I ended up somehow not using the Blueberry cardi pattern and making up my own:

with size 7 needles CO 54sts in trim color. Knit in 2x2 rib for 1” end on RS row

switch to size 8 needles - now working in stockinette
set up row - p8, pm, p8, pm, p 22, pm, p8, pm, p8

RS - K to 1 st before marker M1R, K1, SM, M1L repeat 3 times more

WS - P to end

Repeat 12 times more

for sleeves - I knit the 34 sts held on scrap yarn and then picked up and knit 6 sts under the arm. 40 sts total.
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decrease 2 sts and knit one round in the melon mix. Switched to size 7 needles and did 2x2 ribbing for…