5.05.2010

the sock monkey strikes back

At an estate sale last summer, I scored 9 pairs of vintage Nelson red heel socks circa 1960(?) for about $5, complete with the original monkey-making instructions. I love that they suggest using old nylon stockings or shredded foam rubber as stuffing. The thrifty homemakers who invented these critters were so green before their time. Just another reason why, ugly or not, sock monkeys of all shapes+sizes have always had a special place in my heart. I couldn't bear to see these hideous-heeled stockings go unstuffed. I am finally getting around to bringing the stash to life and am having a little too much fun experimenting with their facial features. Am thinking they still need some fun hats--wouldn't you agree? It is looking like planet of the apes around here...
P.S. Don't blow your chance to win some sweet baby duds in this week's giveaway!

12 comments:

Peta said...

the one on the right is my favourite :) very cute!
(yes, I am australian - we add the 'u' !)

Leslie said...

total find. love these.

kt said...

wow this was an amazing find Jess!!

They look amazing + just like the originals :)

hehe and giggling over Peta's comment. what is it about us Aussies and adding u to everything? colour, favourite, mum .... :D

Ashley said...

Are you kidding? Best estate sale find ever. My friend did some really cute stuff with sock monkeys that I immediately thought of when I saw this. Went digging through her archives for ya, if you have any extra!

http://emilys-little-world.blogspot.com/2009/03/its-been-while-craft-and-cupcake-lovers.html

Amanda said...

So cute! I love the vintage instructions! I'm a children's librarian, and last summer I hosted a few workshops where kids ages 8-12 could come and make their own sock monkeys. The kids loved it! Such a fun project. And it's neat how each monkey ends up with its own personality.

Jenna Lou said...

whoa.... that must have been so amazing to find these!! My heart is beating faster just thinking about stumbling across something as cool as these guys.

Great job putting them together. I love that the instructions were included.

bethany said...

too cute...fantastic find! i'd definitelyloveto see these guys with hats. :)

love that the directions call these "the sensational monkey toy". amazing.

Whatever Dee-Dee wants said...

Only $5 wow! They look cute!

Anonymous said...

you made monkeys out of socks!O_o
have to try this some day. love it!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Would you be willing to share the instructions?
reedde@byui.edu

Unknown said...

I think I ended up with one of them. Actually, the socks you bought were late 40's early 50's if I am correct.