Month: November 2012

Earlier today, my daughter and I made cold process soap. It’s the first time she’s played an active role in the soapmaking process, and I had a blast talking about the process. We only made three pounds of soap. I decided to keep this batch small while I experimented with a new recipe.

 

The lye mixture was measured and carefully added to the distilled water. Here in the USA,  In order to purchase Lye, you have to sign a disclaimer that states you won’t be using the caustic substance in an illegal manner. Nothing illegal going on here, I’m just making soap. Did you know that there’s a food grad lye available? It’s used in a variety of foods…including some pretzels.

 

Since I couldn’t find my rubber apron, I settled for an big/bulky sweatshirt. I donned my ventilator and goggles, and I started making soap! It’s important to remember that you always add lye to your water.  You don’t want a possible explosion.

 

Well, it looks like I have a fur helper, Hi Bentley! He seemed displeased that he couldn’t be around while I was working with the raw soap.

 

 

I’ll be making another batch next weekend. That batch will be my exfoliating bar soaps, and so I’ll be adding a mix of salt crystals and some herbs from the garden.

A neighbor dropped by when the soapmaking was completed and commented on how nice my dessert smelled. Perhaps he followed his nose to the lovely smells that were coming from our home? He asked what I was making, I laughed and told him I had just got finished making a small batch soap. He could hardly contain his excitement.

I imagine he was hoping I’d gift him with a few bars of homemade soap? His family has raved about how moisturizing the large batch of homemade soap I gifted them with before was. They didn’t want to use the traditional store bought soap after that. I’d made about 30 pounds and gave them a few pounds. I did promise him a few bars so they can try out my new blend. It’s always nice to have eager testers when I’m working on a new recipe. 😉  I’m thinking I might give a few bars away on Celebrate Life too. I use my soap a few days after making it, but when giving to others I always wait 4-6 weeks.

Next on my ‘to do’ list, is soap molds. Next weekend, I’ll be making several non-stick wooden soap molds.

 

Today is Thanksgiving in the United States, my daughter and I are spending a lazy day at the house making crafts, reading, and I just got finished making sunflower seed butter aka Sunbutter! We won’t be having the traditional Thanksgiving meal… My daughter wants Indian food, and a few Kenyan side dishes. I prepared most of the meal yesterday,  which means there’s not so much to do today.

Earlier this morning, part of my lazy adventure had me on Ravelry. Doing the usual, checking a few patterns, and reading a few yarn reviews. While there I stumbled upon a Random act of Kindness post by a user named, Knitwench.

My mom’s 80th birthday would have been Nov. 24, and I always try to do Random Acts of Kindness to celebrate her memory. I wanted to offer my Stained Glass Shawlette as a gift this Thanksgiving weekend from Thursday morning to Sunday night. Code is KAY . And if you feel like doing a RAK in her memory, thank you!

How awesome is that? Since I love basic as well as complicated knitting stitches, I downloaded the pattern. I already know who I’ll be knitting this for, and now I have another excuse to pick up some more lovely yarn.

Most of the patterns I use are paid patterns, since I do appreciate the time the fiber artists put into their creations I’ll go out of my way to support them whenever I can. It’s a shame she doesn’t have other paid patterns, since I’d definitely be purchasing one of them.

I’m virtually poking knitting pals Q, D’nali, and Sarah so they can take advantage of this Random act of Kindness.

 

 

This past Sunday, I took a break from knitting to work on craft bags for my daughters classmates.

After church, my daughter and I headed to Micheals to purchase card stock, a few clear acrylic stamps, and fun little gadgets/snacks to add to the bags. When we were back home, my daughter picked out a cute turkey digital stamp, she colored most of the turkeys while I cut, printed out names.

 

She added glitter to the names…

While I embossed the brown paper bags with my Cuttlebug, glued and added the turkeys to the bags. It took us about five hours to complete everything.

My daughter colored and added designs to each turkey based on the classmates preferences. She’s pays attention to others, such a remarkable trait. It’s something I’ve taught her since she was born. Often times I put her needs above my own. Not only am I the parent, she’s also a great friend. I enjoy spending time with her.

 

But yesterday morning, I couldn’t help but think I could add something more to the turkey. The poor thing didn’t have any feathers after all… and then it hit me! I could use leaves! While part of me was thrilled that I found a solution, the other part really didn’t want to cut the turkeys/names off the old bags, and reapply them (with ‘feathers’) to brand new bags! That was more work, and I didn’t have a lot of time. But that’s exactly what we did.

 

My daughter and I completed the changes before school. Hooray for teamwork!

My daughter thought the boys in her class would think the bags were lame. But they didn’t, they really liked them. Quite a few asked how they were made, and we told them. Of course, I made extras bags just in case… but I didn’t need them. I know all the children in her class, and so the leftovers were given to her teacher who liked our crafty idea too.

Spending the time together, was a great chance to bond with my daughter. It was also a great opportunity to talk about a variety of topics.  She’s told me often, that she appreciates that I like spending time with her. listen to some of her frustrations.

Sometimes parents need to keep their mouths shut, and listen to what their children have to say. You really need to make time, since if you don’t they might not have time for you as they get older.

 

While browsing Ravelry, I saw that KnitPicks has an amazing deal on Biggo Yarn. If your KnitPicks purchase is over $5.00, you’ll be able to get a free skein of Biggo yarn. I thought, with a name like ‘biggo’ it has to be bulky!

I was right…

Biggo Yarn

Content: 50% Superwash Merino Wool, 50% Nylon
Weight: Bulky Weight
Knitting Gauge: 3 – 3.75 sts = 1″ on #10 – 11 needles (6.0mm-8.0mm)
Crochet Gauge: 8–11 sc = 4” on K-M hooks (6.5mm – 9mm)
Amount: 110 yards/100 gram Hank
Care: Machine Wash, Tumble dry low

This super soft blend of superwash merino and nylon is plyed together into a light and lofty 2-ply yarn, making Biggo the perfect choice for easy care garments and accessories. The bulky gauge will have your projects flying off your needles and hooks in no time at all! Biggo is also well suited for cozy, oversized sweaters without the time commitment of finer weight yarns. Bulky, comfy and versatile – Biggo will have you longing for chunky knits all year long.

 

Although Knit Picks doesn’t  have a super huge selection of Biggo yarn (about 15 total)  I’ve chosen asphalt heather. It’s currently hanging out in my online shopping cart as I decide if I should purchase or should I just wait to see what deals they have on Cyber Monday.

Oh by the way, the promotion code you’ll need too take advantage of this awesome deal is trybiggo.