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

I think the sock monkey is so cute I just bought some embroidery designs for the sock monkey! cute socks. Red

As bad fashion trends go, this is extremely minor, compared to so many others that I can think of. On recent trend in men's fashion (maybe 5 years ago or so) that I especially disliked was the Tom Ford too-tight to button sports coat. This was so unflattering for the majority of men and quite insulting as a fashion trend. The shoes without socks has been around for decades, and so this is far from new - I remember it from the 1970s. It comes and goes out of style like the wind, and no one should ever think of it as in any way original, at this point. The low cut (no show) socks have only been around for 10 or 15 years, but I don't consider that new either. I do not care whether people wear them or not, but they definitely have their uses - just not in formal wear IMO. Why not just wear Converse sneakers with formal wear? Personally, I like to wear sandals with long pants at times, and I never wear socks with sandals.

I love these Nautica socks. I hope they never stop making them. There are other colors and other styles but I always buy the white ones with the colored bands inside the cuffs since I know they fit well and wear well. I've been wearing them everyday for a few years and just bought my third pack. https://www.amazon.com/Nautica-Women-s-Quarter-Moisture-Athletic/dp/B07VQ1QBBF/ref=sr_1_5_pp?crid=G9W3KR26ER83&keywords=nautica+socks+for+women&qid=1690845238&sprefix=%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-5