Awesome for a first project. Went up a needle size to achieve a generous fit. Took out 20 rows.

Made Dorset buttons using this tutorial: http://www.craftstylish.com/item/42688/how-to-make-dorset...

Messed up the buttonhole (better luck next time), so I covered it with a 2nd button. Made the fastener from two ponytail holders- easy peasy!

Youtube is very helpful to get the hang of the stitches used. Look for tutorials by theKnitwitch!

I highly recommend the Biggo yarn from knitpicks.com! Very warm.

Blocking did wonders! Don’t skip that step.

Might do this sweater again and try to do something different with the sleeves/armholes. Maybe take out a set of ribbing to shorten up the yoke. I would also tighten up my stitches and add more stitches next time. I ended up knitting a bit loosely in the interest of keeping it big enough. Adding stitches would produce a nicer finished product.

All in all, I’m ecstatic with my first “big” project! Both the pattern and the yarn are very forgiving. I fits nicely and was fun to do.