First, I would look for a pattern that gives the measurements of the pieces for a 42 inch chest--width and length of each piece--front, back, sleeves. Then I would look at the gauge of the yarn and needles you used and convert that gauge to the necessary number of stitches to cast on to get the measurements from the 42 pattern. Hope I have explained myself clearly.

Sheila gave you some good advice, just remember that cables will make the finished measurements smaller, so when looking for a pattern that gives the measurements you need, look for one that is similar to what you have made for the boys. Also, (and I don't have it) there is a computer program that you can use to design your own sweater patterns to fit any size, just type in the gauge and needles you are usuing, the desing you want and the measurments. I can't remember what the name of it is, and it's expensive, but if you like to knit sweaters, it might be a good investment. The owner of a local knit shop, where I usually knit with a group on Thurs., has it, and designed me a pattern for a shell using a stitch pattern I liked, when we couldn't find a ready made pattern for what I wanted. Of course I bought the yarn from her and got started that day! And I really love the shell!

Tami

You might try contacting the pattern company to see if they have a larger version of that pattern.

Tami

See if your library has a copy of Jacqueline Fee's "Sweater Workshop" which uses Elizabeth Zimmerman's percentages system to design sweaters for a given gauge and size.

Couldn't you just pick some design element from the boy's sweaters....a couple cables or whathave you, and then do those down the center of a plain knitted sweater that you KNOW the guage for?