Wonderful fun project to make! A suggestion: you would crochet more efficiently if you wrapped the yarn around your left index finger: and held it taut: then it’s “there” for you to catch with your hook to make a stitch, instead of your having to let go of the project with your left hand to pick up the yarn to catch with your hook. Also want to mention that while joining the pieces, you can sc over the ends, and also when adding the hdc edging.
While you certainly can do it that way, and I have done just that (make a long piece, fold it over and sew up the sides), I prefer 2 pieces. For me, the fewer ends to weave in, the better. If I sew up the two sides, then I have extra ends to weave. It all comes down to preference. That was an excellent question!
