Customer Reviews

Stupid Sock Creatures: Making Quirky, Lovable Figures from Cast-off Socks

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Suitable for people who are indifferent to patterns, are novice sewers*, like to improvise, like to recycle, or just like their soft toys weird. Great for experienced sewers who really don't want another bleeping monkey. There are patterns for a half-dozen or more creatures, and then the reader is encouraged to design her own, thanks to the inclusion of a nice gallery section of Mr Murphy's other creations, and suggestions for leftover parts. And there's a comic.

*That's people who sew. Not newly-laid pipe.

I found this book by accident and am so glad I did. If you are someone whose been crafting for years and looking for something NOT mainstream,but funky, funny and quirky-then this neat, inexpensive book is for you.
If you consider yourself offbeat-you may think you found your forgotten twin in John Murphy. If, however, you are more about "Martha Stewart" perfection-then I can say without a doubt that this is not the book for you:).

The art is great, the instructions good-he tells you which critters to start with and which are more complex. While not having patterns, the descriptions, and beasties themselves show, patterns are not what this book is about. Hey, the fact that this book was made by a guy AND has a comic in the back should sell you right there:)

So here is the book to make your order go over $25 you've been looking for. Buy it today.
5 stars!

This is a great book. The author has a great sense of humour and a wonderful imagination. If you have a skewed sense of the odd and bizarre, then this book is for you. The patterns/directions are quite simple to follow and the results are hysterical fun!

I love this book. I wasn't looking for it, I just found it and decided to purchase it. I had no idea how addicted it was going to be. My original thought was that it would at least be a fun book for guest to pick off the shelf and look at it. John Murphy wrote the book as if he was right in front of you talking with you about his creations and instructing you on the techniques he's learned. It's humorously casual. He so willingly shares everything you need to know to make your own creations. Most definately one of the best purchases I ever made.

If your taste runs toward the bizarre, the grotesque and the eccentric, then this book is for you! Nothing refined about these creatures. They ARE old socks after all. And after the sewing process, they are transformed into beasts with "attitude". I loved looking at the colored photos (often full-page) of John Murphy's creations. While there are no actual patterns - which kind of disappointed me - each animal shown comes with illustrated instructions. I suppose using an actual pattern might take away some of the creative process. Great ideas here and a lot of helpful hints for creating mini-masterpieces out of leftover socks. Oh, and for those who must have one of these creatures and have more money than time - the author takes orders for custom made creations at www.stupidcreatures.com.

I bought it on a whim. But perhaps what's most telling about the value of this book is I now have my very own stupid sock creature sitting beside me. I didn't just look at it and toss it away, I actually made one.

While I could qualm that it's a little thin on instructions, the basics are set down well, and the general goal seems to be to take basics and explore. I haven't had this much fun since I was 8

I look at this book and the "rogues gallery" whenever I need a really good, no holds barred, belly laugh. Such a fun book....I'm still collecting great socks and have yet to make my first silly sock creature, but give me time and I'll have a rogues gallery of my own ;)

Seriously, I've never had so much crafty fun in my life.

You'd think a sock would pose many limitations, but once you get the simple, basic techniques down, you're limited only by your own imagination. The slightest alteration in stitching and element placement (limbs, facial features, etc.) can produce fantastically varying results.

You really can't go wrong with the wonderfully detailed instructions and helpful tips in this book. And get this... he even provides ideas on how to use the leftover scraps from each project. I think at that point, I was ready to give him my first born. *lol* Once I finished my first creature, I couldn't help but giggle every time I looked at him sitting on the back of the couch. Each subsequent creature's personality blossomed quickly and amusingly. I originally wanted to make these as gifts, but I'm finding that I just can't part with my new friends!

It's good that the instructions are so clear. These creatures are funny and endearing ...and sometimes a little spooky: just the thing for an artist in other media to enjoy constructing. These pieces and the ones inspired to appear in my own mind are tip toeing on the edge of serious sculpture with a giggle. Bravo!

THIS BOOK SHOWS A GREAT WAY TO MAKE THOSE ODD SOCKS HAVE A NEW LIFE, YOU KNOW THE ONES THAT COME BACK FROM THE WASH EVEN THOUGH TWO WENT IN!! KIDS ALWAYS HAVE FAVOURITE SOCKS THAT THEY WONT PART WITH AND NOW THEY CAN KEEP THEM AS NEW PLAY MATES. GOOD VALUE.