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

I was wildly attracted to the insane looking creatures on the book's cover and even more ecstatic when I found this kit offered; the obvious benefit that you can make a creature immediately - and I'm sure Mr. Murphy, the author, knew that once that was done, you'd be hopelessly hooked!You'd think a sock would pose many limitations, but once you get the simple, basic techniques down, you're limited only by your own imagination. The slightest alteration in stitching and element placement (limbs, facial features, etc.) can produce fantastically varying results.Important to me, a "stuffing novice", was the inclusion in this kit of the appropriate polyester fiberfill which is extremely soft and fluffy. (Michael's sells what I found was the best, Fairfield's Poly-fil Supreme.)You really can't go wrong with the wonderfully detailed instructions and helpful tips in this book. And get this... he even provides ideas on how to use the leftover scraps from each project. I think at that point, I was ready to give him my first born. *lol* Once I finished my first creature, I couldn't help but giggle every time I looked at him sitting on the back of the couch. Each subsequent creature's personality blossomed quickly and amusingly. I originally wanted to make these as gifts, but I'm finding that I just can't part with my new friends!

I made two creatures so far, one by following the pattern exactly, and one by just winging it using the book for ideas. They came out GREAT!! Everybody wants me to make them one, everyone wants to buy them as presents. The book is fun and encourages improvisation, but some of the instructions are a little vague, like how to sew the bottoms up, how to change the shape of a creature's mouth, etc. At one point, I believe the instructions were actually wrong, like on page 43 where it (mis)guides you on how to sew the ears on. If you do it the way the instructions say, your seams will be on the outside of the head.So basically, I think that this book is better for someone who has at least a little bit of hand-sewing knowledge, or who is comfortable "winging it" at certain points. AND, since these creatures are so bizzare, the COOLest thing is that you CAN wing it, make some weird mistakes (like sew the legs on at a strange angle) and the creature will still be AWEsome!I love this book! It gave me the basis to make some really CRAZY STUFF!

This book is just plain fun! I have never cared for sock-monkeys at all. I've always thought they were boring. These characters, though, have won my heart. I took one look at the cover of this book and fell madly in love with "Wronky", the blue critter. Having purchased the book, I set about making my first creature, a birthday gift for a brother. He was such a hit, all my siblings are going to get one.The directions in the book are complete, well diagrammed and easy to follow. The book and gallery offer a lot of ideas, but I didn't get stalled there. My imagination takes flight when I sit down to work on these guys. My designs all seem to have a propensity towards very intense, wild eyes and impossibly crooked mouths. I'm sure it's got nothing to do with my inexperienced sewing, but most likely has everything to do with the character and the personality of each creature surfacing as they take form. They are the alter egos of my siblings, after all.

I picked this up at the local library...it just called to me from the shelf as I was checking out. My 14 yo took it over in the car and she made a creature the next day. What is wild is that our friend in Oregon picked up the book at her local library the very same day and one of my girl scouts said she saw it at the bookstore that day and asked for it for Christmas. We purchased the book/kit recently and my daughter has made 8 creatures and has asked for more socks. That takes care of the 'who does it appeal too?' question...women in their 40's and teen girls for sure, but my husband also loves the book and he's a kid at heart, so I guess that means everyone. The contents of the book...the instructions are right on. The author has been ever so generous with his knowledge. The kit comes with everything you need to get started, so I recommend buying that unless you have a stash of socks and buttons and such to work with.

If your taste runs toward the bizarre, the grotesque and the eccentric, then this book is for you! Nothing refined about these creatures. They ARE old socks after all. And after the sewing process, they are transformed into beasts with "attitude". I loved looking at the colored photos (often full-page) of John Murphy's creations. While there are no actual patterns - which kind of disappointed me - each animal shown comes with illustrated instructions. I suppose using an actual pattern might take away some of the creative process. Great ideas here and a lot of helpful hints for creating mini-masterpieces out of leftover socks. Oh, and for those who must have one of these creatures and have more money than time - the author takes orders for custom made creations at [...]

Years ago I was stuck in the hospital for a full month after a kidney transplant. Hospitals, if you haven't noticed, are in desperate need of entertainment. I bought this book, a s***load of weird socks, thread, yarn, and buttons, and got to entertaining myself. It was great! IT was difficult at first, but in the end I was pumping out sock dolls like Asian child workers. They are adorable, and great for gifts (my daughter still carries hers around from time to time). Once you get good, you can go off script and make variations of your own - I gave several of my monsters cigarettes and eye patches. Its a great book, and I can't wait to get the second one and make more with my daughter!

This is the best book I ever bought! I have tried my hand at lots of crafts and by far making sock creatures is my favouriate. I made one for my hubbby to sit on his desk at work and then I started getting requests from friends for one. So far I have made 7 sock monsters and the last three have been my own creations, by using techniques from the book.I unfortunately dont have a sewing machine so they are all done by hand, but this seems to add to their charm and can often lead to mistakes which work in the favour of the creature (like a squinty tale). Looking forward to buying Johns other two books (Closet monsters and the invasion one) for more ideas and techniques.Great that this gives you the basics and is well annotated and explained. Brilliant book for anyone who loves making unsual things or for unusual people.

I was having fun just looking at the crazy characters - you can't help but smile. Can't wait to get started on making some very fun toys using recycled socks. Very eco friendly!instructions look clear and easy to follow.

Let your imagination go wild with these ideas. You can follow the designs as they are or use them to inspire your own range of quirky critters and monsters. You don't need to be great at sewing either.

Some fun and weird ideas, but somehow didn't inspire me to make any of them. There are probably better books on sock monsters out there!

Super book