I used 3 strands of Moorland and one strand of Kroy FX. I had bought the moorland for a cardigan, but after a (stretching in ALL directions) problem with a vest knitted with Moorland, I was hesitant to use it. I thought that using multiple strands and adding a nonstretchy yarn, this project would put the yarn to good use.

I made the largest size because I have wide shoulders, which ultimately worked out well. I had made a VERY LARGE swatch, changing out needles 3 times, trying different combinations and numbers of strands - but - “The difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.”

This project was big and heavy, my hands were hurting and my gauge got tighter (having to hold the needles tighter, while wrestling with the weight.) So I ended up with a FO a little smaller than the largest size, but that just fits.

I did not use YO increases since I don’t care for the “decorative holes;” I substituted forward and backward loop increases/cast ons. http://techknitting.blogspot.com/2007/03/two-handy-knitte...

I omitted the buttonhole and added 3 crocheted loops to close the front. With my bustline, the “hanging open thing” isn’t really flattering. I made the body 2.5” longer before starting the ribbing, but didn’t alter the armhole length.

I wanted buttons that were chunky enough to balance the bulkiness and gauge of the fabric. What the “free market” failed to provide, Mother Nature provided for free! I made the buttons from 1/4” slices of a limb of the ash tree that my DH had trimmed (shading the solar panels.) I cut them using a mitrebox, drilled two holes(one through the pith), sanded and stained them dark walnut, then sealed them with 2 coats of polyurethane.

In the photo the collar and the shoulders appear distorted/twisted. There is nothing wrong with the pattern; I have scoliosis and my right shoulder is almost 1/2” lower than my left.