I recently found out that every May 9th is Lost Sock Memorial Day. Of course all us sockladies have known for quite a while that the tragedy of missing socks is a very common occurrence, which is why we sell our kids socks in sets of three (as a pair with a spare) and our baby socks in sets of five (as two pairs and a spare).
I think it’s hilarious and wonderful that we now have a special ‘holiday’ to not only mourn the lost socks in our lives, but to also give new life to their single mates.
So in the days leading up to Lost Sock Memorial Day I started thinking about what I could do with all the socks of mine that have been in that bag for a couple years and have virtually no hope of ever finding their pair. What could I do to give these socks purpose in life again?
Here’s what I’ve come up with: some of the socks I’ve turned into dust rags. I put my hand in the sock and great for cleaning in small crevices. Far more environmentally friendly than using paper towels. Then I took some of the prettier socks and filled them with dried lavender and secured the open end to use as scent sachets with my sweaters and in closets (it smells so good!).
Now it’s your turn. Maybe in honor of spring-cleaning you can write a poem in honor of your lost socks and then donate all your un-matched socks to Goodwill. Or maybe you’ve got some other unique ways to use your old or mate-less socks? If you’ve got a good idea share it with us by leaving a comment so that everyone can put their old socks to good use again.
I completely solved the problem of lost socks, and of sock maintenance in general. I have nothing but Solmate cotton socks in my drawer. I throw them all in randomly out of the wash and take them out randomly to wear. No pairing up, no folding, no problem!
Earlier this summer, I found a book called “Sock & Glove: Creating Charming Softy Friends from Cast-off Socks & Gloves” at my local library. I’ve been researching doll design with a goal of creating handmade playthings for my neices, and this book, by Miyako Kanamori, opened a whole other avenue to my imagination for soft sculpture. I thoroughly recommend checking it out, or purchasing it, to anyone looking for whimsical applications for widowed socks.