Monkeys pt. 8

Monkeys and Cotton!

1) Sock Monkeys:

Sock Monkeys are, rather logically, monkeys made out of socks. What is a little weird about it is that the sock monkeys look like normal rather cute toys and not at all like socks. So you might be asking, what's up with with "sock" adjective?

Rockford Red Heel, a sock company that makes durable socks with red heels, takes credit for this particular creation. So much so that the socks and monkey dolls are presented side-by-side in the purchase area. Oddly, these sock monkeys cost $25-$35 each. I mean, yes, they are very cute and I am very tempted to buy one. But, really? Maybe $15? I don't know. Anyways...

Of course, the main question you're asking is, my goodness, the economy and everything the way it is, how I can afford to get Sally Jo that amazing Rockford sock monkey? Well, as luck would have it, the folks at Rockford are kind enough to offer FAQs (I will not get started on how annoying I find the use of "FAQs"). It is very simple. You need a pair of Rockford socks (you may need an additional sock if you want to make a hat) and you should probably use large size socks. Furthermore, you will need "stuffing, thread and two buttons for the eyes. Most people also do a small amount of embroidery on the face (black embroidery thread and an embroidery needle will take care of all your basic needs)." If you want accessories, facts, or delightful coffee table books, check here.

Here are the specific instructions.

I have to admit, I am extremely motivated to make one of these dolls.

And for the true aficionados, there is a sock monkey blog. Sadly, there isn't much posting, but I'm not sure how much you can talk about this subject.

There are a scary number of sites dedicated to dealing with sock monkeys:
Monkey of Sock
Sock Monkey Fun (includes a lawyer sock monkey and a featured monkey of the month)
Hazel and Melvin's Sock Monkeys (Just tons of stuff, including their saved adopted monkeys...)

Luckily, Hazel and Melvin have given me a good transition into the topic I really wanted to talk about, monkey prints.

2) Monkey Print Clothing:

Here it is, the Sock Monkey Dress. This piece is "a custom-designed, couture piece custom fit exclusively for you," including 30 faces with individual name tags. Oh, BTW, it's $1,500. For a sock monkey dress.

There are of course some more tasteful monkeys to be found. For example, the fabric finder in its "Monkey Jungle" section has a number of prints of monkeys dressed in clothes from the Renaissance era. Obviously, this is also pretty weird.

Alternatively, and while playing into the, monkeys love bananas stereotype, Hart's Fabric offers a more entertaining and kid friendly (and significantly more affordable) alternative with its "Monkey and Banana Cotton Fabric Pink." Delightful, really.

Of course, what I was really looking for was a Lily Pulitzer print. Here is a great example for children, in Pink Monkey See Toile - a fun little bathing suit. You have to be a little creative to see the monkeys, particularly as they are small and rather monochromatic. But if you look closely, you will see that they have their arms interlinking and alternate between being light and dark colored. Very cute.