I think you are absolutely right about the collar–I have never done short rows, but the wrapping of those loose stitches may have helped. Next time I will bind off the shaping but not the center…see how it goes.

And I love that knitting bag! I am making a tote for the Maryland Sheep & Wool Fest w/ my blog button (as an iron-on transfer) which (after I fill it w/ festival loot) will become my next project bag.