I made 7 panels with 16 spirals each and even though the spirals were 4” as per gauge, I’m nowhere near the size the completed pattern says it should be. I agree with BlackLilly’s comment which suggests leaving a long enough tail on each spiral so as to connect two spirals with the same yarn. I liked the idea of crab stitch panel connection but decided I was a bit too lazy to take the extra time it takes me to do that stitch. Instead, I slip stitched every other stitch with ch1 between each. I also did not particularly like the frilly look that the pattern called for when finishing the top and bottom. Instead, I finished the ends the same as the sides. It sounds like a lot of Ravelers who made this project decided to alter it to avoid a lot of gaps. As I kept working on this project I realized that the gaps are really part of the overall design and therefore should be embraced--this is a look that should consider the color(s) that will appear underneath when ultimately draped upon, say, a sofa. I blocked each completed panel before assembly and at completion.
Although I’m satisfied with the finished product, I wouldn’t say this was a fun project--too many weave-ins. Also, the explanation for spiral construction was poorly worded . The actual method was far simpler than the over-stated instructions.