I’m making extensive modifications -- this is going to be something like a medieval Celtic dickey.

I’m not thrilled with the pattern so far, although it’s lovely in the photo, and the instructions combine a nice looking layout, with a readable pattern. The construction part of the design is not workable, and the buttons in the back are not a good idea.

The cowl bunches up so much in the back, I worried it wouldn’t fit under a coat or jacket. If it’s cold enough for this, then it’s cold enough to require a jacket.

I joined it in the round towards the end of the collar part (with a little overlap), and decided to put the opening in the front. How can someone button something on the back of their neck? Why waste beautiful buttons where no one can see them, and where all they’ll do is catch in your hair?

And I looked at pictures of guys wearing cowls, and their beards/ 5-o’clock shadow would get caught, I think. So I’m making mine attached, go over the head, and have an opening (and beautiful Celtic buttons) in the front. And I’ve substituted the femme-looking (though astonishingly easy!) little eyelet columns with a Twist column, and the center design with a 6-strand Celtic braid. The recipient is originally from Belfast, so I hope he gets a kick out of it.

I didn’t increase as many stitches as they said (108, not 122) because I don’t want my friend look like he’s waiting for someone to hook him to a plow.

I’m not decreasing as much in the bib part, either. I stopped part way down, and now I’ll only do it every 7 rows or so. Winging it.

The yarn is working beautifully, way exceeding my expectations, especially with the Celtic braid. The photo shows it completely unblocked or pressed. And it’s so soft and fluffy, and the quality is remarkably consistent.

Got the braid in this free pattern -- very well-written instructions, minimum torque with the cable. Lies flat and pretty without blocking!
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/celtic-moonrise-m...
(Most frequent mistake in cable: Row 9. Only one cable -- easiest row. Just make sure to wrap it the right way!)