Need help getting gauge

I'm new here, just got the book and am would like to knit every one of these gorgeous socks! Thought I would start with ther beautiful waving lace, but I can't get the gauge. Have tried it on#1 needles and on #0 needles and can't seem to get more than 7.25 per inch. I don't knit that loosely. The yarn I am using is Rowan Soft 4 ply (fingering weight) -- could it be the yarn?

Please give me suggestions.