Maura Test Knit

I love doing test knits. It's a great way to get past the indecision of 'what should I knit now' and I find it opens me up to new techniques and construction methods. I try to find designs that appeal to me aesthetically and that provide some challenge.

My latest test knit is Maura  by Wondrlanding.

When I first saw this pattern on Ravelry I contacted Eszter and expressed interest in testing should she require it. I was soon contacted and immediately jumped at the chance.
I really hoped to use my Madelinetosh 80/10/10 Sport in the colourway Jasper but alas, I didn't sufficient yardage :-(
I spent some time swatching with different yarns in my stash and achieved gauge with some Moda Vera Wool/ Cashmere. I was able to buy some through destash for a bargain price so this is the yarn I knit with.
To be honest, it's not the nicest yarn in the world. It's a little splitty and coarse. That said, the finished sweater is quite soft and the yarn feels nice against my skin without itching so I'm happy about that.
This cardigan is knit from the top down with raglan shaping and features a mirrored cable and lace pattern down the fronts. The little knotted buttons are knit and then attached to the fronts and create a series of almond shaped opening down the front when closed.

I chose to knit a size 36 which is smaller than my actual bust size and had a few concerns about it being too small but if anything it is actually a little big. It is designed to be very close fitting but I'm finding that it is not as tight as I expected. I've since come to the conclusion that I need to knit for my high bust measurement (underarms) which is 34 inches, especially on garments where negative ease is required. My Papillon sweater has the same problem (along with excessive pilling!). I knit a size smaller with that pattern and yet the finished item is loose where it should be tight.
The only real problem I have had with this garment has become apparent with wearing, and that is that the button loops are too loose, or to be more precise, they have stretched. I haven't decided yet if I will unravel that edge and do it over or if I will sew the buttons in place to make it a pullover. I have tried wearing it open but to be honest I much prefer the look of it closed.