Happy Times Ahead

Try this out, it whips up pretty fast and feels good on. Any color.

Cast on 56 at hem, increase to 60 near hip area, at armhole decrease one at each side two times. Stockinette knit 8 inches in front and 9 inches in back before casting off for collar, 10 stitches in front and 20 stitches when doing back. Keep binding off one per row until 12 stitches remain for shoulder.
Cast on 84 stitches for neck ribbing. Work for two inches and sew to neck putting the seam in center back.

 Here, I've added a ladderback stitch shawl, with a tiny crochet snowman appliqué. I use the shawl over everything when it's cold also It's about 60 inches long.