Crocodile stitch crochet work in progress update

I have been working on another piece of crochet in this cold weather. It’s inspired by this crocodile stitch cowl I found looking up alligator stitch how-tos:

You can purchase that pattern by following this link here.

Although, I wanted something with a longer neck, to keep my face warm. And instead of the longer crocodile stitch pieces running into a vest, I wanted shorter pieces similar to shoulder pads. So I started working on a pattern that would work out better for me.

Here are the results. After finishing the collar, I thought awhile on the button placement:

I chose largest to smallest in the end. Then it was time for sewing and modelling:

There is definitely room for improvement in this pattern, it is only the first one I have made. The colours were also fun to work with!

I have been working on a pattern for this, for anyone interested in replicating it. IS anyone actually interested, though?