December 1, 2018
Loved making Donner and choose this pattern because I liked the first one. In all excitement, I did not notice that this was bottom-up pattern. I prefer top downs, but I already have the pattern, so here I go. 
The sizing is on the very large size. I do not think it is meant for DK, as the pattern says. Started with 2nd size on US5 and it was coming out huge despite being 18 sts /10cm. Switched to US4 and knitting 1st size minus 4 sts. I like the size much better now. Will add my gauge info later. Omitted provisional CO, since linen/silk does not roll. Also, added symmetrical lace panel in the back.
December 25, 2018
Notes on the pattern:
The top is finished and I am happy with how it turned out and all the changes I did to make it work for me. Pattern is very well written and everything to the last stitch is explained, just like in the Donner pattern that I made previously and loved. However, I had some issues with gauge and sizing in this patterns and that is why I rated it only 3 stars. For the love of knitting, i could not get the asked row gauge of 30 rows/10cm not only on suggested US7, but on US4 I ended up working on. I am more of a loose knitter, but still. I do not know how is it humanly possible to get that gauge for DK yarn. I saw some people did, but I could not get it. I had the same problem with Donner, but not to the same level. Anyhow, my row gauge was off, so I had to knit based on the measurements and not follow pattern exactly.
Another problem for me was to get the sizing right. As I wrote above, I had to CO less stitches than recommended for the 1st size and I am wearing normally medium size. The suggested measurements for the sleeve depth and the overall length from the sleeve to the bottom of the sweater, were also not working for me. I am only 5’3”, but they seemed really small even for me. I increased them a little, but the resulting garment was on the shorter side and the sleeves were tighter than I liked. Thankfully, I was able to stretch out the top while blocking with pin needles to desired size.
I will definitely knit another of Elizabeth’s patterns, but will need to try to achieve the required gauge prior to starting one to make it more mindless knitting for me and I definitely prefer top-down ones.
I also made some changes to make the top dressier and more interesting to knit for me by adding lace to the back and changing the trim on neckband and sleeves. I used what is becoming my signature finishing touch border of lace/cable combo sideways BO, to finish the neckline and sleeves. You can find the same type of finish in my Bordertown shawl and Bordertown cardi and in Lonely Skein cowl as well.
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