After test knitting “simple” version… upping my game to attempt the complex version. I like the contrast of the bright colors with the black. Switching 2nd color every 24th row (12 garter ridge stripes)… so far, so good.

Modified section 1 strip to make narrower, due to using worsted weight. Increased sideways cast-on for main body (from initial strip) to make stitch count specified… a liitle ripple-y, but will block out, I’m hoping. It’s going to be HUGE.