And, lo, I finished Blumchen, which I have been knitting on intermittently for, oh, two years.
But before the finished product shots, a few thoughts.
Thought the first: Anne Hanson's patterns are amazingly well-written and packaged. Would that she could organize the world.
Thought the second: The blocking class I took with Hanson changed the way I think about finishing. It really is just as important as the knitting itself. Not only did I wet block all of the pieces before I seamed them, I also steamed all of the seams after they were sewn. I even went so far as to borrow a dressmaker's ham to deal with the shoulders. Overkill? Maybe. But the seams are gorgeous.

Thought the third: I might have a problem with buttons.

This is about half of the buttons I own. That's totally normal, right?
I pulled out a few that I thought might work.

Then pulled out a few more.

Then found something that looked suspiciously like a lentil.

It then dawned on me that I should see which buttons actually fit through the buttonholes. Et voila. My choice was made. I'm still not 100 percent behind what I've gone with but know that buttons, like so much of life, are impermanent.
Thought the fourth: I'm really pleased with how my Blumchen turned out.

The yarn is divine. The color is perfect, thanks to Chris from Briar Rose Fiber. I really took my time with knitting this and it shows.
Thought the fifth: I really, really, really wish I'd taken Amy Herzog's Knit to Flatter class before I started Blumchen.
(Warning: This next photo is not at all flattering. It is included to prove a point. When you speak of it, be kind.)

It's a little ... snug. Totally my fault, mind. I shall now look for someone who is smaller than I and who looks good in greeny-blue. Anyone?
Thought the sixth: It's a bummer, yes. But I did really learn a lot this time around. And my next sweater, which I'm about to cast on for, is totally going to be the one.