Here’s my swatch for the Mystery Stole:
The bottom half is on US4/3.5mm needles, the top half (with the beads) is on US2/3mm needles. I think I’d ideally like to use the size in between…but all of my size 3 needles are currently in projects! (I apparently gravitate towards projects that are all the same gauge at the same time.)
Anyway. So I don’t know what to do. I prefer the looser look on the bottom, but I think it’s just a smidge too loose. Maybe I’ll finish up a baby sweater sleeve that’s currently on 3’s and swatch again today. I could always order another pair of needles, I suppose. I’ll try not to stress that I’m already 10 days behind everyone else. I’m a fast knitter, I can probably catch up!
The beading technique is pretty cool, though. You use a crochet hook to put them on as needed instead of stringing them all on before starting to knit. It’s a bit fiddly, especially considering how teeny-tiny (1.05mm!) the crochet hook is, but it’s also a bit addictive.