sock kitty

Every once in a while I open a box of things that I packed up to save for whatever reason. There are lots of those boxes. I really want to downsize, but don't know what to do with all the things I think I should save for the girls. Today was not a good day to look at baby treasures and toys, but this one always makes me laugh more than cry. I made it in 1978 for Erin from an old sock orphaned in the wash. Sock Kitty has had a hard life from the beginning- although she was and is loved. But seriously, it took some imagination to play with this sad-faced little sock kitty. Who would have picked her from the mass of sweet colorful toys begging to be played with every day? She looks so dingey, so forlorn- not a speck of pink or a ribbon anywhere. I can't imagine a child thinking, O, kitty! let's play! And I can't remember how much Erin or her sisters cared for her when they were little, except that she's still here. Probably more my attachment than anything else.

A friend recently sent me that book Sock and Glove to reference for a new project we were brainstorming. (I still want to do another book.) It is a darling concept, creations from cast-off socks and gloves except that those charming softies are so bright and clean. Someone needs to cart them around town a little, take them into the garden or the playground, show them some real kid-lovin' like this adored storybook toy. Sock Kitty sure had enough of that, now all grey-on-grey, pilly and smudgey, but she's still doing her bit making us smile. So she's out of the box, perched on the studio shelf today. Queen of all the other handmade cuties beside her. I'd say our dear Sock Kitty's definitely earned her keep-ing.   xoC 

Comments

[Kelley ~ JunqueyGal]

He's adorable - can't wait to show him to my daughters. Another book? Please hurry! :)

[Christe']

sock kitty is just my cup of tea.
even as a little girl I never wanted or loved anything new and colorful..but rather things that were made by someone's hand with love ~just as sock-kitty is~ just herself and more real to a little girl's heart than any other toy in the box could be.

[Kathy]

What a GREAT idea for a book. Just a suggestion..if you used cute little socks and gloves from the thrift stores. That might give you the warm loved look your after. Oh my that wasn't a good time to go through toys ha ha. It's funny how we remember things we think are so important and our children don't remember the same things. For years I've had this totally beat up pathetic bird house. One day I mentioned to my daughter I hate to get rid of it I always remember when we were vactioning on Cape Cod and she and my son bought this as a surprise. She didn't even remember! Oh brother.
Best,
Kathy

[Michelle Cummings]

Your sock kitty is so cute! She brings back memories of some of my treasured toys.

[Jerusalem]

I love it! So cute. I love going to my mom's house and finding little memory treasures like this tucked away in corners. Makes it even more special to visit!
Oh, and I nominated you for a Nice Award! http://miastoriadivita.blogspot.com/2007/08/so-nice.html

[cheryl]

Ahh...that is just so cute!!

[Britt-Arnhild]

Oh, the cross stick pattern I can see..........great.

[Diane Duda]

I think sock kitty is quite the charmer.
Soft and worn...just perfect!

[melissa @ the inspired room]

Oh, he is darling. I love his scraggly little self! Just what I needed today, my last day with my daughter before she leaves for college. Another reason to cry, memories of sock puppets now filling my head! Good memories, Charlotte!

[Mary]

Charlotte,
Thank you for the sweet post! It brought back a flood of memories. I paid tribute to you on my blog.
http://theginghamgirl.blogspot.com/
No where as nice as yours, but filled with the same sentiment. Mary

[natalie]

I think the sock kitty is adorable!! He is making me think back to my son's favorite stuffed toy dog "fluffy". I think I will have to search him out.