This block should be subtitled "A Lesson in Rolling with the Punches".

This square looks great, right? Now compare it with this one:

http://homepage.mac.com/navyseal/PhotoAlbum32.html

Do you see it? The triangles borders on either side of the block are upside down.

This pattern consists of two charts, one for the center cables, and one for the triangle outsides. Conveniently, both charts have row counts that are multiples of 20. Instead wasting time keeping track of two charts, I simply made two copies of the side charts and taped together one large chart of the entire block. Unfortunately I wasn't paying attention to notice that the triangle edge charts were the wrong way. I honestly did not notice this mistake until I went to block the square. I decided once again that it was good enough. I even have moments where I like my version better than the original.

For most of the cabled blocks I have not been using a cable needle. My yarn is "sticky" and does not unravel easily. I find it faster to just take the stitches off the needles, rearrange them according to the instructions, put them back on the left needle, and then knit them normally. However, These cables were a little too large to allow me to use this needle-free method. I don't find this a drawback in the pattern, especially because there are relatively few cable crosses in this pattern. It's just more of a note: make sure you've got a cable needle handy when you start this block.

Aside from my blunder, I found this pattern a breeze. It's easy to anticipate and the yarn-over triangles are a fun change of pace.

Next block: Barbara McIntire