Modifications, based on my experiments with my Jewel Shift Afghan :

Use the long-tail cast-on with no slip knot for all horizontal cast-ons (square 1 and all first row squares), and knitted cast-on for all vertical cast-ons (squares 2-5), as no cast-on is specified in the pattern. I didn’t twist the stitches for the knitted cast-on so they would be a little looser for picking up later..

Slip the first stitch of every row pwise WYIF to make it easier to pick up stitches. On return, knit last stitch in new color to maintain the edge.

Purl the CDD on the wrong side to create a stronger mitered effect.

Don’t cut the main color of the column when starting the next square even when that square begins with a different color. I cannot fathom weaving on that many ends! Just carry it up the side until you need it.

Work the final CDD of the square in the new color when the new square starts with picking up stitches in that color. This last stitch will count as the first picked up stitch.

When picking up stitches for inside squares pick up 24 then turn and then pick up # 25 through the last CDD of the square diagonally to the left, AND into the first stitch on the side of the left square. Pick up 24 from the rest of this square.

To reduce weaving in pick up or knit the first 6-8 sts of the new square using the yarn tail held together with working yarn. Work the end tail together with the first return row of that color in the next column/row (so the tail end of B in square 1 gets worked into the first return row of square 6).

Mitered border created by picking up 240 along each side + 1 in each corner (964 total) in the round and working a KFB on either side of the corner stitch on the knit rows. I kept the corner stitch knit on the purl rows to continue the look from the rest of the blanket

JSSBO on the border which I think works better than the lacey bind off I used on the Jewel Shift. It takes forever but looks very nice.

Colors:

A: Blush
B: Cotton Candy
C: Lady Slipper
D: Freesia
E: Mulberry
F: Peacock
G: Marina
H: Cornflower
I: Tranquil
J: Mint
Border: Dove

July 14 - Officially casting on today! My daughter turned 10 months old today and I’m hoping to have this done in time to be a Christmas present for her. My last one took me 8 months but hopefully this will go a little faster.

August 7 - Finished first quadrant!

September 14 - Second quadrant done!

October 22 - Fourth quadrant done! (Don’t remember when I finished Q3, oops.)

November 6 - FINISHED! I can’t believe how much faster this went than the first one. I hope this is something my daughter will cherish forever <3