I misread the instructions for the button bands and as you can see in the photo the bands were pulling and curling because I had not picked up enough stitches. I had read the pattern as picking one stitch up in every three rather than 2 in 3. Now unpicked and reunited and looks fine,

This is the first time I have used dpns. A bit fiddly but getting the hang of it and it will be good not to have to join all those seams.

Just finished and got the hang of the dpns. Now just needs blocking and buttons.
I decided to wash and block the cardi as there is nothing on TV and it can dry while we are away. Quite a bit of dye came out of the yarn when I washed in lukewarm water. A bit worrying. I managed to squeeze a fair amount of water out and rolled in a towel to absorb more. I then laid it flat to try and block. The pattern does not show finished dimensions but the chest has come out as 26” so that is OK. It looks slightly long so I am going to leave it overnight before I pin it to shape. Hopefully it will tighten a bit as it dries (and I will try to encourage it too!)