snow day

Hello! How are you?

Somewhat surprisingly, we find ourselves snowed in here in Cornwall. The schools have been closed for two days now and we are housebound. Not that I mind, actually. I can't think of anywhere nicer than to be cosied up at home with the stove lit, can you? Mind you, I do rather have the luxury of not having to BE anywhere for a few days so that makes life somewhat easier.

I was overtaken by a creative urge yesterday (plus the need to clear the decks in my workroom - an impulse best taken advantage of when it strikes. One never knows when it might come again.....). To begin, soap-making seemed like a good idea especially as I have a beginners soap-making kit at hand (from here). It's a vegetable-based glycerine melt-and-pour thing so not really hardcore soap-making by any stretch but I do like the look of translucent soap, don't you? The plain opaque soap starter block is cut into chunks, melted in a bain-marie, scented, coloured, and then poured into moulds. I made the circle soap in a deliberately deep red and scented it with my favourite Mitsouko perfume as a bit of experiment and it's turned out beautifully (too bad this isn't smell-o-vision). The mould was the bottom of a yogurt pot - very Blue Peter.

I was thinking that I might use these heart shaped soaps scented with Rosewater as gifts for Valentine's Day (thinking ahead). They're very satisfyingly curvy, aren't they?

I adore the chunkiness of these oblong bars. It was hugely pleasing to cut into the block and make smaller bars. I was reminded strongly of watching the severely-hair-styled lady cut up the carefully selected fudge at the old fudge shop in St Ives, which was a childhood treat. She used to slice it with a seriously large knife, scoop it up, pop it into a paper bag which she twisted shut up in the air before handing it over the counter. Bliss although my Dad always wanted rum and raisin flavour included. Heaven knows why.

Whilst the soap was hardening, I moved on to sewing. A Christmas present to myself was the latest Cath Kidston book which comes with some pre-cut fabric to make a little bag. I've never sewn with this fabric before (cotton duck?) and found it quite heavyweight and crisp. It's a pretty straightforward project with some appealing finishing details like the interfacing around the bag top and topstitching. The kind of sewing that makes a person feel special and accomplished. Or perhaps a complete beginner. I guess the label makes it look expensive at any rate.

There were instructions to make a rouleau tape for the bag fastening but that was simply beyond me (that fabric is thick - how are you supposed to turn a small tube inside out?). I substituted a little spotty ribbon which does the job just fine. Makes it a little more personal, perhaps?

In a flurry of finishing things up, Kiki from Clothkits finally got her legs. And her dress. And her knickers. Pixie loves her although she is a very visual doll, I think. I perhaps need to sew on some buttons for eyes and maybe beads for her bracelet to make her more enjoyable.

Phew! What a busy day that was! Today we're investigating the mysteries of free-motion embroidery, a little more crochet and perhaps some knitting. What kind of day are you having? Not too cold, I hope.

Cheerio for now. xx

Posted by Anita at January 7, 2010 01:37 PM