Progress on Sahara

Here is my Sahara so far:



I've had to make a few modifications. First of all, my gauge isn't right as far as the rows are concerned. The stitch count is fine but I get more rows per inch so I am relying on the measurements laid out in the pattern rather than the row counts. Secondly, I'm making more hip increases. Instead of increasing every 8 rows 5 times for a total of 20 stitches increased, I'm increasing every 5 rows 7 times for a total of 28 stitches increased. It's difficult to tell how well it fits because of the open front. While I wear close fitting clothes, I'm not used to wearing such a fitted sweater. I love the way it is fitting so far.

I have a question for those of you who are using beads--I am adding them to the diamond rib parts of the sweater. Did you add beads randomly or to certain stitches in the pattern and if so, which stitches?