For the cast on this tutorial helped me a lot:
http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/FEATmagiccaston.html

The pattern-pdf is missing the complete gauge information (only the numbers of stitches are given, but not the required dimensions in inches). The complete info can be found on the pattern’s ravelry page: 17 stitches and 31 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette

I also was a bit confused by this information given in the pattern: “Work Rows 8-11 a total of 26 times (230 sts - there will be 28 sts between each set of markers)” That is not completely correct: There will be 28 sts between each set of markers, except in the middle: Between markers 4 and 5 there will be the double amount of stitches (56).

Same in Row 1 of the Set up border: “246 sts - 30 sts between each set of markers” - except between markers 4 and 5 (60 sts).

For experienced shawl knitters this is quite possibly very clear - for me it wasn’t.

helpful notes:
http://missyvanee.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/cladonia.html

Good tips for blocking:http://www.ravelry.com/projects/yukisa/cladonia

I am very pleased with the finished shawl - it is slightly bigger than the measurements from the pattern, which is fine by me.

I am quite proud since it didn’t take me very long and the outcome is beautiful. Of course, there are some little and bigger flaws, but this is ok for me. It was my first real shawl project and I learned some new tricks from it (magic cast on and knit cast on for example).

The yarn is ok - after blocking, it drapes beautifully and the stitch definition is very nice. But it is a sock yarn after all - the large merino percentage makes it reasonably soft, but the Nylon-“feeling” definitely let me cringe while knitting it. I guess I have to look for better alternatives for similar projects.