Sweater Troubles

After diligently swatching, I began the first sleeve of my sweater a day or so ago. I got it all cast on and got the cuff all done and then began on the cable pattern that circles the sleeve just above the wrist and discovered a problem with the pattern. As in: it's wrong. Now I was able to go and figure out the proper way to make the patterning work (they just had some directions reversed) and onward I went.

So as of now here is where I am with the sweater: About 10 inches of sleeve#1 done. While I am happy with it overall there is one problem. It is too small. I mean it fits just fine, but a little too close. I also discovered that my gauge swatch is a lying liar and I am getting more stitches per inch than the swatch said I would. So I decided to use my favorite sweater as a template and here is the new sleeve laid over the sleeve of my favorite:So, since I really want to wear this sweater and not go through all of this work just to have it sit on a shelf off to the frog pond it goes. I need to find a bigger set of needles (probably have them somewhere) and I also need to fine a stretchier cast on than a knitted cast on since it is tightest at that point. So little bit of a bummer but I want it to be just right.