To add, does the following mean, “then on every foll alt row to 32 [32: 34: 36: 36: 36: 38: 38: 40] sts and then on every foll 4th row until 30 [28: 30: 30: 30: 30: 32: 32: 34] sts rem.”
On even number rows, let’s say rows 2,4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, and 26, decrease by 1 st at the end of these rows,
then on rows, 30, 34, 38, 42, decrease by 1 st at the end of these rows?
I’m concerned that the shaping won’t be like the pattern shows - see below?
Many thanks for your help again,
For the Shape sides, you’ll be increasing “…at each end of…” the designated rows. So the shaping is going to be symmetrical on each side.
It’s similar for the Shape top directions. The cast off is at the beginning of the next 2 rows. The sts will be cast off at each edge. It’ll be offset by a row but that won’t be noticeable.
The decreases for the sleeve cap are again “…at each end of the next…” in all cases. That includes the directions you quoted in your second post:
On even number rows, let’s say rows 2,4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, and 26, decrease by 1 st at the end of these rows,
then on rows, 30, 34, 38, 42, decrease by 1 st at each end of these rows?
There are sleeves that sometimes have asymmetrical decreases but not in this pattern.
It’s OK, I’ve realised that I should be shaping at each end of the alt rows. I will undo back to the shaping part.
Thank you.
I finished 
I’m not sure about the stitch colour at the hobbles, but I’m very happy with the overall result.
The cast-off at the front neck rib was a lIttle tight. Any suggestions?
Many thanks for all your help.
It looks terrific. The colors are just yummy and the bobbles are fun. Stitching the details around the bobbles after knitting worked very nicely.
Sometimes it helps to work the cast off using a one or two sizes larger needle in the right hand.
Many thanks for your kind comments.
Great suggestion re casting off with a larger needle. I’ll try that next time.
Thank you 
Super!
I always bind off with a larger needle (quite a lot larger sometimes) unless I’m using a bind off method which is already designed to add stretch. If you want to try different bind off methods there are lots.
Depending how much you want to learn or adapt patterns, roxanne richardson has an excellent video tutorial on cardigan button bands which includes tips on how many stitches to pick up to prevent the band flipping outwards (too small) or being too big and tips on how to add an extra stitch to the bottom to visually avoid the dip caused by the first but of rib rolling. It’s all about refinements.
Sometimes in use my swatch to try out different bind offs and different size needles and just keep tinking back until I find one I think works.
Your cardigan looks lovely.
What’s next?
Thank you for that. I will definitely try a different method next time and I will have a look at Roxanne Richardson, thank you.
I’ve since make 6 cotton pot holders. 2 in orange and 4 in red, for friends for Christmas.
From a free drops pattern.
I might knit a vest to go with my new Cardi - I have plenty of yarn left.
Thanks again for all your help and encouragement 
To add, the Cardi I just finished, was knitted using 100% alpaca. It was really lovely to knit with despite a few tiny hairs shedding.
In complete contrast, the pot holders are knitted in 100% cotton. Such a contrast and not very nice on your fingers - I’m a rather tight knitter.
But, got used to it and have spare yarn. Perhaps I’ll knit something for myself, in cotton, for when the warmer weather returns….
When I was a teenager, my sister’s mother-in-law, knitted me a fabulous cotton white, red and blue, jumper. I loved it. She didn’t enjoy knitting it and said it was horrible on her fingers. I didn’t appreciate this until now.
The pot holders worked out very nicely and will be much appreciated gifts. Love the color and motif.
Yes, cotton is difficult to knit with even if you are a loose knitter. You might try a cotton blend the next time you need to buy yarn. The cotton merino, alpaca and wool blends are kinder on your hands and are actually better at holding shape.
Thank you.
Great suggestion re the other blends. I’ll have a look.
Thank you
Great pot holders!
You’re so organise having the Xmas gifts on the go!
I have knitted several tops in cotton and whilst I did notice a difference between yarns I actually quite liked working with Drops muskat and it has a gorgeous pearl sheen , the stitch definition is so clear and pure too, really lovely if you like to see the shape of the stitches. Of course sometime it is better not to have too much stitch definition, I chose to alter a few stitches from the patterns to improve the look.
I have used king cole cottonsoft to make a sweater for my son which was also OK to work with, not soft soft, but not the harshest either.
But I made my hands sore using dish cloth cotton, the cheapest sort, to make cloths.
Certainly though cotton is not going to feel as lovely to work with as some other yarns.
There are some lovely drops vests and summer tops designs you could browse for your left over yarn. A vest is great in the colder weather too, no need to wait for summer.
Thank you for you kind words.
I’ll have a look at muskat, perhaps it has some mercerised cotton?
Great advice thank you
