Or is it just me?

But seriously folks, I think I have some kind of sock knitting disorder. I knit a swatch for gauge. I follow the pattern, and yet, most patterns give me socks that the jolly green giant would save until he grew up.

First example-The simply stockinette socks from Knit Socks. I had to make what they labeled the "woman's size" to make them small enough for a man. I thought, OK, mild flaw in the book. After all, I made the "Shadow Box Socks," and those were perfect.

Second example-Last night I began These Socks, because, as I have mentioned before, I wish to learn the no-sew toe and to use short rows for heels.

So the pattern says heavy dk or light worsted. I can accept that; despite the supposed weight system, yarns differ. So what did I do? Well, since you asked, I made a gauge swatch. I also used size three needles because a) I have them and b) that is what I used for worsted with the simply stockinette. The gauge swatch was perfect; I began the toe, little suspecting the horror that lay in wait.

I totally killed the toe-up part. I mean, aced it right away. Feeling pardonably proud of myself, I changed to my MC and began the foot. And then, a few rounds later, I did the thing that every first-time toe-up knitter has done. I put them on my toes.

Now, my toes are petite. My feet are a size 6-1/2, but still, this sock looked suspiciously large.

"Give me your foot," I ordered the unsuspecting hubby. Of course, he obeyed-I mean, obliged.

Little symbols group suspiciously in four letters came out of my mouth. Some examples: "*$@#," and "%&!@."

The toe and foot were gigantic. I could have fit two feet inside. So I ripped (but I saved the toe part for a hat for Pan... she looks fantastic in it). Now, after some soothing no-muss, no-fuss blanket knitting last night, I will begin again, this time making the toe for a much smaller foot by the pattern, but still intending the sock for dad.

My question is not rhetorical; is it just me?