Crafting by a not very crafty mum - Behold socktopus!

When Little E was about 4 months we went through a phase where I couldn't leave the room without him screaming. I was going to be the tough mum who taught my child to be self reliant, but guess how long that lasted?

As long as I sat in the living room with him, he would play around on his mat happily. There was only so many useful things I could achieve with just my iPad, so it got me thinking about making things for him. 

I used to love making things. I'd spend hours drawing, painting plaster casts, messing around with play dough, but slowly it all stopped. Adult life got in the way. I had plans to take drawing classes, etc, when I finished university, but never got around to it. I'd always hoped having a baby would give me the "excuse" to unleash my creative side again.

I like this stuff, but essentially I'm a bit rubbish at it and too impatient, so I need quick and easy projects. A lot of craft projects I found were too intimidating. If this sounds like you, read on!

A couple of pairs of my favourite socks wore through. I hate darning them and they just end up wearing through again, so I thought there must be something I can do with them. A no sew option preferably.

Pinterest is a great resource and this is where I found Socktopus!

http://thehatched.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/socktopus/

The instructions here are very clear and I had no problems following them. I like to think I'm pretty environmentally friendly, so I tried not to buy anything to make my socktopus. I put the sock with the hole inside the other with some worn out baby socks to make the head. I have tried to keep as many ribbons from presents and had one that matched the socks to tie around to finish the head. I had samples of curtains that I had kept to make the eyes. All I had to buy was the fabric glue.

As I said, I have no idea what I am doing! I went to my local craft shop and checked out all the fabric glues. I bought the cheapest (UHU The All Purpose Adhesive) and I am pleased. We used it to fix my Big E's mobile phone case as well, so a good purchase.

And this is my socktopus. Nailed it?

Most people love him and Little E has fun pulling on the legs and enjoys me tickling his face. I hope it will be fun in future to throw around as a ball with streamers.

And yes...there are 8 legs.