Three Days to Total Sock Monkey Mayhem!

That's right, three days left before my house turns into a "Sock Monkey Sanctuary". Am I ready? You bet! Already the socks have been coming in from different places - Edmonton, B.C., Hong Kong and here of course. I am looking forward to more socks from everywhere and would like to thank CBC Trails End - Norbert especially, for interviewing me and helping to spread the word across the North.
Keep reading folks and getting people on board - any contribution is appreciated. See you all in the New Year with my January 1st, 2011 Sock Monkey!

Amadeus and Strauss

This is a picture of my grandson Amadeus (about 1 month old)with his sock monkey "Strauss". This was the first sock monkey I made and I thought it would be a perfect friend for my grandbaby.

Buttons, Buttons, Buttons...

Ever wonder where all the buttons go that are lost or ripped off clothing or just laying there on the sidewalk? Well, I found the stash...at my mothers. She has an old tin FULL of buttons - all sizes, colors, shapes AND the best part, matching pairs!! Was I in button heaven?? You bet. To make things even better, she pulled out an old plastic bag full of buttons from my grandmother and great grandmother. Most of these were still on the cardboard tag you buy them on - some worth a whopping .15 cents!! My mother, being the fabulous mother she is, kindly let me take a bag full home of these unique buttons. Some of the monkeys I will be making will have button eyes that are 50 to 70 years old. How cool is that!
So, if you have a stash of buttons and are willing to part with a few pairs, send them in as well. All will be used and greatly appreciated.

The Birthday Gift...

Well folks, this is my mother receiving "Lars" for her 75th birthday!! Does she look a little pleased or not amused - you tell me. Needless to say, Lars has now moved in with my mother - she is no longer a single woman. Love you Mum.

Early mornings

Another early morning and a warm cup of coffee.... It is a balmy -24 right now and throw in the wind chill and we're at about -32. So, what are the benefits to living in the North you ask? Well, on days when it's too darn cold to go outside, Sock Monkeys get built!! I have started collecting socks - thanks folks - and have some ready for the stuffing process. Tonight, before I venture out for Broomball, perhaps I'll have a couple finished. Being a little ahead of the game never hurts... Have a fabulous day all!

Are you crazy?

Gotta say, while most people think this is a really cool idea, there have been a few who've asked if I'm crazy.  Although I've never considered myself "crazy", I'm sure some of my ideas and thoughts over the years have been a little "out there". So to answer the question, I don't believe I'm crazy BUT, you can ask me when I'm a few months into the project and I may have a different answer.
Received a single sock yesterday and 1 button from a friend - this one should be interesting... Stick around folks and see what I can create! 

LARS

This is Lars. He is NOT a sock monkey. He is made from an old sweater. He has horns and fangs. Lars is a "Sweater Monster". Lars is for my mother's 75th birthday next week. I figure once her extremely overweight cat has passed into the great beyond, she'll need something to keep her company.  Hence, Lars....

The Preview

Howdy all and welcome to my blog!  "A Sock Monkey A Day" you ask? What is that all about and why would anyone in their right mind take on such a project? Well, for those of you who know me, I've never been in my "right mind" and taking on this project is a way for me to give back and challenge myself. Let me explain what I have decided to do and you can let me know what you think.

I have so much and I would like to pass on a little of what I have. While I don't have a motherload of money to give, I have other talents that I can draw on to maybe make someone smile. 

I can sew. I enjoy sewing. I have socks. I like sock monkeys. Therefore, I shall build a "sock monkey a day" through the year 2011.

These Sock Monkey's will be donated to the local Secret Santa and Social Services by December 8th of 2011 with hopes it will make a little persons Christmas brighter.

That's it. All I want to do is make my Sock Monkey Project a success and know that somewhere in the North, someone is snuggling a one-of-a-kind Sock Monkey for Christmas.

This is where you come in. I need socks. I challenge you to donate a pair or two. AND, this is where the fun begins. When you drop off a pair of socks (or mail them in), please add a name to your socks so when they are finished, your sock monkey will be named.  All my Sock Monkeys have names and a "dog chain" around their neck with their name and birthdate. I will post the pictures up as they are made on this blog and you can keep an eye out for your sock donation turned into a sock monkey! If you wish to write a small note explaining where your socks are from, I can post that as well.

Please send to :        A Sock Monkey A Day

                                   c/o Jessica Latour

                                   40031 Mackenzie Highway

                                   Hay River, N.T.

                                   X0E 0R9

                                   Canada

If you are from town, you can drop your sock donation off with me OR at Growing Together at 2A Robin Crescent. Thank you Growing Together for your support. 

Just a note, ankle socks don't work for sock monkey's - medium to full length socks work best. Go crazy with your choices - as you can see from the above picture, all patterns and colours are workable.

A big thank you to anyone who reads this and sends in a donation. I will be posting as often as possible and as I mentioned, every sock monkey made will have his/her picture posted.

Sincerely,

Jessica