Expert: Marilyn Jane Rimmer - 1/17/2008

Question
Good morning Marilyn, have you ever crochet a aran baby blanket before?  I'm really confused by the instructions.  For instance instructions will say rows:  2-3 MAKE CABLE PATTERN  But the cable pattern is 2 rows for the whole pattern.  Does this count as row 2 & and row 3?  Or do I make two rows of the cable pattern which is a total of 4 rows?  I guess it's more confusing with the popcorn stich; it will say rows:  4-16 MAKE POPCORN PATTERN.  (then you refer to popcorn pattern and it is a total of 8 rows to complete the pattern.  I'm pretty good at reading instructions, but I have to admit I'm really stumped.  I've been able to complete pretty much any pattern.  THIS ONE IS TRULY CHALLENGING!  Here is a link of the book; I'm making number 11 (the peach one) ANY ADVICE OF ANSWER WILL HELP!

http://cgi.ebay.com/FISHERMAN-ARAN-BABY-AFGHANS-PILLOWS-Crochet-Patterns_W0QQite...

Answer
Bobbie,
I haven't completed an entire blanket, I have made a few swatches of different patterns.  
I don't think I'm going to be able to answer all your questions on this one.  I don't have this particular pattern book.
Here is what I can help with - your first question.
2-3 MAKE CABLE PATTERN  so row 2 of the blanket will be the first row of the cable pattern, and row 3 of the blanket will be the second row of the cable pattern.
As for the popcorn pattern, I'm stumped, also.  You have 8 rows of popcorn pattern that are supposed to be used in the 13 rows (row 4 -16).  All I can suggest is to review the popcorn pattern, do they possibly say to repeat some of the rows?
Sorry, I can't be of more help.