We fondly refer to this one as “The Tasha Tudor Sweater” because it reminds us of her simplicity and homespun fashions.

I chose to use traditional yarn overs for increases rather than “hidden” increases as the tiny bit of lacy detail is pretty. I also added ribbed cuffs as Mom prefers a stay-put 1/4 length sleeve to a floppy cuff.
This is a good pattern for beginners, I’d say.

Etsy provided the buttons from artist Muddymuse in Wilmington, NC (bless you during Irene). These choice little buttons are so very cool and looked to be glazed with this yarn in mind.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/muddymuse?section_id=5274752

The Melody yarn is pleasantly springy when worked in a fine garter stitch, but drapes nicely too. I’m not sure if it’s the yarn or the wonderful pattern, or maybe a combination of the lack of shoulder seams, the loose smock design and the garter stitch that gives so nicely~ no binding anywhere. It feels like you’re wearing nothing at all on your back! That’s an amazing bonus I hadn’t anticipated.

I also particularly like that there’s no pilling with Melody and it doesn’t itch at all. This sweater is light enough to hold it’s shape and yet nice and warm, too. Thank you to all of you who posted your finished projects that inspired me to attempt this beauty! I’ll be making more of these as it worked up so quickly with no headaches :o)