Keeping Busy!

I've been so busy this last week learning everything I can about cold process soap making. Teeni from Mad Crochet Lab and Treblemaking Hookers left a really awesome comment on my last post that helped me to better understand what I'm trying to do (and how to get it to work, even if it doesn't work at first).  Do you read her blog?  She's got some great projects and I love the creative and fun stuff that they've always got going on over at Treblemaking Hookers!  Go check them out (if you aren't already a fan!!!).

I was calculating it, and I think I've made nearly 40 pounds (POUNDS!) of soap so far, which sounds like a lot (okay, it IS a lot) but it's only about 9 batches and I've learned something new with each batch.  Like raw soap itches like crazy when it gets on your skin (um, lye burn?!).  And cheap stick blenders aren't appropriate for soapmaking because you'll burn the motor out before your first batch has reached trace.  And Costco has the best price for cheap olive oil and coconut oil, but Smart and Final will sell you 50 pound blocks of Tallow for $40.  Yes, I bought 50 pounds of Tallow.  LOL!!!!

This soap is my first try using melted chocolate and heavy cream in a soap.  I was going for a Chocolate Milk thing... It doesn't smell as chocolate-y as I had hoped, so next time I try it I'm going to add a chocolate fragrance oil to give it some oomph.  I had some raw cacao nibs in the cupboard, so I sprinkled them on top at the end.  They smell terrible right out of the bag, so I don't know what I was thinking.  It makes a pretty picture, though.

My previous experience with making soap was limited to melt-and-pour (MP) glycerine soaps, so the cold process (CP) way has been quite a learning curve.  MP can be colored easily, but the CP soaps can chemically react with dyes in unpredictable ways.  I tried coloring a batch of Pumpkin Pie soap with some soap colorants I picked up at Michaels.  They weren't the deep, rich autumnal hues that I had envisioned, but the muted, softly faded colors work with the fragrance too.  I tried a zebra stripe technique in this bar, and I was thrilled that it actually worked!  Victory!!

I think what I love about CP soapmaking is that it taps into the same skills that I needed when I was studying to be a pastry chef.  I have missed the science and math and creativity that baking required, and those are all of the things that CP soap requires! And even if most people in my family have gone paleo and are avoiding sugar and grains, they're still happy to take home a soap cupcake!

I do get to bust out my mad baking skills this weekend and bake some cupcake for my sister-in-law's wedding shower.  I spent nearly a month making and hand painting the roses to decorate the cupcake stands.  My soap cupcakes were dry enough to handle, so I tucked them into the stands to see how they were going to look when they were full of yummy treats.  I think the soap looks pretty great in the stands, so the real cupcakes are going to look even more amazing!

She's having a destination wedding with an unusual theme that takes its inspiration from Bill and Fleur's wedding from the first installment of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  I used their colors when I colored the roses, and I couldn't help myself, I had to tuck in a few "golden snitch" bees hovering around the roses.  The 'real' cupcakes will have pale lavender frosting (and will have baking cups! LOL!!!), but I am happy with how the white soapcakes look too!  It would be a cute display in a soap store.

And my Mims has lost her front teeth!  One of the big ones is already growing in, but she looks so cute and silly every time she smiles! She's going through a phase where she doesn't like to pose naturally for pictures (she likes to scrunch up her eyes and make a weird non-happy fake smile) so I'm feeling like a rockstar today because I was able to get this one.  It so perfectly captures Mims as a six-year-old.

I think the only problem that I've got right now is that I'd really like to crochet a soap dish for my pretty new soaps.  I've got a few ideas that I'm noodling around, but they need to keep the soap from getting soggy, and most crochet yarns absorb water, or (like plarn) won't wick it away.  I'm thinking of nylon cord... But first, I've got to get through this shower weekend!  My mom-in-law will be staying with us for a few days, so I don't know how much free time I'm going to have.

xoxo

What to do? The true story of a crochet burnout...

I love crafting.  I love pretty much all crafts, except scrapbooking because I am absolutely terrible at it (and it's a really expensive craft to be THAT bad at... LOL!!).  I've been struggling the last couple of months because I pushed myself too hard for over a year, and I just burned out.  My crochet design brain is empty.  I need something new.

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

A Request (non-crochet related)

Hi everyone!

A quick update: My grandma seems to be doing better, finally.  I am excited to get back to crochet soon, and I've got some great ideas for some new projects that I'm hoping I'll be able to put up soon.

My real reason for this post, though, is that one of my friends that I've met through this site is going through a very difficult time right now.  Her son-in-law was in a tragic accident on a lake yesterday, and they haven't found him yet.  Her family is in desperate need of all of the love, good vibes, happy thoughts, and prayers you can send their way. He has two little kids that really need their dad to come home.

Okay, I'll let you know if she posts anymore updates on Facebook.

Like always, so much love to you all!  Hug your families!
xoxo Jaime

Update June 26th:  Joan just posted on Facebook that they finally got the call that his body was recovered.  Very sad, but not unexpected news.  Prayers and loving thoughts for their whole family, as well as for the friend that was out on the boat with him that day, would be really appreciated.  Thank you so much!
xoxo J

Photographing The Bug

I'm such a lucky auntie.  My niece is adorable.  And she sleeps.  A lot.

Mims is such a party girl that even when she was a baby she couldn't go to sleep if there was anyone else in the house.  She wanted to stay up and entertain them.  It was sweet and charming, but it made photographing her very difficult because she didn't want to be put down for even a moment.  

So when my sister brought Katie-bug over yesterday wearing the cutest angel onesie, I knew I wanted to shoot some pictures for the blog... And for myself, because The Bug is a cutie-pie.

I used my Think Pink Lapgan as the background.  I was lucky, she smiled in her sleep just as I snapped the picture.  I'm not going to say she smiled because she was sleeping on such a beautiful and fun blanket, but I can't stop you from thinking it... LOL!!!

xoxo

State of the Union: May 2013

Have you ever had one of those days that turned into one of those weeks, which then turned into several weeks?  Yeah, me too.  This is by far my favorite job, but it's not my only job, and my 'real world' job has kinda been absorbing all of my time lately.  Anyone who takes care of someone that can't take care of themselves will understand.

I don't have much free time, but I've gotten to do some more dying.  I even used my big-deal professional dyes, which splashed on my leg and gave me Smurf-Foot for a few days.  I even experimented with some cotton yarn and a tie-dye kit.  

I don't see things getting easier in the next couple of months, but I'll keep you updated.  I really appreciate the folks who have noticed questions in the comments, and answered them for me!  Triple Dynamo Points to you!!

I know I've got a post coming up on a really cool argyle cowl I made, but my photographer (Jake! Grrr...) botched them by taking a really beautiful set of photos of me, and managing to cut the cowl off in every single picture.  Seriously.

That's okay.  Now that I'm looking at it, I'm not crazy about the bright blue shirt with the aqua/brown cowl anyway.  I think it was for the best.

Okay, gotta run.  Kindergarten gets out in an hour, and I've got to finish the laundry and fix my grandma some lunch.  Love to you all!

xoxo

Argyle Crochet: Travel Hook Case

After I finished making the case for my new set of Clover Amour crochet hooks, I started to feel sorry for my other case-free hooks.  And I realized that if I had a little case that would hold just a few hooks, but all the other supplies that I need when I crochet, that would be really, really convenient.  I take my crocheting with me everywhere, and it's terribly frustrating to find myself at a "Fasten off." without a pair of scissors.  Or a yarn needle.

So I made a small travel case, that would hold all of the things that I need for a short jaunt out in the world with my crochet.  It will never take the place of my big tool case (cases!), but it's just the right size to fit in my purse with a ball of yarn, so that if a doctor's appointment takes too long, or Mims gets out of school a little late, I can squeeze in a little extra crochet time.

Folded up, it's 7.5" tall x 4" wide.  I made a very long strap to wrap around the case, instead of messing with a button.  I just wrap it around about 4 times, and then tuck the end under the wraps. All of the wraps keep the case from opening and dumping all of my tools into the bottom of my purse, which is a mighty fine quality in a closure! LOL!!!

I made this case using the Argyle Crochet technique (for more information, you can check out my book, Crochet Dynamite: Argyle Crochet available on Amazon.com in the Kindle store - free software is available to read it on your computer, smartphone, and tablet).  All sizes are approximate.

Argyle Crochet: Travel Hook Case
Supplies:
Worsted Weight Variegated Yarn - approximately 100 yards (I used Craft Smart Value Yarn in Fiesta)
Size E crochet hook
Scissors
Yarn needle
Pins (to pin pocket and top flap in place, this is purely optional)

Back:
Make a swatch of argyle, using a single color pattern length. Keep going until the piece measures approximately 6.5" tall.
Fasten off.  Weave in ends.

Pocket:

Make a swatch of argyle, using a single color pattern length. Keep going until the piece measures approximately 4.5" tall.
Fasten off.  Weave in ends.

Top Flap:

Make a swatch of argyle, using a single color pattern length. Keep going until the piece measures approximately 1.25" tall.
Fasten off.  Weave in ends.


Pin pocket to sides and lower edge of back piece.  Pin top flap to sides and top edge of back piece.
Sc around the outside edge of the back piece, placing 3 sc in each corner, to attach pocket and flap.
Using your hooks as guides, stitch a seam in the center of the large lower pocket.  Make 5 individual pockets for the hooks on the left side of the case. Leave the right side open to hold scissors.  Don't sew pockets into the top flap.  It's there to keep the hooks from sliding out of the case and to (slightly) protect the hook heads.

Strap: 

ch 136
R1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (135 st)
Fasten off.  Weave in ends.


Sew the strap to the center of the side edge of the hook case.  Fill with your tools and go on a road trip!  Visit Disneyland!  Or Atlantic City!  Or The Grand Canyon!  And annoy your family by crocheting the whole time!  Sounds like a perfect vacation to me!  LOL!!

xoxo

Don't they look nice together?  You can check out my Clover Amour Hook Case HERE!

Clover Amour Hook Case

I'm 38 years old.  For a long time I really wanted to NOT be 38, or any other age past 24.   In fact, I refused to move past 24 for so long that I celebrated the 10th anniversary of my 24th birthday...  Recently, I've begun to see the advantages that being 38 gives me.  I'm wiser than I was.  I've got mad skillz that the 24-year-old me didn't have.  I've had life experiences.  I'm beautiful in an entirely different way, one that means more than a perfectly unlined face...

Last year, for my birthday, my parents gave me an Amazon gift card, and I bought a set of crochet hooks and a Blue Q tool bag and I used them to start this blog.  So, to continue the tradition, they gave me another Amazon gift card for my birthday this year, with the understanding that I was supposed to do something amazing with it too!  LOL!!!  So I bought a really swanky set of crochet hooks with it, a 10 piece set of Clover Amour hooks.

They took, like, 2 weeks to get here (they were out of stock when I ordered, there wasn't anything wrong with the shipping!), and then I didn't want to actually use them, I just wanted to look at them in the box for another week because they were so pretty.  Finally, this week I got them out and actually crocheted with them, and I am (pun intended) hooked.  The ergonomic handles are rubbery, but not squishy, and they fit nicely in my (on the small side) hands.  I made Katie-bug's hat and booties with them, and I was impressed that my left pinky (the one I broke 6 years ago, and now has arthritis) didn't ache afterwards.  That's the highest praise I can give a crochet hook!

I am not a terribly organized person.  It's my one flaw (LOL!!).  I tend to lose hooks A LOT.  I was determined that I wanted to keep this set together and complete.  So I got out some of my kettle dyed yarn and made a case for them.  It looks (and FEELS!!) as swanky as the hooks that it holds.  I am feeling ridiculously spoiled, which I can say, is one of the perks of being 38.

I added an extra slot to hold a pen, since I tend to take a lot of notes as I crochet even if I'm not writing it up as a pattern.  You don't have to add the extra pen slot, but if you do, I bet you'll love it!  I also used that space to hold a couple of yarn needles, since I never can have enough of those around...

If you'd like to make a swanky case for your hooks, Clover Amour or not, here's the pattern:

CLOVER AMOUR HOOK CASE

Finished size approximately 10" wide x 7" high
Supplies:
Sport weight or DK weight yarn - approximately 180 yards
Size D crochet hook
Yarn needle
Scissors
Pins (optional, to pin pocket in place)

Back:
ch 51
R1: (sc, hdc, dc) in 4th ch from hook, [skip 2 ch, (sc, hdc, dc) in next ch)] 16 times, hdc in last ch
R2-22: ch 2 (counts as hdc), (sc, hdc, dc) in next dc and each dc across, hdc in top of turning ch
Fasten off.  Weave in ends.

Pocket:

ch 51
R1: (sc, hdc, dc) in 4th ch from hook, [skip 2 ch, (sc, hdc, dc) in next ch)] 16 times, hdc in last ch
R2-12: ch 2 (counts as hdc), (sc, hdc, dc) in next dc and each dc across, hdc in top of turning ch
Fasten off.  Weave in ends.

Top Flap:

ch 51
R1: (sc, hdc, dc) in 4th ch from hook, [skip 2 ch, (sc, hdc, dc) in next ch)] 16 times, hdc in last ch
R2-6: ch 2 (counts as hdc), (sc, hdc, dc) in next dc and each dc across, hdc in top of turning ch
Fasten off.  Weave in ends.

Pin pocket to sides and lower edge of back piece.  Pin top flap to sides and top edge of back piece.
Sc around the outside edge of the back piece, placing 3 sc in each corner, to attach pocket and flap.
Using your hooks as guides, stitch seams in the large lower pocket to make individual pockets for the hooks. I made 11 pockets in my case.  Don't sew pockets into the top flap.  It's there to keep the hooks from sliding out of the case and to (slightly) protect the hook heads.

Strap: 

ch 91
R1: (sc, hdc, dc) in 4th ch from hook, [skip 2 ch, (sc, hdc, dc) in next ch)] to end, hdc in last ch
R2: ch 2 (counts as hdc), (sc, hdc, dc) in next dc and each dc across, hdc in top of turning ch
Fasten off.  Weave in ends.

Sew the strap to the center of the side edge of the hook case, 7" in from the edge of the strap.  You will have one long side of the strap, and one 7" side of the strap.

To fold up your case: Fold the outer third of the case to the center.  Roll that part over onto the last third (by the strap).  Wrap the long side of the strap around the case and tie it to the short side of the strap with a loose knot.  Tuck the loose ends of the strap into the wrapped part of the strap to keep them neat!

While I was at it, I also made a purse-sized To-Go case for my other (skinny, aluminum) hooks (and all the supplies I need for working on a project out in the world) using the Argyle Crochet technique!  I'll post the instructions for it on Sunday!