Martha, Here you go. lolart http://familycrafts.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nil8.com%2Fmonkeymaker.html Here is a link that might be useful: sock monkey

You can get sock yarn on-line thru Joann.com. They sell Lion Brand "magicstripes" and Paton's Kroy Sox Yarn and Bernat sock yarn. You can usually get a pair of socks from one skein for about $8-9 dollars a pair. You can also find all kinds of information on sock yarn and patterns by doing a search on "knitting socks". I tried the pattern put out with the Lion Brand Magicstripes yarn.I had no problems following the directions and actually turned the heel the first time thru the directions, the biggest thing I was afraid to do with socks. So, as someone else here on this forum said, "just slowly follow the directions and you should have no trouble". I never finished the toe as the sock was huge, so that's a part I don't know yet. I had already gone down from size 3 to size 2 needles before starting the sock but it was still too big, so I pulled it all out and went to size 1 needles. Have just reached the beginning of the heel and so far it looks ok size wise(adult medium size). I like watching the pattern made by the striping yarn and the wool in the yarn makes it very comfortable to work with. I enjoy doing it. I have already gotten more sock yarn for future knitting. Good luck - I hope you like sock knitting too.

Thanks, y'all for your comments. Threejsmom, you are right, the K2, P2 ribbing was slow going. I decided to work the entire sock top in the ribbing, so no wonder it was so slow. The yarn I'm using is Schoeller & Stahl Socka Color and it's working up in beautiful rainbow stripes. The pattern is Classic Socks for the Family by Yankee Knitter Designs. After re-reading my original posting, I think I mostly needed to vent my frustration. Since then, I've been diligently applying myself to the needles and now the sock top is 9 inches long -- another 3 rows and I start the heel! There's no way I'm abandoning this project. This pair is a surprise present for my new husband. He's never had a pair of real wool socks before and I think he is in for a real treat. I'm thinking that some of my frustration was due to my 20-year vacation from knitting and also because I'd been crocheting with fatter yarns that work up quickly. Now I'm wondering why I waited so long to pick up sock knitting again. I'm still planning to make two more pairs of socks as Christmas gifts for my sons, however I'm planning to make heavier socks for theirs. One of them likes wearing heavy socks with his Birkenstocks and the other son is into hiking and mountain biking. Concerning using two strands of the yarn: I'm going to knit a swatch on No. 4 needles and check the gage, then decide if its suitable for socks. Again, thanks for your feedback. I live way out in the country and don't know of anyone in this area who knits. Knitting is not big in the South and experienced knitters are few and far between.

OK, here is my 2 cents worth! Make your own rope toys for your dog(s). I learned this from a dog forum. They are especially safe if you have dogs' that have digestive problems after excessive chewing on raw hides. I have one of those dogs. Instructions: Straighten the sock, start at either end. Tie a knot, pull tight, as you pull from both ends at the same time, leave an inch or 2 of space, tie another tight knot and keep going until you get towards the top. Try to use socks that don't have too much elastic or loose threads at either end. You don't want lose threads that will catch in their teeth like carpet edges. Holes don't matter. Boys/Men socks were best. The tough kind they wear with sneakers. I made one for my dogs' 3 years ago, and it is still intact and safe. It even washes well with their dog blankets. Marie