My Mom's Boyfriend

When my mom called me up in November and asked me if I could make this sweater for her. I said of course. I was delighted to knit something for somebody!
This is the "Boyfriend Sweater" from Coldwater Creek, the style looked common enough so imagine my surprise when I could not find a similar knitting pattern anywhere.

Just as I was about to give up and buy her the sweater, Coldwater Creek discontinued the sweater. I begged for help on Ravelry and a great gal named Melanie volunteered to meet me at The Knitting Bee and help me draft the pattern. She was great and so was the pattern.
So I knit the body of the sweater and it was 4 inches too long and 4 inches too narrow. I had 3 more sweaters and sundries to knit before Christmas. I was forced to call Mom and tell her she would not be getting the sweater underneath the Christmas tree but that I would bring it and we could try it on and make adjustments and then I would re-knit. So I did and we did and then I did.
It took me a month after Christmas to get up the gumption to knit it again. I admit I was a bit cavalier by the time I reached the sleeve I had knit the body twice and I was tired so I just knit until I thought the sleeves were long enough. I had to do the button band three times. Thank you Stephanie at the Knitting Bee and Melanie for your help there. I am really sick of this color yarn - I still have 4 skeins left.
I sent it away to Montana and this is my young looking mother wearing it. The collar hugs my neck more than it does Mom's neck and I see she rolled up the sleeves.....I shall not comment. The sweater hangs a little wonky but honestly, at this point, I don't care.

Knit on size 7 needles (and 8's) with Cacade 220 Heathers yarn. Twisted Rib on the bottom and sleeve cuffs. 2x1 ribbing on the button band. Pattern by Melanie and me but mostly Melanie. We are thinking about writing up the pattern and making it available for the greater public.