Socks Appeal: 16 Fun & Funky Friends Sewn from Socks

My favorite "funky friend" from this book, SOCKS APPEAL, is the Hamster (shown on the cover). However, I also loved the Snake (easiest), and was delighted by the Jellyfish (made from a tiny sock snippet and leftover bits of ribbon, yarn, and floss). I haven't made any of these projects, but I do sew, and it's hard to imagine how the instructions could be any clearer. The author has provided beautiful step-by-step photos that are accompanied by concise written instructions.The funky friends projects are grouped by difficulty: easy-peasy (for beginners and children); look ma, no hands! (for intermediates); and pass the Excedrin (more challenging projects). But even the "challenging" Squirrel (with several small pieces to sew on, shaped legs, and legs and tail to attach) seems simple to make. To make the projects, you use a rotary cutter to cut up one or two socks, sew the pieces together by hand or machine, stuff the bodies, and add faces and details with hand sewing or embroidery. Some of the projects use ribbon, buttons, or beads for details like legs, eyes, or teeth.The author notes that besides raiding your family's sock drawers, you can find reasonably priced socks to cut up at discount stores like Target. You should avoid socks that are mostly nylon, and look instead for socks made of poly/cotton blends with a bit of elastic material. The author doesn't say what she used for stuffing (at least I couldn't find any mention), but the photos make it look like inexpensive crafts-store fiberfill.I enjoyed reading the author's amusing running commentary about making these funky friends. She is right on the mark when she shows how to change an animal's character by spacing the eyes: her rabbit with eyes close together is indeed "a rabbit of suspicious character". SOCKS APPEAL is an altogether fun book to simply browse through!

I would like to say that I am half and half on this book. Part of me really enjoyed it. Part of me longed for more.The writing style is pretty funny, and explains the projects well. Clear instructions are given, and then several variations of the provided patterns are pictured.The odd thing is that about half of the projects appear well designed and half seem like filler... It was as though someone pitched a book of eight really cute sock projects and the publisher was like yes, but we want sixteen...by tommorrow...and the person had to scramble to get the other things done...I do like this book and would buy it again. I think some of the less impressive patterns could be used in showing a child how to do some simple sewing.One last comment...the squirrel gives me nightmares...it is so freaky. It seriously creeps me out.

At the risk of thrusting a fluffy pink arrow through my he-manliness, I feel compelled to reveal the utility of Maloney's Socks Appeal. I bought it as a gift for a pregnant neighbor, and yet soon found myself flipping through the pages instead. Suddenly a realization: I can do this. I can make a sock critter for my own kin (tears of love from my daughter, massive bonus points from my wife, a win win!). And so I tackled "the hamster," the little cutie on the cover (minus the argyle). Before you can say Renaissance man my daughter had a new favorite lovely. And through no skill of my own; the instructions in Socks Appeal are smartly illustrated--there's a photo accompanying every move (take note, cookbooks). If you want to get your hubby man involved in making some arts and crafts for the kids, this is the book to do it.

Who knew you could make so many different types of stuffed toys from socks? In this whimsical, lavishly photographed craft book, Brenna Maloney comes up with everything from hamsters to mermaids and jellyfish, all fashioned from ordinary socks.The text is clear and concise, with detailed, step-by-step directions and gorgeous color photographs by Chuck Kennedy, to help you keep your project on track from start to finish, even if you're only a novice at sewing. Best of all, the book is divided into sections, offering easy projects the kids can do as well as more challenging ones for the adults.Fun rainy-day reading for families, and a great gift for those crafty types on your list!

I had reviewed this book in a store before hand so I already knew what to expect. The book arrived in good condition and is was clean. It took a while to arrive but I live in a rural and area and it was the holidays so I can't blame the provider. This book is wonderfully explained and the author has a fantastic sense of humour. I highly recommend it for the young of age and young at heart.

Maloney clearly has an awesome sense of humor, and it shows through in her clear directions and commentary. These softies are quirky and adorable. I can’t wait to get started!

I have not yet had the time to make any of these critters but will in the not too distant future. They are all adorable and the instructions are very clear. I question if some of the attachments may not be too safe for very young children so have to decide just how to make eyes, etc. Seems it's safest to paint them on with safe paint. Otherwise the book is great.

I was disappointed with this book because it wasn't as good as I thought it would be. However, I'm an artist with a lot of experience in different forms of art, so the disappointment isn't to say it's a bad book. I feel this book is great for kids and great for beginners. I do intend to make use of the book none-the-less.If you are like me and want something more, I recommend the Stray Sock Sewing books.

I bought this book on a recommendation from a friend, whose son had enjoyed making the simple toys included at the beginning. It's good fun, written by a mum who just enjoys creating stuff with socks! She gives some patterns to try and explains each of the projects in a clear and straightforward way. You don't need to be a sewing expert, or even specially skilled at crafts, to have a lot of fun making the sock creatures in Brenna Maloney's book.I will be teaching a workshop for 9-16-year-olds, all about "Sock Pets"; the ideas in this book will be very useful to me, as I come up with some projects for my workshop, to cater for all abilities. There are plenty of simple projects and some really original ideas too.A lot of fun, easy to follow instructions, suitable for anyone - just a very good book!

Although I've not had chance to make anything from this book yet I absolutely love it. Even if you never make anything from it, the humorous way it is written will have you chuckling along as you read. The instructions are very clear so even a novice would not be intimidated and I love how there are sections from easy makes up to slightly harder ones. Would love to find some of the socks with toes in them to make the dinosaur!

Some great ideas and easy to follow instructions to make your own little sock critters. Even if you have little skill with sewing you could this a go.

Brenna has a unique way of writing, but the instructions are quite clear and I am looking forward to making a few of these critters.

Nice book