Well, that wasn't so awful. Four inches of unknitting, and two more knitting it back again, and now all is well. The sweater fits over my head, the collar is right where I want it to be, and I can officially call this one a completed success. Hooray!
I once again used Elizabeth Zimmermann's sweater advice in making this sweater (Knitting without Tears has some of the most complete advice for a first go at something like this, I think). It's the first time I've tried an (adult) yoke, rather than raglan, and I'm so pleased that I did. The yoke fits nice and snug (which was my plan for the whole sweater), and any bunchiness from the fast decreases work to add a little extra room where I need it. (My Ravelry notes.)
The mustard contrast yarn has long been missing its band so I don't remember its source (but do remember that it came from Jennifer - thank you, Jennifer!). The grey/blue is Beaverslide Dry Goods Worsted. This is the third - or forth, even - sweater that I've made with Beaverslide, and I fall more in love with it each time. It's so sturdy, and yet has a really lovely drape. It's held up so well with the heavy use my husband and boys give their sweaters. Which is precisely why I chose it for this "garden sweater" of mine. Meant to be worn heartily at home, short sleeved to keep my arms free from bulk while working, and thick and fitted in the middle to keep me warm on spring days.
Those spring days are coming, you know. It's evidenced here by the melting snow, the change in wardrobes, and the brighter, warmer sun that sticks around longer with us each day. As you can see, Harper knows - longjohns have been abandoned for fancy jackets from the dress up with burdocks clinging to each side, warm hats have been abandoned for "sunglasses" to keep the sun out of his eyes (any excuse for gear, this one), and mittens and gloves are abandoned for the work at hand, frequent splinters and all (we got it out just fine). (And don't you worry about miss Annabel - she's just a little skeptical out there, is all.)
Even with a fresh dusting of snow on the ground this morning, we can feel it. The need for spring sweaters is close at hand!