings. It's not necessary to keep track of that, but as the rug gets larger and larger, it's a guidepost. Can you see the distinct 'rows'? The autumn type chain beginnings? The blue that followed nearly all the way around the first row? The black into yellowish and made up the 2nd row?
 And here we are with 3 rounds just about completed. In this 3rd round, I began to alternate: 1 sc in a stitch, and then 2 in the next one. That will be the way it goes for quite a few of the rounds as the rug grows. Sometimes that's NOT enough...and you'll end up putting (2)sc in several stitches in a row to 'ease' the curve. Sometimes it will take just ONE(1)sc in several stitches or it seems 'too full'. Sorry to tell you that will have to pay SOME attention to this aspect of making the rug. And I'll give you my BEST clues for what is needed. This is a NO FAIL test *VBS* If your rug is curling slightly as you come around the circle, you need to ADD MORE stitches. That eases out the curl. IF...the rug begins to RIPPLE, you've done TOO MANY stitches and need to pull out your crocheting back to where is doesn't ripple. Pulling out goes fast!!!!! Much faster than putting in!
As the rug grows, I lay it on the floor in front of me every round or two and make sure it is laying flat. I've had very good luck using these HINTS. Curl:to few stitches Ripple: too many stitches, and CHECK on the flatness periodically. And don't get discouraged. I figured this ALL out first hand. The directions in the BH&G book say increase every other stitch period after the first round. I found you MUST do that 2 in 1 as a 2nd round also. It's a learning process, but well worth the effort I think.
 Lastly, for today,fruits of my labor. The little "beginnings" is out to 3 1/2"s as I finish up the 3rd round. The red and white one is one I started yesterday(it will go to someone as a 'mug rug', when that begun round is complete it will be 4.5". The nearly all white one is a finished 'rug'. I use it under my coffee mug. It is made from white selvedges, and measures 5.5".
I've made dozens and dozens that size(5.5") for our local nursing home. They put a carafe of ice water on each of the dining room tables at meal time, and since they also use table cloths for the residents, the ice water carafe was making a mess, and dripping. My friend Jean came up with the idea of putting one of these little 'coasters' under the jugs of water and it solved the problem. The nursing home now also uses one of my little 'mug rugs' on each residents night stand to solve the problem in there. It's been a lot of fun and I enjoy making them this size. It goes really fast. I'm working on a bunch now that are all scrappy reds and scrappy greens. They will be for this coming Christmas.
And the nice part is, if a resident wants to take it with them when they leave, they may do so *VBS* There are so many ways to be of service to your community *S*
** Please feel free to email me with questions about your rug.