My mom gave me a vintage book with instructions on making sock toys of all sorts. I really wanted to make one for my nephew Corben. Colin had some UCA socks that he had worn a hole into, and I knew they would be perfect for making a UCA (University of Central Arkansas) Bear. Below are pictures of the bear I made, and below those are photos of the instructions to make your own!
I made the polar bear since it more closely resembled a real bear instead of making the teddy bear. I will say that I had to play with the instructions a bit and make it work for what I wanted, liking changing the bear tail and not using buttons for eyes since this was for an infant. I had to use a seam ripper and undo a few things, like making the legs the length I wanted after not liking what the instructions told me. This is a fun project, but be prepared to improvise and not have a perfect creature. Keep in mind this book was written in 1958, and have fun with it! My nephew doesn't mind if his bear isn't perfect-- just as long as that bear will let him drool and chew on him!
