What to Do with Stray Socks

We all know there is another land where socks go once you put them in the dryer. Why only one sock chooses to go to this magical land will probably remain as much of a mystery as the land itself.

One loyal sock chose to stick around instead of skipping out the first chance it got. It deserves more than the trash bin. It stuck around to help you keep your feet warm, well at least one of them. It deserves a new life. Sure you can stick it on your hand and use it to dust your house. It would probably be quite happy collecting dust in the open air, instead of cooped up in a smelly shoe. But, it can be more than just a duster.

Warming Neck pack - Pour rice into a sock and sew the opening closed. Warm in microwave for about 40 seconds. For an herbal neck pack, for headache relief, add peppermint, rosemary and sage to the rice. For relaxing stress relief add some lavender.

Hacky sack or Bean bags - Cut of part of the sock and add rice or beans and sew the end closed. For bean backs add fewer beans, to make it looser.

Sock Puppet - It's a classic. Add some buttons and embellishments or draw a face and put on a family puppet show.

Sock doll - You can use cotton balls or even other stray socks for stuffing. Books like "Stray Sock Sewing" take a stray socks second life to a new level with lots of fun sock dolls to make.

Draft stopper - Add beans, grains, or cat litter. If you do not want to use beans or grains you can stuff them with other stray socks or rags. A long tube sock works best. Though, 2 socks can be easily sewn together to make it longer, if needed.

Dog toys - Tie a couple knots in a long tube sock or add a tennis ball to the end, tie a knot, so it won't come out. It can be used for your dog to throw around, as a fun 'Go Fetch' toy or a Tug-o-War toy.

Cat toy - Add about a teaspoon of catnip to the toe of a small sock, tie or sew the top, shake to disperse the catnip. A string can be tied to the top, for you to help a lazy cat exercise.

Water bottle sweater - Cut off the top part of a sock and use it as a sweater to keep you hand warm for your cold water bottles.

Massager - Add 2 tennis balls and tie tightly or sew closed. Lay down, place under neck or under the back. It can be used to relieve tension in your neck or back.

Hair curlers - Cut a sock or socks into strips. The strips can be cut in half or thirds, depending on the length of the sock. Separate sections of your hair. Tie a strip the the bottom of a section of your hair. Roll the strip until you hit your scalp, then tie the sock strip again. Keep them in overnight, remove them in the morning to reveal pretty curls. It works best if you start with wet hair.

Animal Bandage - If you have a cat or small dog that is nursing a wound, cut the bottom off the toe area of a large sock and slip your cat or dog into it. It can cover wounds or areas with stitches on their torso and keep them from licking. Make sure it fits and is not too tight.