Dee Lindner, known as the Sock Monkey Lady®, invites you to read the incredible journey of our sock monkeys—a gigantic story with big heart that first unfolded in the soft wispy cotton fields of Georgia and slowly wove a path into the arms of our loved ones. This ever-sew-fascinating story shares a close look at the people, places, and things behind the thready origin of red heel sock monkeys and how they evolved into popular American icons. An expert in her field, Lindner shares information gathered over thirty-five years from personal interviews with past Nelson Knitting Company presidents/family members, John Nelson family members, Lyle Clapper (Pack-O-Fun), Fox River executives, sock monkey enthusiasts, and Rockford friends. Her colossal endeavor to preserve and share sock monkey lore with other enthusiasts, collectors, educators, and historians who prize the miles of smiles our sock playmates have engendered over generations has culminated in the availability of this comprehensive book edition. Historical facts with supporting photographs, images of sock monkey-themed memorabilia, sock monkey stories, and action-oriented sock monkeys posed in playful parody of our lives are a few highlights among the 390+ colorful pages of fact-based tightly woven fun-filled lore. In Red Heel Sock Monkeys: Pop Culture Icons , readers will find an up-to-date behind the scenes look of a legacy—still in the making—that includes these facets and more: Why, where, and by whom the seamless sock knitting machine was invented. - The dynamic rise and closure of the knitting industry in Rockford, Illinois, including mergers, acquisitions, and name changes. - Nelson Knitting Company’s operations (including their closure) and those of their successor(s) who now manufacture a modern version of the Original Rockford Red Heel sock. - The year when yarn used to manufacture seamless every day work socks in one year’s time during Nelson Knitting Company’s heyday in Rockford, Illinois, could circle the globe with a cable of 500 strands. - Why and by whom a colorful red heel sock feature was added to Nelson Knitting Company’s number one ranked work socks. - Why crafters (early sock monkey pioneers) began to fashion sock monkeys with wide red grins and bums from the folds of these colorful socks. - Familiarity with details of the Monkey Doll lawsuit. - The scope of Nelson Knitting Company’s relationship with retailers, including Pack-O-Fun and why other red heel sock companions were designed. - How, through the decades, the eclectic soft and cuddly sock monkey gained in popularity, comprised the core of the Red Heel Sock Monkey Tradition , and joined the ranks of America’s top favorite toys. - How Rockford, Illinois, became an unofficial Home of the Sock Monkey , and why Nelson—the great granddaddy of all sock monkeys—was created. - A showcase of commendable sock/sock monkey-themed endeavors by people/entities and a tribute showcase to crafters who fashion red heel sock animals. - Key caretakers of the Red Heel Sock Monkey Tradition and what the future may hold.