ARG!!! Knitting Lace

I am attempting lace for the first time. I saw the Hemlock Ring Blanket and loved it. Since I like trying new things and I like a challenge I cast on. So far I have ripped it out a dozen times, my husband (I will call him Dear from now on), Dear, has laughed and said, "Finally something you can't do perfect the first time! Ha ha!" He had to go outside so I would not throw something at him. I am now on row 25 and the center looks like cheese cloth. I do not know how everyone got theirs so nice in the middle using 4 double points. I hope someone has a hint on how I can tighten the center without ripping everything out. Pain in the rear, but I am going to finish it and make Dear eat his words.

This photo is from Brooklyn Tweeds.