A great sewing book to bring out the artist in you....

books:


	• Stupid Sock Creatures: Making Quirky, Lovable Figures from Cast-off Socks John Murphy Lark Books, 2005 - 120 pages average customer review:based on 26 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Much enjoyed - hours of laughs

Bought this book as a gift for my 30-something brother and he and his friends enjoyed hours of raucous laughter while using the book to create many of their stupid sock creatures. A good book to use as inspiration for an older child activity like in 4H or Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts as well. Brings out the inner artist, tactile creature, hidden silly in people.

the revenge of cast off socks

One of the best manuals that I ever seen. It matches the re-use of cast-off socks with the ironic looking of the creatures. Reasonably, one source of insipration were Bill Watterson's monsters. You can feel the author's enthusisam just by opening that book. The instructions are clearly explained (me too, that I'm quite a problematic sewer, I succeeded in having my own creatures), and a space for creativity and self-expression is also offered to readers.

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Beyond sock monkeys

The first time I saw a sock monkey, I thought it was one of the coolest things I had ever seen and immediately went out to buy a pair of socks in order to make one. The whole idea of making a toy that was that detailed, out of nothing more than a pair of socks, fascinated me. Once I had finished making my sock monkey, I was all ready to make some more sock toys. However, I'd already made a sock monkey and couldn't think of what I would do with a second one, which sort of put a stop to my sock creations.

"Stupid Sock Creatures" is a book written for people just like me; people who like the idea of making toys out of socks, but who can't think of what they would do with a second sock monkey. It contains instructions for creating 8 different sock creatures, as well as advice on the art of sock toy construction (which can be used to design your own toys) and a gallery of other sock creatures that can be used for inspiration.

Most of the creatures are very simple to make and would be appropriate as a child's first sewing project (that's not to say that they wouldn't also appeal to adults - I'm 27 and I think they're great). Basic sewing technique instructions are given and there are no paper patterns to deal with (most of the cuts are approximate and made by eye-balling the socks). Admittedly, the toys don't look as professional as the toys in some of the other craft books that I own (which is why I gave this book four stars, instead of five), but they have personality, and, to quote "Pulp Fiction", personality goes a long way.

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A great sewing book to bring out the artist in you....

This book got me really going on hand sewing, my mom had only taught me the blanket stitch may years ago. They are all great monsters with huge attitudes. John teaches you the basics in very simple terms. Some of the monsters are easier than others, but they are all worth the time and effort. His simplicity allows you to mix and match and use your imagination. They make great gifts for kids and adults, but maybe a bit difficult for kids under 13 to create.
I bought bigger socks and more stuffing quickly.....men's extra large cotton socks stretch very well and make giant monsters!

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I'm in Love

I've owned this book for a few years now. My son and I totally love creating our own monsterpieces. The directions are easy to follow. First the author gives you general directions (and helpful tips) then he follows it up with a step by step if you want to copy one of his creatures. The materials are inexpensive and the end result is fabulous. I highly recommend for those who like to get inspired, learn the technique, and then run with their own creativity.

reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

John Murphy's sock creations have been featured in such publications as the Washington Post and Readymade magazine. Crafters with a sense of humor, a taste for the weird, wacky, and way-out, and a hunger for the outrageous will find themselves captured by this wildly creative menagerie of sock monsters.

Possessed of irresistible charm, these creatures offer all the inspiration anyone needs to transform cast-off socks into wickedly funny toys. There's Claude with his perplexed expression and tiny tail that stands at full attention. Jordan's always on the prowl; he's got three eyes, so nothing escapes him. And there's something really odd about Estelle. Maybe it's her silly conical head balanced precariously on four tiny feet--or perhaps it's just that she's always sticking out her bright red tongue. Great instructions and charming illustrations make it easy to bring these unique personalities to life. A Selection of the Crafters Choice Book Club.

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