Crochet question...

[coldintheinside.livejournal.com]

Hey everyone!
I'm new here and I'm a new crocheter. I've always wanted to make a beret and I've researched for the patterns and found the ones I like. However, when I tried to make with the yarn that was provided with my beginner book for crocheters, the beret was really small, it only could fit a head the size of a Barbie doll! It was small partially because out of like 20 rounds, I stopped at the 5th round because it already took shape, and I'm not sure why too.

When I tried to google this, many said that it was the size of the hook that was the problem. Does the size of the hook determine how big your item will be? I was using a small hook, doesn't say any size at all, just something like 1/2 or 1/4. The pattern indicates a Size J with a worsted yarn. Size J? And I'm not sure how you differentiate a worsted yarn from any other yarns. I just used the yarn provided with the beginners book.

So, I was wondering, if the problem lies with the hook size, or the yarn type. My yarn is about the thickness of these but I'm not sure if it's a wool yarn or a worsted yarn (like I said, I have no idea how to differentiate)

Please help me! The pattern is this pattern from Ravelry.

Also, I wanted to ask, usually how much does a skein of yarn cost? I'm trying to buy some online.

YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME. YOU CLEARED ALL MY QUESTIONS! (: