From Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet:  The Happy Hooker:

Last year we found a sweater pattern in a crochet book from 1978 that was technically impressive--it was designed with only two pieces--and got us wondering if it would be possible to make a sweater in just one piece.  In the end, we wound up crating this shrug pattern, which starts with the back, works up to the sleeves, then one of the front sides.  After you fasten off, complete the second sleeve and the other front side.  The simple mesh pattern is fun to do, and the finished piece is loveable, wearable and stylish.  This shrug looks great over anything tight or strappy:  tank tops, sundresses, slinky evening dresses, or just a simple (but tight) T-shirt.  We have two versions of the shrug:  one simple, for those who just want a basic fashionable crocheted sweater, and a deluxe version with ruffles on the neck and the ends of the sleeves.