Incredible!! What is the body of the fish?? It looks REAL. The starburst thing would make an amazing light-catcher. Did they have any other items? What is showing just below the fish. My wheels are on overdrive!! TFS!! -Sprout

Yes, a 12V "trickle" charger is sufficient. Do not test in an area where gasoline vapors or fumes are present as you will create a tiny electrical spark. To "bench test" the fuel solenoid you attach the negative cable (BLACK) of the charger to the clean, unpainted threads of the solenoid body, then with the charger plugged up, touch the positive cable (RED) to the wire lead of the solenoid. If the solenoid is working properly, you will hear/feel a small "click" when the wire lead makes contact/breaks contact with the charger positive cable. You should also see the brass plunger tip of the solenoid "pull into" the solenoid body slightly when the wire is connected, and extend or "push out" when the wire is disconnected. I have seen these solenoids stick because the fuel bowl content evaporated in long term storage and the heavy varnish and gum keep the plunger from moving. The plunger moves out under spring pressure of a very small coil spring. The electromagnetic force of the solenoid has to overcome the spring tension to "open" the plunger when the ignition key is turned on to allow fuel to enter the carb main jet. (the part of the carb that the plunger touches is the main jet or a seat ahead of the main jet). If the plunger does not pull in when attached to a 12V power source, fill a soft drink bottle cap with spray carb cleaner and position the solenoid so that the entire plunger end is submerged in the carb cleaner. Allow the plunger to "soak" in the cleaner for about 15 minutes. After removing the solenoid from the cleaner, push the plunger in manually by pressing it against a piece of wood. If it pushes back out instantly, it is free now. If it stays pushed in, it is still gummed up. Put the solenoid plunger end back into the capful of carb cleaner to soak for 15 more minutes. After you get the plunger freed up so that it comes back out instantly, hook up to charger and try the electrical test again. It might be necessary to prompt the plunger to move by pushing in slightly with a finger tip. Once the pluger pulls in, it should stay in until you disconnect the positive cable, at which point it should "pop" back out.

I have not made the capelet, but I have seen the foundation single crochet. I think it's a neat concept. I am posting a link to a photo tutorial for you. Here is a link that might be useful: foundation single crochet

I usually have trouble starting projects, and often start them 2-3 times before I get the hang of it. Partly I think this is because I work in the evenings when I am already tired, and also the light is not as good. I've got the afghan going now, although I did rip out a good bit yesterday and did it over. Thanks, all! Merry Christmas to all my "friends" here on the Knitting Forum.