Knit braid chunky cowl - Free Knit Pattern

Long time no see... I have been busy completing project that has been on my list since last year. I found the pattern in the book Vampire Knits, then on the website: http://www.womansday.com/home/craft-ideas/diy-style-knitted-hooded-cowl-111302
I liked it so much that I made it for two of my friends: Hela (in purple) and Magda (in turquoise). Finally I got to make one for myself in green of course.
The pattern is a bit confusing, so this is my modification (very minor) to the original:

Skill Level: Intermediate 
Size: One size 
Finished measurements: 18" x 32" (circumference at bottom edge) (46cm x 81cm) 
Materials:KnitPicks Cadena bulky (70% wool, 30% alpaca, 31⁄2 oz/100g, 110 yds/100m): 4 skeins in Admiral Size 101⁄2 (6.5mm) 16"and 24" circular needles Stitch markers Cable needle Tapestry needle
Gauge: 14 stitches and 18 rows = 4" (10cm ) in stockinette stitch
Special skills: 
Special instructions: 
C6F: Place 3 stitches on cable needle and hold to front, k3, k3 from cable needle. 
C6B: Place 3 stitches on cable needle and hold to back, k3, k3 from cable needle. 
Stitch patterns: 
SEED STITCH (worked over an odd number of stitches) Round 1: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end. Round 2: *P1, k1; repeat from * to end. Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 for pattern. 
9-STITCH BRAIDED CABLE Graduated cable lengths are created by working 5 rounds even between cable crossing rounds twice, then 4 rounds even between cable crossing rounds twice, then 3 rounds even between cable crossing rounds to the end. Starting at 4" decrees each purl section  by one stitch, then every 2" until you have 2 stitches in each purl section. 
Note: Change to shorter circular needle when needed. 
Cowl: With longer circular needles, cast on 143 stitches. Place marker and join in a round, being careful not to twist the stitches. Work in seed stitch for 4 rounds. Next round (cable set-up): M1 purlwise (p1, k1 in same st), p6, *pm, k9, pm, p7, repeat from * to end of round, ending with k9—144 stitches, 7 stitches in each purl section. Work 2 rounds even in pattern. Cable Repeat: Next round (cable round 1): *P7, C6B, k3; repeat from * around. Work 5 rounds even in pattern. Next round (cable round 2): *P7, k3, C6F; repeat from * around. Work 5 rounds even in pattern. Work Cable Repeat once more. 
AT THE SAME TIME, when piece measures 4" (10cm), decrease 9 stitches evenly across next round in the purl sections, as follows: *p3, p2tog, p2, work cable crossing or knit stitches depending on round; repeat from * around—135 stitches, 6 stitches in each purl section. 
Work Cable Repeat twice more, working 4 rounds even instead of 5 between cable rounds. Work Cable Repeat to end, working 3 rounds even instead of 4 between cable rounds. 
AT THE SAME TIME, decrease 9 stitches evenly around in purl sections every 2" (5cm) 4 times more, as follows: Decrease Round 1: *P2, p2tog, p2, work cable crossing or knit stitches depending on round; repeat from * around—126 stitches, 5 stitches in each purl section. Decrease Round 2: *P2, p2tog, p1, work cable crossing or knit stitches depending on round; repeat from * around—117 stitches, 4 stitches in each purl section. Decrease Round 3: *P1, p2tog, p1, work cable crossing or knit stitches depending on round; repeat from * around—108 stitches, 3 stitches in each purl section. Decrease Round 4: *P2tog, p1, work cable crossing or knit stitches depending on round; repeat from * around—99 stitches, 2 stitches in each purl section. Continue in pattern until cowl measures 171⁄2" (44cm) long. Work in seed stitch for 4 rounds. Bind off loosely in pattern. Finishing:Weave in ends. Block lightly.
The first two times I didn't join in rounds and it was definitely more difficult. The third time I joined in a round, but I failed to make sure the stitches are not twisted and after working 4 rounds I had to start the work from beginning. Here is a good video of how to join in a round: 
Join in a round video