Checkers

So I've been swatching for my Palette Fair Isle Cardigan. I swatched in the round, since the cardigan is knit in the round. I've heard that some knitters get different gauge in the round than flat.. Since I don't know if I do or not, and I don't want to find out on this project, I cast on 100 stitches and knit nearly 4 inches on size 3 needles. I got 31 stitches & 35 rows to 4 inches. According to the pattern, I should have 32 stitches and 36 rows. I don't think I'll change needle size, but I was contemplating knitting the extra solid color rounds dividing the pattern bands to make the cardigan longer.

I did the math and the row gauge only makes it about 1/2" longer than what exact row gauge would be. However, the difference in stitch gauge makes it about 1 1/2 " larger around, which might be to my advantage. I'm halfway between two sizes and I can't decide whether to go up or down. I can almost guarantee I won't wear this buttoned, and I don't like to swim in my cardigans. But I don't want it to be too small either. I want it to be just right, especially considering all the work that will go into it. I will probably wear this with a thin knit turtleneck (storebought, slightly heavier than t-shirt fabric, if you know what I mean).

So, opinions, please: My bust measures 41 1/2", so I fall between the pattern sizes of 40" and 44". What size should I knit?

BTW, you and any other interested parties can sign up for the KAL here, or just watch the progress of some beautiful fair isle cardigans, vests and socks! Spread the news!