Shawl Sweater Started, FINALLY!

So I worked on the pattern for my shawl neck sweater. I have the back mapped out and knit a good 5 inches of it. Very pleased with that!

I was going to try to work from a couple of patterns I have in books, but they were all working with worsted weight (or smaller) yarn and this is aran weight. I really didn't want to have to play with the gauge or numbers that much.

Then this lovely, talented, and very beautiful friend of mine had an extra little pressie for me for christmas. Rowan's Scottish Highland Knits book.... And the first pattern is a chunky weight sweater with a shawl closure. Sure it is all in seed stitch, (and you all know how much I love that!) but it is much closer in the gauge and shaping that I was wanting. I've looked through the pattern and seen a few tweeks here and there (adding some shaping). and of course had to adjust to a larger size. but for the most part, the backs are the same. it is the front flaps that are going to have to be improvised. eh, should be done in a week, right???

ah well, time to knit!