Incorporated suggestions from other clever Ravelers:

From fiberbug: Cast on 10 stitches then started with row 2 of the leaf pattern, gives the beginning of the scarf a nicer tip.

From mickeyknit: To carry yarn 3 stitches in, avoiding weaving in: k1fb, k1, switch active yarn to right hand, hold carried yarn in left hand. Knit 2 stranded stitches. Drop carried yarn, switch active yarn back to left hand.

From nitnee: Once again, an i-cord edge, using three stitches, to hide the carried yarn.

4/14 - ripped and started again on a #4 - fabric was too dense. For all main color rows, moved yarn forward and slipped last stitch purl wise.