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History Lesson

January 25, 2013

Photo © Nelson Knitting Company

We’ve all seen them. Maybe we own one. Perhaps a few of us have even made one. The classic, iconic sock monkey. How many of us know the story, though?

John Nelson, a Swedish immigrant and the founder of Nelson’s Knitting Company in Rockford, Illinois made very popular work socks which were unique at the time because the heel was seamless! They were so popular they simply became known as “Rockfords.” American crafters began using worn-out Rockfords during the Great Depression to craft Sock Monkeys, a great way to repurpose a worn out utilitarian item into a lovable, huggable children’s toy.

Photo © Petite Purls

Today sock monkeys remain popular with people of all ages. Jessica M. Anderson was inspired by her four little monkeys to create Go Bananas! Jessica used three Spud & Chloë Sweater colors to match the iconic Nelson Knitting Company colors, then gave them special details that she knew each child would like, such as bows for her tiniest gal!

Photo © Petite Purls (Three of Jessica’s monkeys!)

The Details

Pattern: Go Bananas!
Designer: Jessica M. Anderson
Size: 18 months (2, 4, 6)
Needles: Size 6 (4mm) 24″ circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Size 6 (4mm) double pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Spud & Chloë Sweater, shown in Chocolate Milk #7524, Ice Cream #7500, Barn #7518
Pattern can be found in Petite Purls, Issue 14

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