I found the
Giant Floor Ball book at the library (the bestest place on Earth). I took the pattern and lots of yarn with me to get my car inspected, thinking I'd have all the time in the world to whip one out. Well, it seems that when you remember to get your car inspected early in the month, then an inspection takes less than an hour. That wasn't nearly enough time to finish this monster.
I had a hell of a time following the pattern. I'm a visual person and it was just text, so I found myself getting lost in all the words. Plus, they put the explanation of many of the pattern stitches in the middle of the instructions instead of before, so it doubly obfuscated what the hell I was supposed to be doing. And, on top of all that, every row is different. Craziness!
But all the eye-crossing and head-aching was worth it because I learned so much about pentagon-making. I'm also learned that I'm a very conservative crocheter. I almost never incorporate pattern stitches, random back-and-forth-ness, or general wackiness into my work. I mean, look at those
popcorn stitches. They are totally EXTREME. Over the top. Knobby McKnobbystein. They could put an eye out. Maybe that's what crochet needs, some danger.