Yes you can, needle size is just a suggestion, use whichever size you need to get the tension given in the pattern

I prefer to knit the first couple of rows flat and then join in the round. I find it much easier:)

Yes definitely

Which would inevitably lead to buying more yarn for the pattern you just found

Thanks 😊

This cardi today, I've been working on it since August, but only on the weekends when I've got the brain space for it.

Hi

That's lovely