thank you so much for all your sage knitting advice. All agreed it was best to rip (and drink!), which is exactly what I did. After I posted my knitting SOS last night, I put the project aside and went to bed. I had enough sense at least to put some distance between me and the sweater. I figured I would have to rip it, but didn’t want to do anything rash.
I hoped to have pictures for you, but this day has been a tad crazy. Friends in crisis and one in the hospital! (our Flair had some tests done – thank goodness everything is okay) All is well that ends well and I am back to knitting the pattern stitch on the smaller needles. Once I get a few more rows done, I will measure my gauge to make sure I am on the right track. For now, it is off to spinning guild for me!