I have just done the exact same thing!! remove the condenser filter box (unplug first lol) and that will give access from underneath to a cog . I managed to remove half of a sock from the cog by turning it gently with my hand. the machine now works with no noise but I am going to have to get an engineer out to open it to remove the rest of the sock in case it causes further problems. you might be able to retrieve your item intact.. unfortunately, mine was shredded.
Alison
July 2011