Silver you
are a knitting Goddess, and thanks so much for your comforting reply. I say "comforting" b/c after trying to follow the directions from 10 different places about grafting and mattress stitches, I took out my trusty crochet hook and slip stitched all the end stitches together to bind the shoulders and sides. Worked pretty well.
I haven't done the sleeves yet b/c I haven't finished them, but that's next. Meanwhile, I got a sneak peek at the body of the sweater and I love love love it. I have 2 out of town events coming up and I really want to wear it, so I have to get back to knitting!
Carie