Starting Neptune's Tears

Pattern: Neptune's Tears
Yarn: Hand spun merino/silk/bamboo blend, on a 1 oz bottom whorl spindle. 
           Colorway is "Ocean's Swell"
           Roving purchased at: Spun Right Round in Cortland, NY.

First off, starting this reminded me that I am still just an advanced beginner when it comes to crochet.  I had to rip it out a good 5 times before I really was able to start this.

My immediate thoughts:

Do not start row 1 in the 4th from the hook, start in the 5th from the hook.  If it looks like 3 dc / 2 ch / 2dc / 2 ch / 1 dc, you've got to bump it one.  It's 1 dc / 2 ch / 2 dc / 2ch / 2 dc / 2 ch / 1 dc.

For the first few rows, make sure to watch those double stitches at the start and end of each row, it's very easy to double in the wrong base.

All that being said, once I stopped being stupid and making stupid mistakes, the solid panel got well going. I do have to say that the colors are beautiful, and I can't wait to see this all done.  It will look like one big iridescent abalone wrapped around my shoulders. :)