Neck and shoulder shaping.

by Jane
(Canada)

Decrease chart

I am knitting a sweater front .... 143 stitches in total. The pattern tells me to work as given for back until 12 less rows have been worked then back. Then it says, pattern 39 stitches and turn, leaving remaining stitches on holder. Work each side of the next separately. Keeping pattern correct, dec 1 stitch at the neck edge for 8 rows then following alternate row (30 stitches on needle). Then comes shoulder shaping ... cast off 3 stitches at beginning of next and following alt row, then 4 stitches at the beginning of following 4 alt rows at the same time decrease 1stitch at neck edge of next and following 2 alt rows and then on fourth row. Cast off remaining 4 stitches ... this part seemed to go ok. Then the pattern says, with right side facing, slip centre 27 stitches onto a holder for neck band. Rejoin yarn and pattern to the end. Complete to match first side, reversing shaping.

The shoulder strap on the shoulder I have yet to do will be 39 stitches, I presume. 27 centre stitches are on a stitch holder but that leaves me with 38 stitches ... 19 on either side of the neck band. The pattern is unclear about what I am to do with them ... hope this is clear. If anyone can help, I will be grateful. I am knitting Marie Wallin’s cowslip sweater ... perhaps a bit beyond my skill level. Thanks for any help you can offer