I’m test knitting to decide whether I want to make this throw. I’ve tried the right panel section so far.
I think the center panel repeat is 33 sts. My first hint was that gauge is 7" over 33 sts and when I count between the * * on row 3 I get 33 sts. I don’t trust my counting or intuition here 
and figure it’s better to ask before casting on for a test knit of this section.
Yes, for the central panel, row 3, there are 33sts in the repeat. You begin and end the row with 33sts. Gorgeous afghan!
Thank you, salmonmac. I think I might actually make it. I’ll see how the center section works up now.
While working the right side panel I noticed that I will need a very loose CO and I got to thinking a provisional CO might be a good idea. I could use a lace BO on top and bottom. The pattern calls for a crocheted border but I might want to do something else. If I chose to do a knitted border, would working it starting with live sts be a good idea or should I pu&k across a bound off edge? If I do a crochet border I am sure I would want bound off edges. For once I would like to have a real plan in mind before beginning but starting with a provisional CO will allow me to change my mind too.
I’m not indecisive, at least I don’t think so; well, maybe I am.
Indecision can be good. It just means you are thinking of the possibilities. Either knit or crocheted border, this is going to be a lovely piece.