Pesky Gauge

I've been working on Rowan Joy. I never did knit a gauge square because... well... I recently knit Shingle using the exact same yarn, and the exact same needles. So I figured since Shingle was 'spot on' in terms of the gauge, Joy should be. Right?

Wrong -- it's off by a shocking 5 inches! See where the point of the 2nd needle ends -- at the 19inch mark. Yep, that's where my knitting should be.


So what could change so drastically?
I've heard it before, but never put much stock in it... until now, that your state of mind actually affects the gauge at which you knit. And I guess I've been wound up pretty tight recently if my knitting is anything to go by. LOL!

So to avoid looking like the Michelin man in this top (checkout the new slimline version!), and to avoid ripping it out, I've come up with a cunning plan! I'm going to knit some side panels... and not just square side panels, but some shaped side panels that will take this somewhat boxy design and turn it into a figure-flattering masterpiece. Smell a disaster in the works? Yep, me too!
Does anyone have ideas for a better solution?

Other things -- I did make these groovy mod podge tins! And it doesn't get much simpler than this -- arm yourself with a 'thing' to decorate, some pretty paper, and a tub of mod podge glue and let the fun begin. It's like being back at PlaySchool!