Ever wondered where all your lost socks disappear to? Well, they may just have
been reincarnated as one of Donna Kruger’s famous Sockimals!
Under the knife of our resident Socktologist, Donna Kruger gives socks a fresh lease on life. Stuffed and stitched into the most delightful creatures you’ve ever seen. Think giraffes, piggies, llamas, Sockosauruses (yes, you read that right), hippos, ellies, donkeys, bunnies, and … well, you get the picture. If it’s cute, Donna’s probably made it.
Oh .. and she doesn’t really use old mismatched socks from the laundry vortex. Only brand-new ones that have never been worn.
For more than a decade, Donna’s been expressing herself through socks. The more colourful and wilder the pattern, the better … since Donna herself is, well bold, bright and busy. Upon completion, every Sockimal gets a hug from its creator (because it’s become a ritual) before it’s ready to head off to its fureva home. So far, exactly 4157 Sockimals have been lovingly adopted. (She’s her father’s daughter, so yes, she keeps track)!
‘The best part is that each one is so different, even if they start as identical pairs of socks. I can never ever create the exact same animal twice, which speaks to me too. Each of us are unique masterpieces and not one person is the same as someone else.’
Socks have been a thread (pun totally intended) in Donna’s life since she was little. She remembers making mud pies and sifting sand through … you guessed it … socks with her little sister, Laura. Later, she was knitting baby jerseys and making dresses for her niece. Creativity has always been in her blood, and though her mom tried to teach her sewing as a little girl, it didn’t really click until Donna found her Sockimal calling later in life.
Needless to say, she has always loved colour, and she’s come to love people just as much. She’s grown into her uniqueness and celebrates it just like the full-spectrum rainbow she loves to create with.
Now, when Donna’s not transforming socks into animals, she’s consulting for The Learning Point, an education exhibition company she used to run herself. And, she might even plan the occasional event or party. Because, apparently, creating magical moments is in her DNA too.
‘Looking back, I always found opportunities to be creative. After passing on the company, I had more time and so I ventured into event and party planning, which I absolutely loved. It gave me the chance to help people create unforgettable events and lasting memories to treasure.’
Sockimals only really came into the picture when she helped her sister, who was looking for a creative project to empower women in Zambia at the time. Donna jumped in, patterns in hand, and so, unintentionally discovered her happy place.
Fast forward to today, and Donna has made 53 different types of Sockimals. But her everyday lineup includes around 30 regulars. And yes, she’s always up for a challenge if you’re after something specific. Her favourite? Well, if you twisted her arm, it would have to be her mascot, Gracie Giraffe (but don’t make her choose … it’s like picking a favourite child).
It comes as no surprise that Donna can’t go anywhere without scanning the shelves for socks (#thesnuggleisreal). Good quality, well-priced, quirky socks are her kryptonite, and Dave, her husband, has developed the world’s patience while she’s on the hunt. Her friends know the way to her heart, too … sock shopping!
Looking ahead, Donna’s excited to keep growing her sock empire. She’s dreaming of hosting more Create Your Own Sockimal workshops and taking kits to schools for kids to craft in their Arts and Technology classes. Eventually, she’d love to teach someone just as passionate to help her with the socky magic.
‘My biggest inspiration is God’s beautiful creation around us. More of artistry on full display you will not find. My daughter is also my inspiration. How she holds fast to her faith, no matter what life brings on her path, which encourages me greatly.’
Alongside her husband, Donna is also deeply involved in I Am Second, a nonprofit inspiring people to put Jesus first in their lives. Together, they lead the Africa division, travelling all over to share stories of faith and hope.
But when she’s not doing missionary work, Donna’s happiest spending time with her family, or just chatting with friends … barefoot or in socks.
‘In my downtime though, I enjoy quiet moments with my Bible and jotting down dreams and promises from God. My life motto is Let my story bring You glory, Lord. And, just that is what I’ll always be aiming for.
‘And if anything’s guaranteed to make my day, it’s my granddaughter’s infectious smile. Or, naturally, a fun pair of socks.’
One thing’s for sure. Whether it’s faith, friends, family, work or Sockimals, Donna’s all in. She’s got no space for half-heartedness. Just full-blown passion for everything she sets her heart and hands to. So, next time you’re faced with an odd sock, just think of Donna and her wonderful world of socky creatures. Because around her, even the simplest things … like a pair of socks … become extraordinary.
You can find her Sockimals on sockimals.co.za from R70 each.
Details: Follow @Sockimals on Insta and Facebook
Text: ALANICKA LOTRIET. Photographer: ROELIEN MALAN. Venue: STUDIO WORTHIT.