knitting: projects that last - sweaters pt 1

I've learned over the years that not every project was worth my time and money.  Of course I want to knit all the things, but if I expect to use the knitted item over and over and hey, possibly be warm or fashionable, then I need priorities.  Instead of buying so much yarn, I'd rather buy better yarn. And while it would be terrific to knit every color, I'm really not going to wear every color.  So here is a piece that I've knitted and loved and loved!  

(I believe in real community and try to buy yarn from my local yarn shop.  But if you can't, I'm linking to lovecrafts because they carry some of my patterns and I couldn't find Juniper Moon's website.) 

COBBLESTONE TRENCHCOAT

Designed by Veera Valimaki, found in November Knits book.

Finished in fall, 2015
Originally, I knitted this sweater to showcase new yarn in the shop where I taught.  I altered several things, most specifically the pockets and the hood.  The hood was based on an idea I had, and unfortunately I did not keep notes.  To be honest, the hood is too big to stay up in wind on its own, but I like it and it's a good layer over other hats.  I had misgivings about there being no edge on the main body, lots of Stockinette stitch, but in the end, it works just fine without.  

Pockets and buttons:  Instead of the pattern pockets, which are very cute, I did afterthought pockets to add colorwork on the insides.  Once I finished the sweater, it immediately became a staple, and I wore it TONS before I finished the second pocket.  Like, years.  And then I wore it more years before I got around to putting the buttons on.  I used to wear it with a beautiful, hand carved shawl pin, but one day I leaned on it by accident and snapped it in half.  Heartbreak!  Finally I added the buttons.  I get compliments on it every time I wear it; it's the colors, I know.  But also, it's awesome and suuuuuuppper comfy.  I've also used it as a lap blanket in the car.

Sleeves:  I've learned that I don't like tight sleeves. I don't like when my long sleeve shirts get bunched up under sweater or jacket sleeves.  So for me, the easiest sleeves are picking up at the armhole and working short rows to get to the armpit, and then working even.  The construction does not always allow for this, but often does.  Sometimes there are a couple increase rounds or decrease rounds per desired shape, but mostly even to whatever is happening for the cuff.  

Yarn:  Juniper Moon Farm, Moonshine - worsted weight, mostly wool with alpaca

I believe the blue was Swimming Pool, and I can't remember which brown but it's brown.  Regarding yardage, I went by the pattern but may have used a bit more main color.  The yarn is a bit pilly.  It's wool; it has alpaca; it's soft.  It's gonna pill.  

Practicality:  a few reasons why this piece works for me:  

-One of the best things about this sweater is the length.  It is longer than my winter coat and gives my legs protection from the chill.  Whenever I go out for an early morning shoot and don't wear it, that's my first regret - nothing else really gives my legs a second layer.  
-It's a nice layer that is a bit of a jacket on its own, but when needed also fits well under my winter coat and blocks all the drafts!  
-The cuffs on this sweater are great because when needed, I can fold the sleeves at the cuff and they stay folded, say, for washing hands.  
-I still think it's super cute!  

What about you?  What's your best happy-every-time-I-think-of-it project you're glad you made?