Yes, you get more drape with a bigger needle, and that will likely cause your cables not to pop.
Interesting that you have trouble with US 2s and your hands. I find my hands hate US 8 and above (5mm for the rest of the world). I do socks on 2.25mm and it is very comfortable. But everyone has different ways for their bodies to betray them.
I think you’ve captured my accidental design philosophy 
Why do we do this to ourselves??
Very good point, I think sticking with US 2 is probably going to be the most ideal for this design.
I’m going to try to take it very easy this weekend and do some stretching/icing/bracing so that I can get this design swatch done!
I never start out intending to but somehow it just happens, must be gremlins.
Agreed. Gremlins are the real problem here.
That is beautiful 
I’m thinking maybe those salmon skeins should be https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lariat-3
@plainjane you are really making me need to up my knitting game so I can more confidently knit sweaters
Ohhhh those cables!
Wow.
Would people be up for a knit-along? Because I have no idea how to do it but really, really want to, but am unsure about even buying the right yarn.
Ooh fun! Yes!
I’d be in too I think, depending on how long I have to find appropriate yarn!
I’m having a knitting lesson tomorrow 
And chit chat. But also probably knitting lesson.
I’m obviously up for a knit-along. And for talking about what might be the right yarn, though I’m more familiar with wool options than warm weather things.
I would love a knit a long. I’m more interested in not-sweaters but I can be flexi. 
I’ll knit whatever with y’all. I need to start hunting for a nice warm wrap to make to go with my bridesmaid’s dress for this fall. I’m having visions of a mustard/orangey yellow dress with a nice wine colored wrap since the directions are to wear fall colors…
Agreed. Anything that makes me up my knitting game.
I’d been thinking about making a wrap myself - I think I want to frog my owl sweater, it just doesn’t fit right. 
So, there’s plenty of repurposable yarn there…
