From the pattern:
“This design grew out of my enthusiasm for drop stitch patterns - those formed by working multiple wraps on one row and dropping them on the following row - producing elongated stitches.
A wonderful family of possibilities is based on this simple concept. I particularly like this pattern stitch for a child’s garment because of its delicate texture and tendency to form scalloped ridges. By knitting the cardigan in one piece to the armholes, the continuity of the reverse stocking stitch ridges is preserved.
- Kathie Power Johnson”