@Claire Fletcher thanks!

@Tatiana Tsi I'm using a 3.25mm needle so it's not too bad! It all depends what you need to get gauge with your yarn and knitting. It's only 26 STS per 4" so it seemed like a nice into to smaller gauges for me (vs something more like 30 or 32).

Did you swatch in the round or flat? Are you using the same fibre/type of wool as she did? I will be honest, I can never match Zanete's gauge (I also never use the same wool) so I can appreciate your dilemma! If you swatched in the round (or fake round), Sport at 4mm looks like your closest match (sts match, rows don't), but do you like the fabric you get with that? Sport with 3.5mm or 3mm might be easier to work with -- your rows match (or are quite close), and you've mentioned knowing how to adjust for stitch gauge not working. I think it depends which you like the fabric of best and find easier to adjust for - row gauge or stitch gauge - and I often find that depends on the pattern. I have done swatches that are small, swatches that are large, and no matter what I do (including swatching in the round), I often find that until I start the sweater I don't know what my *true* gauge is going to be. As a result, I take note of my pre wash/block gauge, my post wash/block gauge, and choose one based off the post wash/block. Once I start the sweater, I take a look at what gauge I'm *actually* getting in the real garment and compare it to my pre-wash gauges to see if I'm on track. If not, I tear it out and go with a different size or needle as needed. I don't know if I'm any help at all, but I wish you the best of luck deciding which way to go!

@Elsje Van Rijswijk I get it! I couldn't get that gauge either. I think some of it is the actual yarn and some of it is just personal knitting habits. Apparently needle material can also make a difference. So many factors that it's hard to know how they're interacting to result in the final gauge. Good luck with your project. Can't wait to see it!

@Sarah Ferguson thanks! Super rewarding and empowering. Hubby may regret that as I come up with braver things to try (like making a pattern for a cable knit asymmetrical cardigan I want solely from photos since I can't find a pattern for it anywhere.

@Claire Fletcher do it! Lol. I don't regret it at all. I love them.

I have an umbrella swift I love. It just sits on top of the table (doesn't clamp on ). Unfortunately I don't know the brand -- it's a beautiful two-toned varnished wood one that I got at a local yarn shop. I keep it out on a shelf because it looks so pretty. :)