Stupid Sock Creatures: Making Quirky, Lovable Figures from Cast-off Socks

by John Murphy

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 .

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Sewing, Humor, Reference, How To, Art

120 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2005

Reviews

[karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is truly one of the best books ever written. i make these like crazy. almost everyone i know has been given one (or more) of these. and sommmmeone steals them from other people before they have even been given so i have to rush and make replacement monsters before birthday and christmas deadlines. ive managed to keep very few for myself, but thats okay because i can always make more.

[Altivo Overo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for pure amusement, or to brighten up a cloudy day. Not only that, but if you can thread a needle, Murphy's instructions are enough to let you turn old worn out socks into incredibly funny or sad or even pathetic little stuffed critters. I promise it will make you smile at the very least.

[Jake Herman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hell yea

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

The era of ugly softies is over but these creatures are still very appealing. I've read several books on making creatures like these—amazing that there ARE several books on the subject—and this one is the most artistic. Obviously, the author has an artist's sensibility and the items have a handmade quality to them. The use of the sock's heel as the creature's mouth is pretty genius and many of the creatures are fashioned in a very interesting way, not at all straightforward! This is a fun book for inspiration for reusing materials.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've got a serious stash of funny old socks, just waiting to become sock creatures. Maybe this is the year it happens (lots of new babies in my life this past year! There's motivation for you!!)

There is a lot to love about this book, and not just because it is full of great ideas to turn those old socks into cute and hopefully beloved kids toys! First off, it's a book about sock sculpture, and it is written by a man, who sculpts socks. I live with artists, and I know men do all kinds of womanly (to some) arts - it is still unusual though, and I pause to celebrate such men. Yeah, John Murphey!! Second he starts the book by asking for your apology if you catch him staring at your socks, or even more forward, asking if you'd give him your socks when you are done with them! Bwahahahaha - I love this guy already, and we are still on the first page!!

His instructions are clear - first rule - let your sock dictate some parts of your monster. Is it a long sock? Expect a big monster! Following the instructions for Murphey's favorites (they also star in a graphic novel he's writing - what a fun guy!!), there is a section on ideas for the leftover parts from your monster construction so far, and then a photo gallery of the silly stupid sock monsters he has made so far!

This book is fun and super inspirational!

[Jessmccoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit, this book caught my eye at the library. And it's fun indeed. I made my own sock creature, and my little sister got about halfway there one on of her own. I like the way that these critters are supposed to look weird. Gives the crafter a lot of creative freedom.

The problem is, now what the heck do I do with an adorable little sock monster? I guess the logical answer is to give it to someone, but I always feel a little bad about giving a gift that's essentially useless. Don't we all have enough crap as it is? At least this little guy is made out of recycled socks.

That's the good thing about this book, you can probably find most of the materials you need for free or cheap. And as a crafter with a limited budget, that's something I definitely appreciate.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gave me so many great ideas I might incorporate a sock creature project into my craft club at the library. I am useless at sewing, and the skill and difficulty required here is such that I'm fairly confident that I could get through a project with no mishaps. The beauty of books like this is that while the completed projects are so quirky and loveable, even a novice can easily grasp the basic framework and go on to improvise on the themes in myriad ways. Not to mention the fact that it's always gratifying to find an arts and crafts book applicable to all ages and with a hip mindset to boot (no pun intended).

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book (the version with accompanying kit) the summer before last when my family was taking a vacation in the Oregon wilderness and I thought it possible that my son might become bored. Little did I know what I was starting. His first sock monster was a stripey, one-eyed, long-eared fellow whom he decided to name "Chigger." I'm not sure exactly how that opened the floodgates to the dozens of subsequent monsters that now fill our home, but the book was inspirational, to say the least. I strongly recommend this book to anyone with crafty urges or anyone who has odd socks lying around.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! Even I (non-crafty person extraordinaire) could follow the instructions, had fun, and created two terrific lovely creatures.

#1 Albert -o? a?

#2 Stella Agnes

And I've promised and waaaaaaaay behind on one more. Wish me luck! They are so cute and quirky. Highly recommended!

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great directions, with patterns that are very adaptable so that you're not making the same four creatures in the book over and over. The first half of the book is the basics--how to make arms, tails, ears, necks, etc., that can then be modified in any way you choose.

Inspirational, but I'll probably return it to the library before I actually DO anything with it. Worth keeping in the back of my head for rainy afternoons (like this one), though.

[Jocelynne Broderick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually got this with a kit, and it came with some socks and some buttons and stuff. It was fun. But the two that I made were pretty ugly. Not cute-ugly. Ugly-ugly. They have funny lips. He gives good directions, but mostly it's handstitching, which I am not so good at! :) Oh well, I might try them again some day.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has patterns for stupid sock creatures (aka sock monsters). Here's what's cool about it: no measuring required, patterns are fast and easy, if you screw up a sock monster it becomes part of its charm. This book is fun and so is making sock monsters. I see many stupid sock creatures in my future.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who needs sock monkeys? So over them!

These creepy-cute little creatures are just what the doctor ordered. Can't wait to give one as a supposedly well-intentioned gift to a toddler this year at Christmas. I wonder if there will be tears.

See my horribly sad attempt to make one here:
http://missingthemuse.blogspot.com/20...

[Emily]

defienetely how i started making my sock moster making thing :]

anybody want a sock monster, btw?
i sell them for $8, and you get it 1-2 weeks after payment~
(email me about it)
(super-toast@sbcglobal.net)

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

And when you want to make a present for your best friend's housewarming, this is the book you need. They're cute and funny looking and squishy. Who could ask for more?

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these little creatures more than I should. Viva DIY!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has provided me many hours of fun. The instructions are simple and written with attitude, the illustrations are great and the sock creatures are cute. I can't wait for the second edition.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

GUESS WHAT??? I make sock creatures now! They are really cute! Maybe I will make one for you someday! This book is good for learning how to make them!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does this count? I love it it is so simple for thoes who know a bit about sewing.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing and full of delightful, crazy, and whimsical creatures that are easy enough to make with the instructions.

[Meridee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a funny book--but my sock drawer is full of dull socks. I'll have to hit the thrift store and try some of this sock friends out. Thrift store socks??? Oh dear!

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hehe very cute I feel kind of weird buying some cool socks just to destroy, er, I mean, CREATE with though...

[Matt McClard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome! Making these things is a blast. I recommend getting a sewing machine otherwise it will take you a while.

[Krista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the creatures. I didn't make one so I can't say how the instructions were. They seemed clear with really detailed illustrations. Best part? The Gallery.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great ideas, but a bit too involved for me at this point.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

now all I need are a bunch of stupid socks!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasn't planning on making them. I was at the library and the book title jumped out at me! I made one and ......... Made another ........ and......

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot wait to start making these wonderful little monsters! Everyone I know will be getting them soon!

[Toni Guyton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun book.

[Tatjana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book. My creatures end up looking different, but who cares?