PDX Profile: Tamara, the Sock-Monkey Queen

Seriously, who doesn't love sock monkeys? Our profile this week is of Tamara, a true sock monkey artist, whose creations can be found at SockMonkeyFun.com. Or, you can visit her other website, SockMonkey.net, and learn all about how to make one of your own.

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How did you get started making sock monkeys?
I first really noticed sock monkeys at a friend's house. She had two very cute sock monkeys and would pose them in front of her web-cam in funny, clever ways. I sorta fell in love with them and had to have a sock monkey of my own. Being a crafty type person, I wanted to make my own. So, I ordered 3 packages of the red heel socks in sizes S-L. I didn't know what size of sock monkey I wanted. I figured I'd make up all six monkeys keep the one I liked and give the other five away, thus began the sock monkey making addiction.

For the uninitiated, will you tell us a little about where sock monkeys
originated?
Sock dolls and monkeys have been around in America since the late 1800's. They were said to have become popular during the depression because they could easily be made from used materials. The Red Heel sock came about in 1932 when the Nelson Knitting Company sought to distinguish their socks from the knock-offs that were being made by other companies. These red heel socks became very popular for making sock monkeys because they gave the monkeys that cheerful grin. By the 1950's the Nelson Knitting Company, in a smart marketing move, began including a free pattern for sock monkeys with the socks.

How do you get inspired for all your sock-monkey personalities? Do you start out with a fixed idea, or does the monkey evolve as you make it?
Yes, to both. Sometimes I start with a definite idea of what I want to make, for instance, a cowgirl sock monkey with red pigtails, wiggle eyes and freckles. Other times, I just find a neat pair of wild socks and let the monkey 'tell' me who it wants to be. I find inspiration for the sock monkeys from people I know, people I see in media, my cat, my craft stash (like a
funky ribbon, yarn or pom-pom).

You also make custom sock monkeys -- so what's the most unusual custom order you've ever done?
Probably Don Quixote. He was ordered by a gentleman working at the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic promoting Democracy in that country. He thought Don Quixote would make a good mascot for his team. I get a kick out of hearing the reasons or stories for unusual requests like that one. And Don Quixote was certainly the most challenging sock monkey to date. I needed to make armor, but I wanted the monkey to still be somewhat huggable. It took me a few experiments to come up with something that looked like armor,
but wouldn't poke your eye out if you hugged it. (I ended up using that very stiff fusible interfacing with crepe satin and some metallic trim) I love doing custom orders. Some of my best sock monkeys came from ideas I would never have even thought of.

What is your take on the difference between "Art" and "Craft?"
I think it's mostly a matter of attitude. I kind of relate it to one of my other passions in life, running. I love running. I run pretty slowly, but I still call it running, not jogging. Professional runners would be at a very slow jog at my top speed. I don't take myself too seriously about this though, and would never be offended if someone else said they saw me jogging. I think "Art" is more about your own (and other people whose opinions you value) attitude toward your work.

What are your favorite creative spots in Portland?
I love the outdoors, travel and beautiful design, this being the case, my favorite creative place in Portland is the Japanese Gardens. Portland is a fantastic city for parks and I love all the ones I've visited. I am always inspired by their natural beauty.