I will say, after several experiments with dying yarn, I don't think it's going to be the craft for me. It's fun, but much like spinning, it's a lot of work for something that isn't as beautiful as I would like. Maybe I'm too picky, but I don't think so. I don't have a dedicated area. My kitchen has very limited counter space. It's really frustrating to dye outdoors in the wind with yarn and dye knocking around. So that experiment is pretty much over. I've got a TON of dye left that I will probably use (especially since I have a dedicated dying microwave now, argh) but I just don't think it's in the cards for me to become a master dyer. I'm too flakey for it. I need new and exciting. I really enjoyed the egg dye experiments on my stove, so I may stick to that for my future endeavors.
I've been contemplating experimenting with cold process soap making, you know, the kind that requires face masks and gloves because of the lye. The science involved sounds like fun, plus I found a really, REALLY simple recipe for some cp soap that uses all coconut oil (which I am a big fan of, and it very easy to procure in my neck of the woods). I've ordered a silicone mold, and some fragrance oils and some drain cleaner (it's pure lye and cheap!). And I'm excited to see what happens. Worst case scenario I still won't be out as much money as my dying experiment, and best case scenario, perhaps I will be inspired to create some crochet spa bath items.
But on the upside, having more free time has allowed me to spend summer vacation with my daughter (who has lost both of her front teeth! Oh my!) and be available for my grandma (who just isn't doing well in the heat) whenever she needs it. She uses a wheelchair full time now, and has difficulty transferring, so I really don't leave the house for more than an hour at a time anymore. Thank goodness for Netflix, Hulu Plus and Amazon Video Streaming. LOL!!! And I've lost about 35 pounds, which is really a positive step in the right direction!
I guess what I'm saying is, I love my blog, but for a while it may encompass more than just crochet. And I really think that's a good thing. I probably should have done that from the beginning, because I haven't even checked it for a couple of weeks because I felt so guilty that I didn't have new patterns and new ideas for you guys. No one has ever asked that of me, or required NEW NEW NEW as a condition of our friendship, but that's a pressure I've put on myself. I think it's time to admit that I'm human and not a machine, and it's time for me to treat MYSELF like a friend. And I'll post patterns when I'm inspired, and we'll all be happy.
In the mean time, are there any soapmaking experts who have advice for me?
xoxo
what about making lotions,also soaps,body butter candles?
ReplyDelete*Renee
Been missing your posts, Jaime! I was wondering where you've been! Glad to 'read' you now :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jaime,Don't stress!!!It doesn't always have to be about crochet!!!It doesn't even have to be about ANY craft whatsoever!!!!Just tell us what's happening in your life!!!Just like friends,calling(blogging)each other!!!
ReplyDeleteWell said Anna, I agree.
DeleteI understand what you're saying! Sometimes you just need to do other things.
ReplyDeleteIf scrapbooking is not you're thing, maby a smashbook is something? I am starting one for my vacation.
Love,
Mariel
I love making cold process soap from scratch! Olive oil is also a wonderful oil to use - if you combine olive oil and coconut oil, you can make a lovely shampoo bar! The advice I have is make sure to add the ingredients in the right order so you don't have an explosion and be sure to use dedicated pots and utensils - nobody wants lye in their food. ;) Another thing you can do is make basic soap bars, let them cure, then grate them down to make milled soap which will allow you to use other oils and ingredients you wouldn't be able to use during the first process because the lye would ruin them. I've been thinking of getting back into CP soap myself - used to love making shampoo bars, but finding the lye source has become an issue. I used to be able to get it in smaller amounts at the grocery store but no longer and I just wasn't ready to invest in a larger amount to keep in the house. But I do miss it so might just have to invest and find a safe spot to store it.
ReplyDeleteBeen missing you for a while; but you've gotta do what you've gotta do!! Hope you find joy and fulfillment in your soap-making endeavors. (I bought a couple of books once, years ago, too much fiddling around for me!! Soap is not my thing.) I am much happier with a hook in hand!! Wishing you the best; keep us up to date on how it goes for you!!!!
ReplyDeleteJaime,
ReplyDeleteThere will be a time when you get back to crocheting and designing more, but for now, under the circumstances, it is highly understandable that you need all the you time you can get, seriously. I take time off from my blog quite a bit because I have too. There is a lot of love here, and good people to support you because you're a good person. I will continue to pray for you, your family, and especially your grams, I know it is difficult to watch her body slowly shutting off in ways, but I have faith that the creator of all things, God, will make a way where there seemed to be none, he will multiply your blessings....and hey, your Grams is a tough lady, she has had some serious longevity, to be in your 90's is quite a feat and remarkable. It takes a special person to be a care taker because you're just like an Angel, not every one can handle it, but you do it, and yet you still take time to make us smile, and God sees it and he is going to bless you for it. I know he will. Hugs and many blessings to you Jaime, you strong beautiful woman.
...and then you will sell your soap, offering crochet soap-savers made with hand-dyed yarn! ;)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Piper!! everyone needs time to get back in touch with them selves. It's ok to be selfish. You are a beautiful strong women who has inspired a lot of people, including me (and continue to do so) and sometimes you need to inspire yourself. I love the idea of taking time to find other things that you enjoy. I'm finding im doing the same thing at the moment, I pick up my hook every now and again, but I found I needed a break.
ReplyDeleteHave fun, enjoy the little things, and be you. Hugs to you and stay strong!!
Jaime M (from Australia :P)
Thank you, your comment made me smile. ;-)
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ReplyDeleteSo today is my first day I came across your blog. I was in search of a "Wonder Women" headband. (Went to Joann's this evening to get supplies...will be starting soon). I was scrolling through your posts and this one grabbed my eye. It was the line about loving all crafts except for scrapbooking. I was beginning to think that I was the only crafter who didn't scrapbook. Thank goodness my daughter does. She inherited my "expensive" ambition. As a working mom, I find crocheting is my downtime and it is portable. Never feel bad when you need a break. We are only human. Can't wait to read more blogs!
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