Childhood Memories of Design

When you hear the words “sock monkey” your mind instantly takes you to the days of your childhood and a little plush friend with a big red smile. To think this wonderful little friend was once just a pair of socks and some stuffing is surprising to young children, but this friendly creation is so much more than a childhood toy. The sock monkey has changed over the years, but the same basic elements are present to identify each variation as a descendant of the once gray, white and red socks.

The original sock monkey, at least from when I was a child, was made from gray Rockford socks complete with red heels and what ever stuffing or “fluff” was in the sewing room. The classic red heel is what created such a memorable feature for this childhood toy. Over time the reproduction of sock monkeys in different forms still carried with it a large, if not red, smile. Another feature that is present in variations of sock monkeys are the simple tube-shaped limbs, although not all sock monkeys carry this same feature. Some have been seen to have very large limbs or even thumbs and fingers. Another feature, at least that I can recall from my own sock monkey, was the red hat and bow to complete his outfit. Just like a snowman, by dressing up your little friend it gave him character and a personality that children can recognize. In some other variations, depending on the sock monkeys purpose or message, other attire would be more appropriate. For example, a large sock monkey, complete with large red smile, might ware a rob to resemble Buddha or a sock monkey wearing a blue suit with a button would represent a political figure. However different the purpose of the sock monkey, one aspect never changes, he is made from a pair of socks and continues to have the large smile.

Some examples of our loveable friend can be seen at these links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkTkSyRfDo0 (a Kia commercial with sock monkey and a few of his friends)

http://gingerdead.com/2009/09/23/sock-monkey-scraps/ (this blogger used the sock monkey as inspiration for jewelry designs and even a dress design)

http://www.doobybrain.com/2009/07/21/diy-sock-monkey-kit/ (and just in case you have become inspired yourself, here is where you can buy a kit to create your own sock monkey)
http://cakesbycj.blogspot.com/2010/09/sock-monkey.html (image of sock monkey)