Last night I met with some knitters to work on Knitted Knockers for women with breast cancer. My job was to stuff the finished ones. They were all so beautiful. We have fifty completed and ready to donate. I think the women who receive them will feel very appreciative. The bamboo and cotton yarns are so soft and light.
One of the women there told me that she had run out of my creme soap, which she had been using on her hands. She showed me how they were getting dry again, now that she was washing them with a commercial brand in a pump. I told her that I would check my soap stash, and update it on Etsy. I have four ready to sell, and another batch that is curing on the racks. They will be finished in four more weeks.
I love this recipe because the end result feels special. The yogurt is mixed with distilled water, and then frozen in ice cube trays. It's a lot like a milk soap. When Ann L Watson had people test her soaps, this one got rave reviews. People described it as the perfect soap. I can see why. It has such a lovely look, and it also has a really nice texture. I often give to my friends as gifts. I used rose Brazilian clay to color this batch.
It was nice to sit and knit with the ladies last night and enjoy good food, conversation, and lovely yarn. We met at Creative Ewe in Canyon Country. For some reason, I was having trouble following the Knitted Knocker pattern while in a group. I decided to focus on stuffing, and attempt the double points when I'm by myself and can concentrate. Earlier in the morning, I had spent a lot of time crocheting the shawl, and I think my patience was gone. I've had to rip out several rows to get the count correct, but it's worth it. I'm really learning to see the stitches and to identify them. I have a lot of dark yarn in this project, which can be a strain to see. It's rewarding to watch it grow, though.
I stewed up a few leftover plums that were too ripe to eat. I added a bit of water, some sugar, and simmered them until they were soft. They are absolutely delicious! I bought the plums on sale for fifty cents a pound. I think I will keep an eye out for the late season plums and peaches, and stew them. It really brings out the flavor of the fruit, and it makes a nice dessert.
I have to agree with the lady in your knitting group about your wonderful soaps.
ReplyDeleteAfter just one month using the goat's milk soap for my face and hands during the day and the shea butter/goat's milk soap for my evening shower I definitely have new skin. I don't need any lotion at all anymore.
I would really hate to run out!!
Plums for .50 a pound..how terrific!
The few we have seen here are really expensive and really not so nice.
So far I've made your Plum Kuchen with local peaches, pears and thinly sliced apples, but would really like to make it with actual plums!
This weekend I plan on making your ginger cookie recipe as it's finally cool again. I can't wait.
Hi Jill,
ReplyDeleteIt was so nice to read your post, thank you. I am happy to hear that the soaps are working so well for you. I don't need lotion in the warmer weather when I use them, either. I do use homemade body butter when it's cold, though. I like it with cocoa butter and Shea butter.
I'm so glad that you have used the kuchen recipe. It is really delicious with plums. We are spoiled in California with wonderful fresh produce. The summer fruits grow well here.
I'm eager to hear how you like the gingersnaps. Thanks for posting. I always smile when I read what you've written.
Your soap looks so good I wouldn't want to use it. I can picture them sitting in a bathroom on display.
ReplyDeleteKnitting within a social group would be distracting for me too. Best to leave the thinking parts to when you are alone and can concentrate. This also lets you enjoy the company of the group more too.
Well done on the Knitted Knockers and I'm sure the recipients will feel very special and the warmth from knowing they've been made by caring people.
Kylie
Hi Kylie,
ReplyDeleteSome people use the fancier ones as decorations. They smell nice, too. I like to use them both ways. I think once I get used to the pattern again I'll be able to do it in a group. The first part is the most difficult.
hah i do the same thing when in my knitting group too, it's how i ended up with the mistake in my sons jumper, my blanket suffered too, i seem to lose all focus when i'm there, seems so silly doesn't it? i still to projects that require no thinking now, like easy beanies or a summer stocking stitch top lol
ReplyDeletemmm, stewed plums, yummy the blood plums are my favourite (red flesh) can't get them very often here.
great post
thanx for sharing
I know what you mean, Selina. I felt like I had never knitted. I have made them before in knitting groups, so I think I just need to practice and get back in the swing. The plums with the red flesh are my favorite, too. I used to grow the Santa Rosa variety.
ReplyDeleteI had a comment all typed out, but somehow lost it. Your soaps look wonderful. I have some goat milk and honey soaps which were a gift that I am using now and I love them. You probably will have a new customer once I am finished with the cakes I have. Luck you to have good plums. All I can find here are hard and have none of that wonderful fruit aroma. I suspect they were all picked way too soon.
ReplyDeleteHi Anita, I'm sorry that you lost your comment. Thanks for typing another one. Your soaps sound lovely. That's wonderful that you plan to buy some soaps from me, thank you! These plums were Dinasour Plums. I think they were marked down because they were almost too ripe. They were delicious. The Santa Rosa Plums are my favorite. I hope you find some delicious plums in San Diego.
ReplyDelete