Crocheted Sweater--Pattern Review

It's finally finished! One and a half months after starting this sweater for Jessica, I finally finished it and gave it to her today. Jessica seemed to like the sweater, so that made me happy. :-) Doesn't Jessica look lovely at 5-1/2 months pregnant?!
Ruth

The pattern I used was a freebie from Hancock Fabrics called the "Matinee Swing Jacket." I thought I would review this croched pattern following the format found at Patternreview.com.

Pattern Description: A crocheted swing style sweater jacket with 3/4 length sleeves.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, except for the neckline

Were the instructions easy to follow? This pattern is rated for intermediate crocheters, and I will agree. Other than baby sweaters, this is the first adult garment that I've crocheted. I found the instructions easy to follow, but I did have a few problems with the instructions for the front pieces.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked that the pattern did give good illustrations of each piece which was helpful to me as a first-time sweater maker. However, I did feel like the instructions were vague when telling how to decrease in the front sections. The instructions did not give specific stitch counts and when I got to the end I found I did not have enough stitches. I had to undo several inches and start over several times before I got it to work out right. Even so, the neckline ended up being too tight.

Yarn Used: Lion Brand Homespun in the color "Antique."

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I lengthened the sweater by 2 inches, but I think I should have lengthened it even more. Jessica has a long waist, and it seems a bit short on her, in my opionion. Of course, it may just be her pregnant belly making the sweater seem short-waisted.

Also, in order to accomodate the tight neckline, I ended up closing up the buttonhole and sewing the button down a few inches lower than the pattern called for. This created a bit of a lapel which both Jessica and I liked better anyway. We used a toggle button which really looks good.

Would you crochet it again? Would you recommend it to others? I might make it again---this time for myself. :-) I'd recommend it with precautions about the front sections.

Conclusion: Overall, I am very pleased with the sweater. Other than the problem mentioned above, the sweater went together very well. It was easier than I thought it would be to crochet, and now I'm ready to attempt something more complicated.