Just dropping by to mention that naturelf pointed me at this pattern and I tackled it as my "gee, I've only ever knit. I should learn to do other things. Like purl" project. While I cheated a bit (knit flat and eschewed bobbles), I did finish the little bugger, see (http://piratefanatic.livejournal.com/84321.html)?

Right. Point. Thanks for writing and sharing that pattern. It was certainly a challenge, but totally clear and understandable (and this from someone who hadn't ever followed a pattern). So you = win!