Block number three was Dagmara Berztiss. So far this has been my favorite block to knit, though I did have some problems at the end.

First of all, I think this cable pattern is just lovely and knitting it was very pleasurable. I think that I enjoyed following the chart because it was different with every row yet predictable. It was also just one large chart, which I found a lot easier to follow than multiple charts worked simultaneously. With the process of knitting and the final product, this is my favorite block so far.

I knit the block as written and as I was binding off I realized that the top and bottom didn't look symmetrical. The problem seemed to lie in the final three rows of the bottom border before beginning the chart. I re-read the pattern and determined that I did exactly what the pattern said. The top looked just fine, but the bottom looked off and wonky (I wish I would have taken a picture). On the top, a field of reverse stockinette stitch fills the center just before the border begins. On the bottom what should be the field of reverse stockinette is 2 rows of garter and 1 row reverse stockinette [read (WS)Purl, (RS)Purl, (WS)Knit].

I couldn't figure out any good reason for this variation in top and bottom and I certainly did not like the way it looked. However, I was not going to rip out the entire block! Instead, I ripped out the bottom border completely put the live stitches back on my needles and repeated the instructions for the top.

If you are going to knit this block I would recommend eliminating rows 1-9 of the pattern. Provisional cast on 54 stitches and immediately start instructions at "Beg Chart" and follow them through to the end. After binding off, take out the provisional cast on and put the 54 stitches back on your needle. Repeat all of the instructions starting at "Beg Seed st Border".

Next Block: Suzanne Atkinson