30th April 2018 - Project just started.
Rounds 1 - 9 completed (as per first picture).

I’m using DK yarn because RHSS is too expensive in the UK. So my finished blanket will be smaller (unless I add a few rows…). However, Marriner UK have some nice alternatives to RHSS Blacklight in their Mermaid range. I’m beginning with a turquoise/variegated mix and have purple/pink/mix available for later, plus either turquoise or bright pink as the ‘block’ colour (or both…).
Will probably use a yellow shade instead of flame, but will see…

I’m beginning with a 4.5 mm hook (my hook of choice for DK yarn), but may move up to a 5mm if the blanket begins to bulge in the centre, but so far, so good.

30th April - Centre part completed.
Completed up to and including round 20, so have added the round 20 hdc round of Turquoise (blue-green above) to finish things off for the evening.
So far, this is a relatively easy pattern and well-written too. And it works up quickly.
Measures 50cm (19.5 inches) diameter.

2nd May 2018 - completed up to end of row 34
This pattern grows quite quickly.
I did stop to ask a question half way through row 27, as the edges, previously flat, were beginning to curl…a lot!
But, as Frank explained, this does sort itself out with following rows, and it did. No need to go up a hook size as I had considered doing.
Now at end of 34, it’s nice and flat again.

4th May 2018 - Done up to end of Row 41
Loads of double trebles!!!
Added the first Pink section at row 34 and it’s looking good but bright :)
Fpdtrs on the ‘backlight’ rows seem a little ‘bulgy’, even though my tension was quite tight, so I’m hoping that the next section flattens them out a little.

8th May - done up to end of round 46
We’ve had a Bank holiday here so progress has been slower.
Black section followed by more pink and then black again.
The ‘bulging’ does appear to have flattened out quite a lot and, when laid out, the blanket looks good.
It is very important to get your count right in these (as in all) sections, as otherwise the black pattern will be thrown out of placement.

11th May and on round 60
From row 48 until around 60, this part is all about building what I call ‘steps’ on rows of backlight (or alternative yarn). So there are lots of front post trebles on black, with rows of backlight in between.
This is quite easy and not too repetative (as row counts and placements vary), but this is now the part where the size of this project makes rows take a fair while longer to complete.
However, the effect of the ‘steps’ and the thicker fpt rows too is very effective, so worth it :)

Just a reminder, that counting and getting the correct number of stitches is vital for this pattern, especially with this part of the pattern, otherwise the design would be completely out.

14th May and row 68 completed.
Row 64 is the most challenging. It’s really easy, but it does take a long time to do :)
Row 65 completes it and actually these two rows provide a new (to me anyway) way to make a full, ‘bouncy’ feel design with easy stitches. I really like it!
Row 68 ends this section of backlight and black and I’m now on to the bright colours I used earlier and a new stitch placement. Should be interesting!
This may take some time though :)

End of May 2018 - leaving this until it gets cooler
I have completed row 70 and part of 71 and it was going fine, but the weather has been hot indoors (no air con here) and having a (now) heavy acrylic blanket on your lap isn’t a pleasant experience in the heat.
So, I’m waiting for some cooler days to continue. It’s not hibernating, as there are bound to be a few cooler evenings in the UK summer… But it’s more of a ‘watch this space’