Gauge, You Are My Enemy!

I've only started to pay attention to gauge because I want to improve my knitting skills. But man it's hard for me to get the recommended gauge. For those of you who have Monkey Sock experience, should I be worried that I'm a couple of stitches off?

I've Got My Monkey Yarn!

My yarn arrived yesterday. I think my pal will really like these colors and can't wait to get started on these socks.

Cherry Tree Hill-SockittoMe in Sugar Maple for the Monkey Socks
AND. . . .


Lorna's Laces-Shepherd Sock in Daffodil for her desired sock pattern.

I won't be casting on the Monkey Socks until Monday (Sunday at the earliest) but I will post a pic of that historic event: My first sock pal project!

Here's are two questions for the more experienced sock knitters: What is your favorite cast-on method for socks? What do you think works best for the Monkey pattern?