I modified this pattern into three sizes: Women, cast on 32 stitches; men average, 36 sts; and men large, 40 sts. Also changed to a star toe and knitted the heels and gussets the way I do in all socks which ended up looking pretty much the same as the pattern would have. Improvised a smaller, single strand version for two toddlers. Made, altogether, approximately 18 pairs in two months. My right thumb joint still hurts.