One of the many genius things about this design is that the short row “cells” are small enough that even with a shorter striping yarn, the cells tend to be rather consistent within each.

Did a 2 stitch garter tab, German short rows, and slipping the last stitch of each row pwise wyif for a smoother edge.

Stopped after completing Section 2 where the edge is straight. Still an ample size for my rather petite self.