Thanks, y'all!

Wow, thanks everybody! I'm bowled over by all the comments. I'm wearing it right now, in fact. Nobody at work believes it was handknit, he he.

Pixie Purls Brandy mentioned my using a larger size needle for ribbing--I did that to avoid the tapering effect ribbing makes. I wanted the ribbing loose, and upsizing one needle size was enough; not too loose. Wouldn't want the unnecessary tapering around the hip area, you know what I mean.

Spaazlicious Wendy remarked about independent design and thinking--she has a good point there. I had knit a cardigan and two sweaters prior to this; the two sweaters were absolute failures due to sizing issues. I had gauge and followed the patterns but the sizing was just not right for my body type. I frogged both and looked around for a good, basic pattern that could be modified at any point to fit me. This is where Miss Walker's book came in, and the idea of knitting in a completely new technique (to me). She had great, although dated, examples in plain stockinette, cable, and lace patterns, which showed that the technique was completely flexible, and off I went. People, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! Geddit! You will not be sorry.

So now I look at patterns differently. Can I knit everything from the top down? Perhaps not. However, now that I know my measurements I can confidently change a pattern's specifications to fit my body. Lauren and I discussed knitting sleeves--I will probably be knitting most sleeves from the top down. The technique is smart: I can do decreases at a faster rate, and I can make the sleeves as long or as short as I want without worrying whether I have enough yarn.

Independent design, independent construction. I like that. I feel like I've rediscovered knitting. This may sound stereotypical, but I feel empowered! He he.

While I'm at it, let me direct you to Keyboard Biologist Theresa's beautiful Liberty wrap-around jacket. My god, it's beautiful--colors, striping, a bit of cable detail, the structure, everything. You have to know, it's on my list of projects; I even have the yarn. I've been thinking of knitting it in the round and steeking, but of course I'll have to think some more about that (yarn stickiness, etc.). It's doable, but.... :-) Anyone have additional thoughts on this?

Oh, one more thing! If you or anyone you know has knit either one of my designs, Mirabella or Liesel, please let me know! I've put together a Yummy Yarn Designs gallery.