Two Monkeys Down

I've completed two monkeys for my blanket-in-progress. So cute, right?!

Monkeys Needed

I've finished all the granny squares for the sock monkey blanket I'm crocheting. Now it's time to make some monkeys! That's the part I'm looking forward to. I'm not so keen on crocheting all the granny squares together, but I'll plow ahead because I can see the light at the end of the (carpal) tunnel and I think this blanket will look darn cute when it's done.

Too Busy Crocheting To Post

The past few days I've been crocheting and knitting like crazy. I made a bag (future birthday present for someone, to be featured at a later date), started a baby sweater and bought supplies for an awesome monkey blanket (pattern via Happy Hooker). Here's hoping it will look as good as the one above, made by Big Girl Feet.

Monkey Cake

Who wouldn't want a monkey cake for their birthday? My sister-in-law Ginny decided to make one for her friend Alex's birthday recently. She sent photos of the final product today, and I thought it was so cute that it needed a wider audience... hence this post. Perhaps best of all, the cake was banana with chocolate frosting. Sounds delicious and looks too cute to eat. The inspiration is from a Martha Stewart recipe, which can be found here.

Happy Birthday Alex!

Proof of Monkeys

As mely pointed out in her comment, it is difficult to see the monkeys in the curtains I made. Here, then, is a close-up of the fabric I used. This poor monkey had part of his head cut off, but you get the idea.

Monkey Curtains

Today I'm making monkey curtains for our dining room. I have finished one of them already-- see above. I'm not sure if I really love this fabric or not, but it (1) matches our dining room walls and (2) was super-cheap ($3!) at an interior decorator's garage sale that I hit this summer. It has monkeys on it, so I can't REALLY go wrong. It's better than staring at the house next door, anyway.

It All Comes Together...

If you've read some of my recent posts, you'll recognize the kismet: Etsy seller sinkdaisy has put a sock monkey pincushion on the market! Let's think of it as acupuncture for the little bugger.

Sock Monkeys, Part 400

Since I've been posting so much about sock monkeys, I thought I'd gather up some internet resources on the little critters and share them with you today.

1. Start here for an overview of sock monkeys.
2. This site has some discussion of the history of sock monkeys, but is particularly interesting because it talks about the differences between U.S. and Canadian sock monkeys.
3. Go here and you can learn how to make a sock monkey.
4. If you haven't read Tony Millionaire's Sock Monkey comics, you're missing out.
5. For a book on the art, history and business of the American sock monkey, check out Everything's Coming Up Sock Monkeys!
6. Do NOT go on You Tube to look for sock monkey skits. They're all terrible and a huge waste of time.
7. If you want to buy Red Heel socks to make your own sock monkey, check here or, if you're in the Western New York area, I know you can get them at Vidler's Five and Dime.

Who Can Resist a Glow-in-the-Dark Beast Cross Stitch Kit?

Illustrator and typographic comic artist Ray Fenwick has designed a new glow-in-the-dark cross stitch kit for Subversive Cross Stitch. Coveting it made me remember my own adventure into the world of subversive cross stitch a while back... voila! I present to you "Monkey and Huge Leaf Hand Towel."

Here's the Fenwick kit, in case you're interested too:

How to be a Sock Monkey for Halloween

My sister-in-law Ginny (pictured on the far right, above) was a sock monkey at our Halloween/Day of the Dead wedding. She made her oh-so-cute 'n crafty costume. Here's a link to a sock monkey knitted hat pattern. Everyone should have at least one sock monkey involved in their wedding somehow, no?

(In case you're wondering, I later changed out of my eBay dress [pictured above] into a flowing linen shift with Code Pink sneakers and a cat tail and ears. Much more my style, but my husband and I got a kick out of first dressing in "bride" and "groom" costumes and surprising everyone.)

Cross My Heart, Hope to Die, Stick...

I have done some internet "research" today on eyeball pincushions, and managed to round up these fine specimens. I find them slightly disturbing, but in a very cute way. I'm not sure I could really use an eyeball pincushion for its intended purpose; I have a monkey one right now and it pains me to use it.

If you're not a sewer but think you know a sewer who would like one of these as a gift, check out Etsy. I'll keep you posted if I decide to make one.

Zombie Sock Monkeys in Love (or, Why I Love My Sister-in-Law)

My husband and his brother and sisters are all a bit obsessed with monkeys. Okay, a lot obsessed with monkeys. As I've mentioned elsewhere, my husband is also a fan of zombies. So what could be more perfect than a zombie sock monkey? Well, how about two zombie sock monkeys, given as an engagement present?

Ginny did a fabulous job of creating realistic-looking brains and wounds. As you can see, we definitely share a love of crafting. I married into the right family, I guess. :)