They are cute, cuddly and easy to make -- we're talking sock monkeys. Throughout the years, they have been seen alongside everyone from David Letterman to Catwoman in Batman Returns and have become the object of affection in paintings, advertisements, comics and fan Web sites.
Although the classic version is the most popular, there are many kitschy crafters who are whip-stitching a variety of sassy sock monkeys.
Visit www.sockit2me.com or www.sockmonkey.com for inspiration. Fox River Mills Inc. keeps the spirit alive by producing a do-it-yourself kit, and it has shared a pattern and instructions. Sock monkey kits are available at Cracker Barrel locations.

Sassy Sock Monkey
SUPPLIES:
* 1 pair Original Rockford Red Heel socks
* Stuffing (nylon stockings, unwanted hosiery or cotton batting)
* Heavy-duty thread, red knitting yarn and needle
* Sewing machine
DIRECTIONS: Take sock No. 1 and turn it inside out. Sew seam (A) 1/2 inch on both sides of center of sock, starting 3 inches from the white heel and across the end of the top. Cut sock between seams and to within 1 1/2 inches of white heel. This will leave an opening in the crotch. Turn sock right side out and use the opening to stuff head, body and legs.
For the rest of the monkey, use sock No. 2 and refer to the pattern:
* Arms: Cut the upper part of the sock into two pieces. Seam the edges, round the ends and then stuff the arms.
* Mouth: Cut the heel from the sock, leaving a brown edge around the white. Fasten on the lower part of the face, whipping around the bottom; stuff and finish sewing around the top. The mouth can be improved by running a stitch of either black or white across the middle of the lips.
* Tail: Cut a 1-inch strip from the sock, taper to end of cuff on length of front of sock. Seam the edges and stuff.
* Ears: Cut the ears from the remaining brown part of the sole of the sock. Seam and hand-sew onto the head.
* Eyes: Sew or glue on wiggly eyes, buttons, felt, embroidery thread or sequins.
* Cap (optional): Cut off the toe from another sock, leaving 1/2 inch of brown to roll for a brim. Sometimes a fez is used for a cap.
VARIATIONS: Personalize the monkey by using doll clothes, which you may wish to make, for a dress, vest, jacket. Mix and match other kinds of long socks to create more colorful monkeys.

* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: back to school, kids, sewing