Decided to start off with a provisional cast-on, since I knew I would be picking up a buttload of stitches for that button band =) Worked very nicely! Went up one needle size to get gauge. Added one extra decrease at the waist, and one extra increase at the hips. I went up to a size 9 needle for the i-cord bind-off on the button band to make sure it wasn’t too tight.

Looks like I am coming in at under 4 skeins in my MC and under one for the stripes which is awesome! Very nicely written pattern, super easy to follow. This sweater is going to get a lot of wear this winter!