I used a Drops pattern and made a few adjustments
Find the free pattern here: http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/us/pattern.php?id=4625
As for yarn, I used a DK weight cotton.
I would totally recommend this as a "my first sweater" pattern. It was easy. It did take me a few months but there was no confusion with the pattern. My only adjustment was the sleeves. I picked up stitches on the arm hole rather than knitting arms and sewing them in.
