into this:

"But why?" you ask, "It looks great! The cables all twist the way they should -except that first one on the bottom right, but no one will ever notice. Besides, you've already started over once before."

I know. But still, even after going up from a 4mm (req'd needle) to a 4.5mm (the first 24 row repeat) then to a 5mm (the next 24 rows) I STILL DON'T GET THE %f@!#$ GAUGE!

Yes, I'd wanted to finish the sweater by Sunday so I can start the child sweater Monday with only 1 more dog sweater outstanding.

Yes, I've worked on this sweater now Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights in a row.

Yes, I know it's just for a dog and I could *fudge* it a bit by adding more ribbing, etc...

But I've already frogged.

The stupid thing should have been 8" high after 2 repeats- I have 7". The first repeat with the 4.5mm gives me 3.25". The 5mm only gives me 3.75mm.

The width should be 17". The first repeat with the 4.5mm gives me about 13.5-14". The 5mm gives me 15".

I have no choice. I can't keep going and keep a clear conscience. I had to start over.

I'm resentful, but I feel better. Tomorrow -not tonight, I feel better but I'm still resentful- I will start over yet again, this time jumping straight to a 6mm. I know there is a 5.5mm in between I could try. Save it. I'm a tight knitter. I acknowledge that. I embrace that. Tonight I'm going to go to sleep and try to forget all the wasted hours this week. Tomorrow I knit. Give me a 6mm addi turbo circ and get out of my way.