I get it! Looks exactly what I want - thanks jay, I'll give that a go. (Actually I'll probably give it 24 goes but I will get it eventually!
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Sally, this would work as the start for any toe-up socks. I knit all my socks toe-up now, it's so convenient to be able to try them on as you go, stop when you run out of wool, etc.
I use the Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook; it gives you the design basics for the various ways you can knit socks (toe-up, heel down, hourglass heels, afterthought heels, gusset heels, provisional cast-ons, kitchener stitch, etc etc) plus loads of stuff on patterning and use of colour that I haven't even got into yet. It's my sock bible and I wouldn't be without it.
(Thanks to Fleecewife for recommending it
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