Stripes!

I volunteered to make a colorful crocheted coat for a little friend of mine. Because the bright colors were a significant part of its charm, I chose to buy the exact yarn - Schachenmayr Catania - that the pattern called for. First obstacle: one of the colors, the light green, is not in production any more! Fortunately, Patons Grace turned out to be the same weight - despite what their respective labels say - and had a great match on the missing color. Although I remain mystified on why light green is considered "Ginger."

According to the pattern, the yoke is the most difficult part, lining up the increases. I just kept double-checking my numbers and plowed through it. And this evening I have finished the first shell row, which magically creates the armholes!