A little experimentation was needed to find optimal thread and hook size for a good stiff, structural gauge and what my eyes and fingers could bear.

Reading the specific pattern (p.71) in tandem with the general B instructions I presumed in the first piece to crochet around continuously, even though it wasn’t marked as such on the graph (on p.70). Did slip stitch around edges of all 3 pieces, as per general instructions, which did improve the finish.

I love them. So does the teacher.