FO: Top-down Raglan Sweater

Yarn: Reynolds Smile (acrylic/wool blend)
Needle size: 11
Gauge: 3sts/4rows = 1in
Pattern: no pattern, used a combination of the top down method from Knitting from the Top by Barbara Walker, and the top-down raglan instructions from Glampyre

This was my first sweater made without a real pattern and despite some setbacks, it was easier than I thought it would be and I'm pleased with the result. In hindsight, I should have made it a tad longer - the body and the sleeves - but it's definitely adequate. Measuring is simply not my strong suit. I tried this sweater on at least 20 times in process, so there is no excuse for the fit not to be perfect.

The neck, in case you can't tell, is a loose turtleneck. It's hard to tell in the picture because of the angle. I like that Barbara Walker's instructions shape the neck so that the back is straight across and the front scoops down a little, so you can tell the back from the front. But I don't like the unclear neck instructions. You start with a raw neckline and I assumed that you then go back at the end and pick up stitches for the crewneck or turtleneck or whatever, but when I got to the end of the sweater instructions it listed "Variations" and gives instructions for starting the sweater with a variety of necklines. I did actually read through the instructions before starting, but somehow missed this little nugget. Anyhow, that was solved easily enough by picking up stitches and winging it.

All in all, quite successful. The sweater is now packed away with cedar blocks awaiting fall.

Edited to add: previous progress on this sweater was documented here and here.