Having completed a zip up cardigan for my granddaughter with a cardigan in progress for daughter-in-law, I decided that I ought really to knit my son something for Xmas. I found a Lion Brand Hoodie pattern [70084AD] but had to modify it significantly as: 1. The pattern used chunky wool and 8mm & 9mm needles; I used Aran weight with 4mm & 5mm needles. This meant some mathematics on stitches and rows plus planning raglan decreases on squared paper. 2. The pattern just met at the centre front; I wanted an overlap. More calculations required and a reshaped neckline to accommodate overlap 3. The pattern instructions cast off at neckline and then picked up stitches; I kept live stitches and used smaller needles (3.75mm then 4.00mm) around junction to ensure that it did not overstretch yet avoided a bulky seam. 4. I K2tog at each end of the crown to join the top of the hood to the sides rather than cast off and sew up (more bulky and not as neat) 5. I made the button loops with I-cords