As I sit here at my desk I am being spoiled by Brenna Maloney, author of Socks Appeal which was released just this past June. The below photo is one I took from my office chair in my cubicle at C&T Publishing/ Stash Books.

What is that? I’ll tell you. It is one of a new species of sock creature that Brenna calls the Worry Wort. Our Sales Manager, Sandy, brought this funny guy back with her from the BEA show this past spring, where Brenna did a book signing in our booth. When she showed this Worry Wort to me I plopped it on top of my file cabinet. And it looked so content sitting there, we just let it be for the moment and it hasn’t been moved since.

It’s expression seems to change from time to time, depending on my mood. I know this sounds crazy and I admit I don’t have any proof. But I wouldn’t be surprised if you make your own Worry Wort and experience the same phenomenon.

Without further ado, here is a project Brenna put together just because we asked her to give our fabulous blog readers something free. You can also find it posted on her Socks Appeal website. While you are there please watch the Hippity Hop video. It’s for your own good.

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Worry Worts

a FREE project by Brenna Maloney

Meet the Worry Worts

I spent many a restless night over this question of what to give you. I don’t want you to think, “Oh, Brenna has given us something free, but the free thing sucks.” You can see how distressing that would be. I worried so much.

A Worry Wort is that thing you make from a sock to help you cope with all these worries you carry around with you. It is stuffed with rice which helps give it so much character.

I think he looks a bit like a llama here, don’t you? Would you like to make one? Would you like to make one for free?  Let’s do it! It’s not hard.

You’re going to start with two socks, a knee high and one of those dreaded anklets.

Cut the toe section off the knee high and trim off the bumpy cuff part.

Put the knee high aside. Turn your anklet inside out and free style sew the “comb” that will go on Mr. Wort’s head. Give him a good five or six poykies. That’s a technical term for pointy little nibs on the top of his head.

Turn your “comb” right side out. Mine doesn’t look too great here. They have a tendency to curl up a bit, but not to WORRY. It usually evens out when you sew it to his head.

So, let’s do that now. Just to reassure you. Turn your knee high body inside out. Tuck the comb in upside down.

You’re going to sew that comb in and at the same time, shape his head. I like making his head an irregular shape, but you can make it round if that suits you. Stitch across his head. Trim off the excess.

Turn him and have a look.

Next, we’ll work on his face. From what is leftover from your anklet, cut a triangle. Just eyeball it, big enough to fit his head.

Turn the raw edges under and hand stitch his face in place. Go slowly. Make sure you don’t stitch his head together by mistake.

Looking good so far!

Let’s give him some eyes. I used little black seed beads here. For his nose and mouth, use two or three strands of black DMC floss. Now remember: He’s a worrier. So, maybe he looks a little sad? A little troubled? It’s okay. He’s doing this for you. When YOU worry, HE worries.

Now, the fun! We stuff him with rice.

Just pour the rice in slowly…

…pausing occasionally to see how full he’s getting.

You don’t want to overstuff him, but fill him up until you’ve only got an inch to spare. Using a thick thread (quilter’s thread, if you have it), stitch up his butt. Double knot that sucker, too. The rice can be rather heavy.

Here we are, all stitched up.

And, we’re all set!

Feel free to position him any way you like. He tends to slouch as he takes on all your worries.

A few more examples….

What? Me worry? For you, YES!

Related posts:

1. Introducing: Socks Appeal
2. Free Owl project from Socks Appeal
3. Show us your Socks Appeal and win!
4. Be free, piggy!
5. This Bunny Has a Headache!