More Christmas Projects / Annoyances Part 2

I know it's probably the last thing I need to be doing right now, but I was testing out this fleecing technique used in this fleeced earflap hat because I bought some roving at the farmers' market and it just looked like SO MUCH FUN! And I assure you, the fluffiness and warm cuddly feeling that this little swatch gave me is getting me really excited to actually start this project. Here's a picture of what would be the "front flap" of the earflap hat made with Cascade Eco Wool and some truly fantastic roving from Wisconsin Highland Farms*.

Holy fluffiness!

Mmmm so soft! I love it!

But here's the thing. My priority list is as follows:

1. Study for my exam this week

2. Study for my exam next week

3. Finish the short socks

4. Finish the Cadence socks

5. Earflap hat

So you see here, this hat currently falls as #5 on my priority list, although I think taking out my giant pile of recycling should be up there, too. ANNOYING. 

Now, back to the short socks. Here's where I'm at:

Now, I selected the size 5 - 6 1/2 because my sisters and I have small feet. However, the pattern says to continue the sock 7 inches from where the heel flap diverges from the rest of the sock. But my foot is only about 6 inches longer, and then you need to factor in the toe decreases, right? My gauge is not off, how can this pattern be more than an inch off? And the toe decreases have to be at least 10 rows long! How ANNOYING. 

* Here's a shout-out to Wisconsin Highland Farms:

Wisconsin Highland Farms, LTD. 

Ann & Steve Herr, Owners 
2428 S. Dickey Road - Broadhead, WI 53520 
608-897-4380 
ann.herr@hotmail.com