Christmas Crafts & Consternations

So it's been my annual tradition for umpteen years now to give my homemade soap for Christmas. I even began holding a soapmaking event for people who wanted to learn or wanted to participate. One year, I broke from tradition to make chocolate dipped biscotti and pretzels. People were actually disappointed. "Oh. You're not giving soap this year? I mean the cookies are really good, but...no soap?" They were dipped in Ghirardelli Chocolate by the way...AND biscotti has to be baked TWICE! Twice the effort and everyone wanted soap instead. *

Well this year no one is getting soap. Again. Sorry. My supplier for the soap base has increased the packaging from a 20 lb. block to 25 lb. block. Which means price for soap AND shipping have both increased. It's still the best price for the best base I have found, but I just can't justify it this year. If I wait until payday, by the time it would arrive, I'd have like 4 days to make soap. Ain't gonna happen, people.

Here's where the "consternation" kicks in. What do I do instead? Maybe something to use up my yarn stash perhaps?? Something like...THIS:



Tawashis! The Japanese scrubbies for washing dishes!
These zip along quickly AND are useful! (Better looking than boring old sponges, I tell you!)



I love these hypberboic curves! (Check out this BLOG for the pattern!)





I can't post many of my other crochet crafties, because they are for destined for specific people. But they will be posted after Christmas for your viewing and coveting pleasure!


* Okay, I'm not REALLY bitching. I feel flattered that people like my soap so much. I know I do!