Westport Hooded Coat My first BIG project.

[Krynnite]

I'm reading through the instructions, and I come to a few questions:

Next 40 (50) (50) rows:   <-- I know the two 50's are for l and xl stitches
knit in stockenette stitch
*Next Row:  decrease91) st each end
Knit Row.
*Next (4) rows: Knit Stockinette
Repeat (*5) rows additional 3( (4) (4) times
#Next Row:  Decrease 1 stitch each end
knit row
#next (3) rows:  Knit Stockinette
Repeat (#4) rows additonal 1 (2) (2) times.

what do the * and # mean?
If I'm repeating it 3 times for a small/medium, what's the *5 mean?

I assume the # and * are markers of some kind, just not sure what it means exactly.  any suggestions would be appreciated.

I've read through and I think I understand what the Placket is (since there are instructions in the pattern on how to do a placket) 

So this would be my only remaining question.

[Krynnite]

Second part of my question, the width is measured as 21" lying flat....

I'm trying to make it for my mother... her bust size is 35".... but that's no help to a measurement lying flat (and since I've never made anything requiring measurements.

So would that make it 42" around (including the back which would be equal in length... so the measurement should be fine?

[Krynnite]

Can anyone help with my first question?  I'm still gathering the yarn so I haven't started yet.

[Krynnite]

I'm starting on the sweater now.  FOr the instructions below does it mean decrease 1 stich, then knit, then knit 4 rows, and then repeat that  3 times if doing a small/m ?

[mcs80013]

I wish I could help but that is a bit confusing to me, too.   I will be looking for an answer.   Hope one comes shortly so that you can start your project.