Sock Monkeys -- The Original Goofy Yet Lovable Green Craft

No matter what generation you're from, the iconic sock monkey is a very familiar part of American and Canadian folk art culture. These days, you can purchase multi-sized, technicolor versions in every kitschy store and indie shop imaginable, but they weren't as much a novelty back in the day as they were born out of Depression era necessity.

We tend to forget that socks became a modern convenience thanks to the advent of the sock-knitting machine (circa 1869) but there was always a seam running along the length of each. Not very comfy, but hey, that's all that was available.

In 1932, The Nelson Knitting Company got the bright idea of creating socks that were completely smooth and devoid of all seams. This huge innovation in comfort prompted sweaty footed laborers to stock up, triggering lots of copycat companies to produce their own versions. Determined to stake their claim in the market they created, The Nelson Knitting Company decided to foil their competitors by branding their product with the familiar red heel that we all know and love -- coined Rockford Red Heel Socks.

Well, before going green was an environmental call to arms, resourceful mothers decided to transform their hardworking hubbies' worn out red heeled socks into stuffed toys for their children. Something about that red heel made ladies think "sock monkey!!!!" and an entire craze was launched full throttle. The Nelson Knitting Company caught wind of the trend and wisely included sock monkey instruction sheets with each new pair that they sold, and to this day, even though the company is now known as Fox River Mills , how-tos are still included.

If you search the internet, you will find ample evidence that a new yet equally spirited generation of sock monkeys is picking up where their Depression Era brethern left off. They are practically doing cartwheels off of the computer screen.

While there are still a wide range of sock monkey purists out there, there are an equal number of crafty mavens who continue to embrace the sock monkey "look" without actually recycling the sock.  I wouldn't exactly call their efforts green, but they are entertaining enough to mention within the span of this article.

Minneapolis based designer Rebecca Yaker, creator of unique retail goods and quirky fashions, is one such person who rises to the top of the sock monkey-lovin' heap with her notable range of offerings. Here she is modeling one of her sock monkey dresses with a practical back pack built in for your convenience. The bow-busted gown she also designed above, available for the yowza price of $1,500 via hazelandmelvin.com, is created on a knitting machine as the majority of her workshop products are. Fully lined in red satin, it is studded with 30 goofy monkey faces.

Yaker's $65 sock monkey ski cap, also knitted on a machine using 100% wool, is perhaps more within the price point of most recession strapped individuals. She also sells tee shirts and tote bags and other little monkey-enhanced goodies. Has anyone here endeavored to make their own bonified sock monkey? Do you still have a treasured sock monkey that was handed down to you from a family member? Is there a craft that you think is greener? Well then maybe you should share what's on your mind!!

Photo credits: sockmonkeyfun.vox.com (Tamara), Gene Pittman of Kingfisher Photo, Rebecca Yaker, sockmonkeylady.com, monkeyaday.com, whipup.net, MUFFA - Mariella's Unusual Fantasy Funny Animals