jay's scarf

I've swatched Jay's 2*2 ribbed scarf using the Mission Falls Superwash Wool on the suggested #8 needles. However, I'm not really satisfied with it because the ribbing is a bit looser than I'm used to (not that I'm experienced at this). I'm thinking of taking the swatch to the yarn store and seeing if I should go down a needle size to get a tighter weave. As it is, any wind would defeat the purpose of a scarf. The holes are so large that I don't think washing would really "fill in the gaps".

See the large image to get a better idea. And psst, the cloth underneath that is some ivory stretchable silk to line James' cell phone cozy (it's a kitty shaped cell phone cozy).

Update: took a jaunt to Uncommon Threads (LYS- Local Yarn Store) and they said it looked like the right gauge. If it were tighter, it'd get stiff and stifling. Since the yarn is wool, I was assured that it'll be plenty warm. The scarf will be snuggly if kept a bit loose and prevent Jay from overheating (Please, no comments about the "hotness" of Jay here).