Robin, you have been given some great advice, especially checking your gauge, which none of us like to do! If a pattern calls for casting on more stitches, but has a pattern to it, especially a cable, try it anyway. Cables take up stitches, or pulls the stitches tighter, similar to ribbing, so it takes more stitches to fit the same. Also, measure your foot from the back of your heel to the tip of your toe. Subtract 2 inches. That is how long you need to knit the foot before you start your decreases for the toes. The decreases will take up about 2 inches. That is how you get the socks to fit your feet in length, no matter what the pattern says. As long as you get it to fit around with the right number cast on, you can make the foot as long or as short as you need to. I use Ann Norling's Basic Adult Sock pattern. It has multiple cast ons for different weights of yarn. I cast on 72 for my fluffy legs and decrease to 68 at the ankle so the foot fits right. For my DH, I cast on 72 and do that to the end with only decreases at the toe. All on size 2 needles. Cables are not hard as long as you mark your rows and pay attention. And the needle thingy you need is called cable needle! I have used a double point needle and a size 1 crochet hook in a pinch! Hmmmm, a tooth pick, too, once! Tami

Sorry this is happening particularly if these are a favourite. Sometimes the stain darkens with age and then it becomes noticeable. That's happened to me. Still it is very weird that more stains showed up. I have had some success with scrubbing a large dollup of regular Tide laundry detergent into a stained area with my fingernails. I really work it into the stained area. I let it sit for a while. Then wash with the hottest water I can use. Be generous with the liquid laundry detergent as I find that it works better with excess in this case. I usually add an extra rinse. If that doesn't work I would use OxiClean. It is suggested that you soak it for a very long period of time but no longer than 4 hours. It works very slowly. Unlike for regular bleach which only needs a few minutes to work. Any longer than that and the bleach could destroy the fibers. Good luck!

When I was going to the gym I found that for certain things I was doing I liked my shoes tight like running but other things such as some of the classes where you moved side to side there was less swelling and pain if the shoes were looser I think I would pass on these one size plastic things. I also wonder how long they last before they broke or the connection started opening by itself.

Localeater your feet will thank you if you can get a better fitting shoe. I have found that suddenly I need a half size larger shoe in almost every brand. I find most of my older shoes still fit. I actually live in Queens but find LI often easier to shop in even without a pandemic. Since your brother is in Carle Place and you used to visit you might know Sunken Meadow Park. I hiked there today through the hills and wooded area, then the trails through the salt marsh and finally walked the length of the board walk. I have never seen so much wildlife so close to a very populated area. And best of all my feet feel great.