Margie, try the change to ch 1 that i recommended earlier for the center of the shells in a sample piece, and also the tr2tog,ch 1. I get that you can't go any smaller on your hook, but the pattern changes may make all the difference in the world.
I never got making gauge swatches until I started knitting, but if you try the pattern change it may well fix this situation.
Best of luck to you!
