There is a mistake in the pattern. I tried and tried to follow it and make it work but eventually I looked at the photos from the completed projects to see if I could work out what was wrong.
What I discovered is that on Row 2 the final pattern repeat should end after the 4dc after the Double V stitch. Then skip 2ch and 1dc to finish.
Without this correction Row 3 will not work with the spaces lining up.

17.6.17
Fast project, once I figured out the problem.
I really like the finished blanket.