For knitters out there, here is a link to a VERY simple sweater that anyone who can knit a scarf with a simple knit stitch can master. It allows for variation/customization with more advanced stitches/techniques as well. My first one turned out OK, I made a few minor adjustments on my second attempt and from then on they have turned out better and better with each one I make.
I use size 9.5 knitting needles and 2 strands of the cheap red heart brand acrylic yarn. I follow this pattern except I lengthen the neck section to 25 rows to allow for the turtleneck.
WARNING: dogs who chew can quickly unravel a hand knitted sweater simply by chomping through a single thread! 
http://www.talkingtails.com/sweater.html
Here are a few examples…
Dude
Hot Rod
