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Where and how did sock monkeys originate? Sock dolls were popular around the 1900's. A sock monkey is a type of stuffed toy fashioned in the likeness of a monkey. Originally made from discarded workmen’s socks in the 19th century, sock monkeys remain a popular toy to this day, although not as prevalent as teddy bears. The Nelson Knitting Mills in Rockford Illinois first made the original Rockford red heeled sock in 1890. In 1920 the mill soon began packaging the directions for the sock monkeys with each pair of socks after a customer fashioned a doll and sent it to the company. The manner in which sock monkeys are made and the materials used in their creation remain largely unchanged from the initial toys, though great variety exists. Indeed, many modern sock monkeys aren't even made from socks at all.

DESCRIPTIONFrom Fox River® — Born & Raised in the USA. Soft cotton blend that absorbs moistureLightweight, flat jersey knit designSmooth, flat toe seamsNo joke — Sock Monkey doll instructions includedDesign: The Original Rockford Red Heel® Monkey Sock is a classic. Made from a soft cotton & acrylic blend to absorb moisture. Fox River® is a Wisconsin company (now based in Iowa) that's produced quality knitted handwear and socks since 1900. Medium fits men's shoes sizes 6 to 8 1/2 Large fits men's shoe sizes 9 - 11 1/2 Possibilities: With shoes or without — your feet will thank you. Material: 87% cotton, 10% polyester, 2% acrylic, 1% spandex. Machine wash. Made in the USA.

Men's Red Heel® Monkey SocksItem # 40428-1X13

$ 14.50 ----- yikes! Too much $$$

FYI- The Original Rockford Red Heel sock can be bought online… but they are very expensive

Planetmonkey on esty

So much for the So much for the introductions…introductions…Just how are we going to make them?

Over the next several slides… you will be given the step by step instructions with visual aids… to complete your very own sock monkey.

MATERIALS: 1 pair of men's extra large (size 12-13) socks; preferably Original Rockford red Heel socks. Poly-Fiberfil stuffing or cotton batting. Or. Stuff with- cut up old nylon stockings or shredded foam rubber 1 spool of white thread red yarn black embroidery thread Optional two black buttons for eyes

Start with one sock…Create the Body and the Legs.

1. INSTRUCTIONS: Sock #1, body and legs:

A. Turn sock inside out and create a center line from the white heel to the top of the sock. Mark a line 3" away from the white heel, across the sock. Mark a notch 1 1/2" away from white heel on the center line. This will form the legs. B. Beginning at the 3" line, stitch a line 1/4" away from the right side of the center line and stop 1/4" away from the top edge of sock. Pivot and sew a line across the top of the sock to the outside edge. Repeat on left side. Cut sock open on the center line down to the 1 1/2" notch.

C. Turn sock right-side out and stuff

using opening between legs. When body

and legs are completely stuffed,

overcast the opening to close hole.

On the next slide… the same step again… explained a little different...

1. Turn the sock inside out.

2. Lay the sock so the heel is facing toward you. The toes are the top of the sock, and the opening is the bottom of the sock (see picture).

3. Use a ruler to find the center of the sock and, with a pen, mark the center line of the sock from 1 1/2" below the white heel to the bottom opening.

4. Starting 3" below the white heal, sew a seam 1/2" away from the center line, down toward the bottom opening, to form a leg. Curve the seam down at the bottom opening to form rounded feet.

5. Repeat previous step on opposite side of center line to form other leg.

6. Cut along the center line until 1 1/2" below the white heal. This should leave a hole in the "crotch" of the monkey for turning.

7. Turn sock right side out.

8. Through the "crotch" hole fill firmly with stuffing.

Whip stitch "crotch" close with off white thread.

You are half way there!

Sock #2The mouth, arms, tail, ears andthe hat...

Cutting the pieces:

Cutting the pieces:

1. Fold the sock flat in a side profile position (see picture).

2. For the hat, cut out the white toe area of the sock, leaving about 3/4" area of brown around the cut out.

3. For the tail, measure 1" in from the top fold and mark line with pen. Cut along the mark to form one long, 2" wide rectangle.

4. For the mouth, cut out the white and red heal area, leaving a 1/2" area of brown around the cut out, to turn under.

5. For the arms, cut the remaining area above the heel into two rectangular pieces.

For the ears, use the remaining piece of sock below the heel. With the sock doubled, cut out 2 identical half circles - because the sock is double you should end up with 4 pieces.

Preparing and attaching the pieces:

ARMS: Cut the upper part of the sock into two pieces. Seam, rounding the ends and stuff the arms.

MOUTH: Cut the heel from the sock, leaving a brown edge around the white. Fasten on lower part of the face, whip-stitching around the bottom; stuff and finish sewing around the top. The mouth can be improved by a running stitch of either black or white across the middle of the lips.

TAIL: Cut a one inch strip, taper to end of cuff on length of front of sock. Seam and stuff.

EARS: Cut the ears from the remaining brown part of the sole of the sock.

EYES: Sew on moving eyes, buttons, felt, or embroider with black thread. (For very small children embroider the eyes.)

CAP: (Optional) Cut off toe of another sock, leaving 1/2 inch of brown to roll for a brim. Sometimes a fez is used for a cap.

Mouth: Place on front of monkey's face about 1" below white edge. Whip stitch top edge of mouth section first to secure, and stuff. Sew around bottom of the mouth to close.

Ears: Place on sides of monkey's head and whip stitch in place. May choose to do a small running stitch 1/8" in from edge of ear to create rim.

For the tail, fold the rectangle in half the long way, with right sides together. From the brown end stitch a 1/4" seam down the long side of the rectangle, curving the seam at the bottom to form a rounded tail end. Turn right side out, and then fill firmly with stuffing. The tail should be positioned in the center of the red heel or "butt" on the body of the monkey. Turn under 1/4" around the opening and whip stitch tail to monkey body.

Tail and Arms: Attach tail at the seat of the monkey center in red of heel. Whipstitch closed. Secure arms on either side of monkey's body with whipstitch.

For the hat, roll brown area up to form brim.

Lightly fill with stuffing.

Position hat on top of head,

then whip stitch inside edge of brim to monkey body.

This monkey did notreceive any ears...

I nstructions for a Fabulous Fez

Sometimes… the hat is made fromFelt and this is a pattern…If you wish, Ms. Adamschek has detailed instructions to create a fabulous fez hat instead of the sockhat.

Different sock monkey doll makers cut the body parts from different areas of the sock, have different size and shaped pieces, and attach the body parts in different places. Various placements of the eyes, ears, mouth, arms, tail, and hat give each handmade monkey a distinctive and unique personality. Before attaching the pieces, don't be afraid to move them around to determine where YOU like them best. To further personalize your monkey, dress him or her up!

Finishing: * All finishing techniques are entirely up to the creator. There is no right or wrong way! The following suggestions are based on a typical sock monkey style:

Sew button eyes on face of monkey, Or embroider eyes. You may choose to embroider eyelashes.

Embroider line across center of mouth, and embroider nostrils.

Add red yarn pom-poms to hands, feet, around neck and on top of hat.

Good Luck… and enjoy making the monkeys.Everyone will be unique!

http://www.ehow.com/how_8323986_sew-sock-monkey.html

How to Sew a Sock Monkey

A sock monkey is a popular kid's toy traditionally made out of a pair of socks. Store bought sock monkeys can be rather expensive, but making one at home won't break the bank, and is a great project to make with your children. Traditional sock monkeys are made out of redford red heel socks,but you can use socks of all shapes, colors and sizes to create your own unique sock monkey.

FYI- This website has another set of instructions you could find useful

And after you are done… and still need a challenge

The Original Rockford Red Heel Sock Elephant

Instructions:

In addition to the famous sock monkey.Ms. Adamschek can give you a pattern to create an elephant… if you want to.

THE END