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If you’re like some of the people asking whether I make custom sock monkeys the answer is yes! In fact most of my sock monkeys are custom made. To shed some light on these personalized sock toys, I’ve written this blog post in Q&A using some popular questions with answers to everything you’ll need to know to get your own custom Mars Sock Monkey.

What’s a Mars Sock Monkey and what makes it custom?

A Mars Sock Monkey is a fashion sock monkey handmade by Maribel Made (that’s me). Each custom sock monkey comes with a knit hoodie, non-hooded sweater, playsuit or a dress. Accessories like a hat or a scarf can also be included. Clothing comes with an optional custom knitted design inspired from a graphic, logo, initial or text of your choice. As long as the design is recognizable in knit form anything is possible! Basic shapes like a heart or star are also quite popular. :)

As a client you can have total creative freedom over the design and look of your custom sock monkey from choosing the type of clothes, style of socks (stripes, argyle, checks, etc), colors and even the naming of your own sock monkey. If all this sounds intimidating though, I can fill in any gaps or take care of all the design for you. I’m happy if in the end you’re happy.

Is it child-safe?

Most of my sock monkeys are child-safe. If your custom sock monkey is for a child, I can make sure it doesn’t have any small parts that may potentially be harmful to children. Plastic safety eyes are used in the construction of my sock monkeys so they don’t come off. If you’re curious about the safety of a particular sock monkey in my shop just take a look at the description. Some of my toys are not meant for children.

Samantha and Frizbee Custom Mars Sock Monkeys

How much does it cost and why does it cost that much?

Custom Mars Sock Monkeys range between $100-$150 dollars. This is based on sock size (crew or knee-high), time spent on the project, cost of materials and complexity of design and clothing. A finished crew size sock monkey measures about 15 to 19 inches tall while a knee-high size sock monkey can measures from 23 to 30 inches tall. Baby and kid size sock monkeys can also be made upon request. Pricing excludes shipping. Shipping within the US is $5 via Priority Mail and $8 for International orders sent via First Class Mail. Maribel Made ships Worldwide.

All my sock monkeys are 100% hand-made using high quality yarns, socks and filling. Each custom sock monkey takes about 14-18 hours to complete (about 1 week). This time includes gathering of materials, design, color work, production and photography. I put a lot of care and effort into each sock monkey so that it retains its appeal and lasts for many years to come!

How and when do I pay?

Custom orders require half payment up-front 1 week prior to start of sock monkey. Once item is finished, final payment should be made before sock monkey is shipped. Maribel Made accepts payments through Paypal and can be remitted to maribelmade at gmail dot com.

Abbie and William Custom Mars Sock Monkeys

What’s the wait list time?

Wait list can vary depending on time of year, but usually it’s about one month. This means that I can start work on your custom sock monkey one month (more or less) after placing your order. Order is placed by simply adding your name to my Custom Mars Sock Monkey Order List! There’s no need to make payment until I contact you one week prior to start of sock monkey. Please note that after Halloween my wait list can increase up to three months so book your custom sock monkey early to receive it on time. ;)

When will I receive my custom sock monkey?

Once I contact you to begin your order, your custom sock monkey will take about 1 week to make.  When final payment is received, I’ll ship your new custom sock monkey within 2-3 days. Delivery to US, Canada and Mexico shipped via Priority and First Class Mail can take 3 to 5 days. Delivery to all other countries shipped via First Class Mail can take 7 to 12 days. Please note that delivery times may double during holiday season.

Sign me up! How do I place an order?

To place a custom order or if you have questions, concerns or comments email me at maribelmade at gmail dot com.

Mochi and Isis Custom Mars Sock Monkeys

Why do you do this?

In 2007 I became curious to make a sock monkey. I knew sock monkeys were made from socks, which seemed simple yet I had no idea how they were actually made. When I got around to completing my first sock monkey, I wasn’t entirely happy with it. My sock monkey looked kinda sad and lonely. Something was missing.

Soon after another curiosity of mine crept up on me, knitting! So I decided to knit my sock monkey a sweater. I didn’t even know how to begin, but I thought (once I figured it out) the project would help improve my basic knitting and maybe it could turn out to be the missing piece my sock monkey needed. It sure was. My sock monkey seemed happier and warmer too! As my knitting skills improved, I added a hood to the sweater, I learned to make pretty seams, I learned new techniques, made some hats, made some socks, made some gloves, I made lots of knitted sock monkey clothes!

These days I continue to improve on the things my Mom taught me. That’s probably why now I have the urge to sew. Basically my curiosity is my motivation to these crazy sock monkey things and pretty much everything I can get my hands on.

My first sock monkey Juan…He’s not looking so lonely anymore. :)