This pattern was very easy to follow. It is great for a beginner. I used every bit of the 4 balls of yarn. I had to leave off 2 rows of the bind off section because I was close to running out of yarn. I don’t think you can tell. I really love how this shawl turned out. I did not like the feel of this yarn while knitting it was scratchy. After it was blocked, the shawl softened. It is a heavier weight shawl. Nice for the winter. Altogether, I had 19 stripes. I would make this shawl again but in a different yarn.