Worked this top to bottom (rather than bottom to top as written) and inside out (to avoid so much purling on flat section) and shortened the length. Result is MUCH better:

c/o 120 (follow pattern in reverse).
k1p1 ribbing for 7 rows before 1st buttonhole (EZ’s one row buttonhole).
work thermis pattern inside out on flat section (knitting 2 rows rather than purling 2 rows).
join by overlapping button bands (side with holes on top) and knit/purling first 8 stitches together, then continue to work in the round.
5 repeats thermis pattern after joining button bands.
k1p1 ribbing for 6 rows, then bo.

Slipped first st of each row when working flat for a neater edge.