Simplicity Pattern 1961 Misses knit cardi-wrap

Hello, I'm new here and wanted to first say hi!

However, I do have my first question as well.

I'm working on a Simplicity pattern. It is my first piece of "clothing" pattern I have ever done. I figured it would be simple, which I still believe it is but with all the terminology and pictures not being very "clear" I am getting confused left and right.

This is the pattern I am working on:



I am curious if anyone has done this pattern? Did you run into confusion when following the steps? The part I got confused with is step 2 and 3 with the elastic. I've gotten passed it now hoping I have done it correctly. I ended up buying and using the knitted 1/4" elastic which it called for 1/4" elastic but didn't say what kind. I have never sewn on elastic with a machine so it was quite interesting trying to play around with that. Of course I tried it on practice material and then went ahead and did it.

However, I am curious for those who have done this pattern did you end up liking the elastic in the neck area? I am asking because I am doing the XXS(extra extra small) size pattern, and I think I am still going to have to take a lot out of it only because I'm a little person. I am only 3'5" tall and this definitely has some length to it. LOL

Do you have any suggestions for working with this type of pattern?

Thanks for any help and tips you could give. I would highly appreciate it.

I have not used this pattern, so this is all off-the-cuff general stuff:

First of all, since you're using a knit, be sure to use a ball-point needle. If you have a stretch stitch on your machine, use it -- if not, be sure you don't use too short of a stitch.

Knit elastic is fine -- you could also use a clear elastic.

As for reducing the garment, it's best to reduce the pattern tissue before cutting.

To reduce the overall length: measure a garment you have that is the length you want this to be. Measure in the back from the neck to the hem. Now you can use that measurement to adjust your pattern tissue (or actually, make a new tissue by tracing). Once you have the center back neck to the center back hem measured out, you can now follow the hemline to adjust the rest of the body of the garment.

To make a new tissue for the sleeve, fold your sleeve pattern piece at the center, and then trace a new piece.

I hope this makes sense...it's difficult to explain this without graphics, but hopefully it will give you an idea of where to start.