I asked Chatgpt to describe handmade soap

November 5, 2023 Nyknits2 Comments

This is the result. The only thing I would change is the use of the word moisturizing. It doesn’t say the soap moisturizes, but to me, it is implied.

The bold paragraph makes me want to hop in the shower right now! This is it for me. Exactly, it!

Handmade soap

Handmade soap is a meticulously crafted cleansing product that is made using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients. It is created through a process known as cold process or hot process, where the soapmaker combines oils or fats with an alkali (such as lye) to initiate the saponification process.

What sets handmade soap apart is the attention to detail and the use of natural, nourishing ingredients. Artisan soapmakers often handpick oils, butters, botanicals, and essential oils to create unique blends that provide various benefits for the skin.

The texture and appearance of handmade soap can vary, but it is usually characterized by its rustic charm and individuality. It may have slight imperfections or variations in color, making each bar a one-of-a-kind piece.

One of the key advantages of handmade soap is its gentle and moisturizing properties. Unlike commercially produced soaps that often contain harsh chemicals and synthetic additives, handmade soap is typically free from artificial fragrances, preservatives, and detergents. This makes it suitable for people with sensitive skin or those who prefer natural and organic skincare products.

The scent of handmade soap can range from subtle and earthy to vibrant and aromatic, depending on the essential oils or natural fragrances used. These scents often evoke a sense of relaxation, rejuvenation, or indulgence, creating a delightful sensory experience during every use.

Overall, handmade soap represents the craftsmanship, care, and dedication of the soapmaker. It offers a luxurious and wholesome bathing experience while promoting the well-being of both the skin and the environment.

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Oatmeal, Milk & Honey Soap

December 19, 2021 NyknitsLeave a comment

I’m making a winter care soap box. It will include 3 soaps. A loofah bar, a shea butter bar and an oatmeal, milk and honey bar. Just like with fiber, I get such a thrill when I cut a loaf of soap. I don’t know what the chemical is that my body produces, but boy oh boy, does it feel good. These bars will be available in Februrary. The ingredients are: saponified olive, coconut, sweet almond & avocado oils. Cocoa butter & beeswax. Extras are: honey, oatmeal & almond milk. I love, love, love the look and feel of this bar. I also added tumeric for color. A wonderful bar. Treat yourself well, use handmade soap.

Wet soap

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What should I change my blog’s name to?

December 18, 2021 Nyknits2 Comments

I’m thinking about changing the name of this blog. I intend to share all my interests. Knitting, spinning, bread making and soaping. Maybe Nyknits & Makes Soap? Or maybe Nyknits & Makes? Soap making is my passion at the moment. Should I leave it alone until I’m sure if I’ll keep on it? Although, I still get a kick out of making bread, and the hubs loves it ( he once ate a plate of just bread) the weight gain is real, folks.

Uncategorized

reviving my blog

December 9, 2021 Nyknits2 Comments

Hello All, It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I hope everyone is well, happy and healthy. Earlier this month, I pledged two things. The first I said , out loud, that I would try to follow the advice of Pema Chodron. She wrote about a practice that grabbed me. She said:” The next time you go out in the world, you might try this practice: directing your attention to people- in their cars, on the sidewalk, talking on their cell phones- just wish for them all to be happy and well. Without knowing anything about them, they can become very real, by regarding each of them personally and rejoicing in the comforts and pleasures that come their way. Each of us has this soft spot: a capacity for love and tenderness. But, if we don’t encourage it, we can get pretty stubborn about remaining sour.” From her book Becoming Bodhisattvas

I read this and told myself I would make an effort to do this for the entire month of December. Now, understand, I pretty much walk around with a positive outlook. I tend to see the good before the bad. My issue is I forget! I go about doing what I have to do mindlessly. Mindlessly. I now write it down and track it in my bullet journal. Right alongside my exercise, breath work and whatever else I need to do that day. Did I wish somebody well and happy? Lol

The other thing I pledged for December was to revive this poor old blog. I decided I would write about this year’s Christmas Eve cast on. I will start the Safe Space blanket by Skeinanigans. I love a scrappy project. I will use my leftover sock yarn and maybe use mini skeins. I cannot wait to start it. Isn’t it adorable? The pattern is $3.00 on Ravelry. Go have a look. It’s a good way to use up any leftover yarn and also a way to remember past projects. I’ll tell you about last year’s Christmas Eve cast and a previous scrappy project in the next post. Until then, I wish you to be happy and well.

knitting

March 15, 2020 NyknitsLeave a comment

Will somebody play?

I want to see your answers, a little change of scenery.

* Favorite pie: Apple

* Steak or seafood: Steak

* Italian or Chinese: Italian

* Pepsi or Coke: Coke

* Chocolate or Vanilla: Vanilla. Never chocolate

* How many tattoos: 0

* Ever hit a deer: Nope!

* Rode in an ambulance: No

* Netflix or Hulu? Netflix

* Last text from: Antoinette

* Favorite season: Summer

* Broken Bones: Nope

* Favorite color: Green

* Sunrise or Sunset: Sunrise

* Ocean or Mountain:Ocean

* Dogs or cats? Dogs

Fiber · knitting

Yarn & Fibre Diet

September 13, 2019 NyknitsLeave a comment

Yesterday on my Instagram TV channel, I officially announced that I was going on a yarn diet. Saying it out loud keeps me mindful and (I hope) will hold me accountable. From now until at least December, I am only knitting from my stash and trying to knit mostly for others. I don’t like having too much of anything. I feel its wasteful, disrespectful and unappreciative. In the world of essential oils we are taught to respect how much work it takes to get one drop of oil from a plant. Because of that, we are mindful in the use of it. I don’t buy a ton of oil that may sit and rancid. I don’t run my diffuser for hours on end, so I don’t even smell it anymore. Thirty minutes at a time is sufficient to get the effects of the oil(s). I don’t want yarn to just sit and look pretty. I want to use it, appreciate it and share it with someone. I will be sharing photos along the journey here and on Instagram as Nyknits.

Is anyone else feeling the need to downsize? To not have too much of anything? Tell me about it. How are you doing it?

Until next time…

knitting

Instagram Is Where I’m At

July 19, 2019July 19, 2019 Nyknits3 Comments

I started this blog because I needed an outlet. I was so excited about knitting and yarn. Excited about learning all things fiber. Excited about trying new techniques. My family and friends could only listen to so much. You know, the glazed eyes and all.

So, in 2015, Nyknits began. I posted almost every week. Usually on Sundays. And it was great. I got to share with like minded folks. I shared photos of works in progress, finished objects, trips, knitting guild guests etc.

I had been on Instagram since 2013. I started posted photos of my makes and then decided, again to spare my non fiber friends and family, to start an Instagram account dedicated solely to the fiber arts. And that is where I have been all this time.

The platform is easy to feel at home in. I am fully engaged. I am inspired by all the beautiful projects I see. I mostly follow individuals. Companies, not so much. I just ran into a person I follow this week. She was at my spinning guild meeting. We knew each other by our Instagram handles. Are you on Instagram? Care to share your handle? I’ll be glad to follow.

This week I made a hot process soap. This weekend, I’ll be sharing photos, recipe and resources.

Till next time, Lisa

soaping, bread baking , maker

Have You Baked Bread?

July 14, 2019July 14, 2019 Nyknits8 Comments

This bread making trip came out of the clear blue. I somehow found Elly’s Everyday youtube channel and, you now how that goes. Down the rabbit hole. Elly is from Australia. She makes bread and soap making tutorials. I followed her instructions to make my sourdough starter and I also intend to make one of her soap recipes.

Sarah Owens, the author of Sourdough has a tutorial with food52. This is the recipe I followed for my first loaf. She is currently based in Queens, NY and holds classes/workshops.

I then came across Mark Bitman’s video with Jim Lahey. He is the author of My Bread: The Revolutionary No-Work, No Knead Method. This is currently my favorite way to bake bread. I came to the conclusion that the only time I like sourdough is when it’s a soup vessel. I had the best clam chowder in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf and it came in a sourdough bread bowl. I loved it! So, for now, I’ll put aside the sourdough.

Here are the ingredients for Jim Lahey’s no knead bread. I included a link for the video and also a link to the best written recipe I found. It is a good first time bread baking recipe. Tell me if you try it.

You will need:

3 c of bread flour and more for dusting

1/4 tsp yeast

1 1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 c of water

And that is all. Jim uses wheat bran for dusting. I used the same bread flour in the recipe.

I use an old corning ware casserole that can withstand a temperature of 500 f. I put the dough on parchment paper and drop it in the casserole.

I have made 10 or 11 loaves now, and today I deviated and added a cup of coarsley shredded habanero cheddar cheese. It was a good choice.

written recipe

No Knead Bread Video

How To Make A Sourdough Starter

Sarah Owens Sourdough Bread

knitting · soaping, bread baking , maker

What I Have Been Up To

July 10, 2019 Nyknits1 Comment

Hey, everybody. It’s been a while. Where have I been? I have been “staying curious”. So many things have been sparking my curiosity. Bread baking and soap making are the newest things. I have joined the local spinning guild, I bought a teeny tiny electric spinner and a flax wheel from the 1800’s at an auction.

Here are a few photos. I’ll be glad to share what I’ve learned and the resources I found. I hope you’re inspired to try something new or to revisit a craft you’ve tried before.

My sourdough starter

Soap making supplies

Olive oil melt and pour soap

Meet John Oliver

John Oliver

Melt and pour soap

Seamless circular yoke

Safety equipment

knitting

What’s Up?

July 7, 2019July 7, 2019 NyknitsLeave a comment

Hey everybody! So listen, my friends, it has been well over a year , 18 months to be exact, since I have written a post. I honestly only came back because I received a notice about my domain name renewal. Oh yeah, I have a blog! Tell me what’s new with you. What are you working on? What new thing have you learned? Have you been to any of the fiber fairs/conferences/workshops? I have much to share. So much, that I am thinking about changing my blog name. Its not just knitting anymore. I am looking forward to chatting with all of you. See ya on Wednesday.

Lisa

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