Colors: Natural (main), Paprika (stripes), Cognac Heather (buffalo heads)
Needles: US5 (3.75mm)
Size: Small (38) with modifications.
All the effort in sizing the cardigan paid off; it fits the recipient PERFECTLY! And the buttons... You ask, where did I get the buttons? Why from ETSY, of course! When I first started to consider what buttons I wanted to use on this cardigan, I thought first that I should go to one of the amazing button shops in San Francisco then, realized that it's an opportunity to take advantage of the wide offerings on ETSY.... so, I did a search and scored wonderful buttons from Wicked Wool Gathering. Visit their shop by clicking their banner:
1. Use 100% wool. (as mentioned before, it makes blocking easier!)
2. Swatch! (seriously). Now swatch again.
3. Rip (if it's not the right size). It's only knitting. You did it once, you can do it again.
4. Block before seaming.
Of course, these suggestions are valid for lots of projects... paying attention to what we're doing... recognizing when something seems to be going awry, and taking action are some of the best rules to live by as we create!