I agree, since you purchased it from Etsy you have access to the designer to ask questions. If she's selling on Etsy there is a good possibilty that she is a new designer and would appreciate the feedback about pattern writing.
I have had problems with patterns before. I've learned to read through the pattern and "pretend" like I'm doing the function (both sewing and cutting) and most of my patterns are chock full of pencilled in notations. One pattern in particular (a tote bag) I had to make it to that point and mock it up so I could see what was being illustrated - once I had the pieces in my hand the lightbulb went off and I got it.