Mods to pattern:
Knit with US9 for gauge for body and sleeves of sweater.
Used US8 for cuff ribbing and band/collar ribbing.
Added a total of 8 stitches to the sides, 2 stitches on each side of the knit stitch “seam” for a total of 4 stitches on each side of knit stitch “seam” which I decreased out right before separating for upper front and back.
Added an extra 2” in body length for 14” in size 44.25 (actually final blocking to 15” which also works for me.
Added an extra 2” to each sleeve length for 20”.
Picked up a total 250 stitches for the collar/band section due to adding length to body and my sleeve/upper front and back sections being 9-1/2” instead of 8-1/2”.
Also used four 1-1/2” buttons due to adding body length.
When finishing upper fronts and back, I wasn’t happy with my short rows and continuing the cables so I ripped back and continued those sections with just plain knitting.
Also for the sleeves, I picked up 64 sts instead of 58 called for size 44.25, and then followed the decreasing instructions for the 62.25 size which called for 64 sleeve sts. Also, check your gauge when knitting your sleeves if you would prefer the puffier sleeve version of Thea’s (I didn’t check my gauge) and my sleeves are not quite as puffy but I still love it.
Hope to get some modeled pictures soon, just waiting for our weather to improve and warm up just a bit. For now all pictures are on my stand-in.

The perfect little red cardi!. When Thea posted receiving this yarn in this red, I immediately purchased a SQ for myself and patiently waited for the test knit to begin. I had no idea what she would create with this gorgeous yarn but I knew I needed to knit it no matter what it was.

And here we are! Swatching has begun! Swatch is drying and it’s spot on for both length (unusual for me) and width. I did have to go up to a US 9 instead of the recommended US 8.

12-27-24--Finally finished with lower body, starting right front upper body. Used almost 2 full skeins for lower body. I also decreased the 4 extra stitches I added to each side on the last 2 right side rounds, now back to the correct numbers for size 44. This should give me an extra 2 inches for the lower body (I have been making closer to a 46” size lately). Upper body should be ok without extra stitches.

12-30-24--Wasn’t happy with the shoulders and W&Ts continuing with the cable stitches so I ripped back each shoulder and redid them with just plain knitting, much happier and almost ready to seam shoulders so I can get started on the collar and front bands.

12-31-24--Getting ready to seam the shoulders then pick up stitches for the bands and collar.

1-4-25--Band is half finished, waiting for my buttons to arrive (supposed to be today) to finish the band, but I also started the sleeves while I wait for my buttons. First sleeve is halfway.

1-5-25--First sleeve is finished, picking up stitches for 2nd sleeve. I also ordered one more set of buttons, still not sure which size/color/design I like the best, sigh.

1-8-25--Well, buttons arrived and I have picked the ones I like best but after knitting the entire band with buttonholes, I wasn’t happy with either so ripped it back and I am redoing the band. It needed more stitches and I think a smaller size needle so that’s where I’m at right now, picking up stitches and redoing the band. Sleeves are also finished so I should be able to finish this on time.

1-9-2025--Finished and blocking! Need to sew on buttons when dry.