The Soap Trick

Don't struggle with obnoxiously-thin slivers of soap in the shower ever again!  You know, the dwindling remains of a bar, when the soap finally gives up the ghost and snaps in two?  Set them aside with your sewing supplies.

Waifish soap bars can be the perfect marking tool in many instances.  In fact, I find myself using soap far more often than chalk.  And there's no longer any guilt in instating a fresh bar of soap in the shower when the old one gets cumbersome.  Handy and resourceful.  Yes, there should be some sort of disclaimer here -- test it on your fabric first, etc, etc. -- but it works for me. 

My favorite little soap trick made its way into ReadyMade this month, along with a groovy illustration.  Like my favorite knot, "the soap trick" is one of those little things that makes sewing more fun.  And showering more pleasant.   

My next collection of fabric gets turned in this week.  And, yes, that's where I've been -- tending my two-dimensional garden.  As soon as the designs* are shipped out, it'll be a mad-dash to prepare three lectures and one hands-on class for these guys (attendees -- note the supply list in the sidebar) for early July, followed by the launch of Trash Ties in mid-July. Then I think I will fall over sideways for a couple of weeks before committing to anything new.

Thanks Kim, for your kind take -- this sort of thing helps keep a girl peppy and at-it -- at least for a few more weeks.

*It'll be months before we see the resulting fabric.  It's still Freshcut season :)

Comments

[Meg McElwee]

Heather, I can't wait to see your new collection! I've just ordered a big pile of Freshcut to use in my first quilting project. And thanks for the soap tip - this will really come in handy, as they don't sell quilter's chalk where I live in rural Mexico. I'm going to have to take some lather-full showers to start whittling away the new bar!

[Mary]

Looking forward to your new "garden!" I like the soap tip but Honey tends to deal with the slivers before I even see them (I use a shower gel). I may have to get a little more aggressive!

[Beth]

Congratulations on your new collection! I'm behind and just found your first collection (and your blog) the other day. :) Your designs are wonderful and I'm looking forward to doing some sewing with your fabric soon.

[denise]

Can't wait to see the new collection!

[Beth]

Soap, no joke?! Awesome.

[Heather Bailey]

Oh no, don't feel behind, Beth -- it's going to be months before the next collection is out. Months! It's a surprisingly long process from start to finish. Oh, and Westminster plans to carry every line out as long as it continues to sell. Which is well, awesome. So, everything should overlap like crazy, let's hope : )

[Molly]

Thanks for sharing this clever tip! I love your fabrics and cannot wait, like Beth, to test them out. I spotted a fun floppy hate by Soule Mamma recently in your print... very, very lovely, very wonderful. I stand amazed.

[Alison]

oh that's a good tip!

[Melanie]

I have to say, I just love your blog and find it a real inspiration. I was just doing a little write up about your and your blog, ready to put on mine and was wondering if there are any pictures you'd like me to put up with it?

You can email me at;
mel_anie_gray@hotmail.com if there are.

Can't wait to see your new line and I'm dying to find out more about your trash ties!

[gloria]

Soap as marker? Oh, that's a marvelous idea! I used to shave them to make potpuouri of sort but maybe I'll save some for marking next time.

[Hope]

I always seem to need chalk, so this is a fantastic idea for me!

[dana]

Shucky-darn! Sooo wish you could give us a sneak peak of your new fabric line!!!

[belém]

Fantastic tip (and cheap). Congratulations for your new collection. Can't wait to see it!

[Heather]

I am excited for you and cannot wait to see your new fabric line. I talked my local quilting shop owner into carrying Freshcut (she said it was exactly the kind of fabric she would carry in her shop) and she ordered it last week. Your favorite knot is also my favorite knot. I learned it in a hand quilting class at the aforementioned quiting shop. Since I learned it I never use any other.

Good luck with the new fabric line and Trash Ties!

[Sue Giannotta]

Wish I sewed so I could use the soap trick and I wish I knew how you get fabric designs actually turned into fabric. You an amazingly talented person. Found you through Creative Blogs, I'll be back.
Sue

[jenna]

Oh...Can't wait for the new fabric line! And Trash Ties in July??! I'm holding my breath! So excited for you!

[Felicia]

Congrats! Looking forward to the new line :)

[heidi]

what a brilliant tip, never thought of it, and it's green! xo

[Rachelle]

That was such a great tip!

[tammy g.]

I've used soap slivers for marking patterns & I think they work better than those pencils. Have a great summer, even if it is very busy for ya!

[Margie]

Good idea about the soap. Here's another:
save soap slivers until you have quite a few. Put in a measuring cup and microwave until the soap melts, (a couple minutes). Quickly press into a plastic soap form or small bowl. Let set up. Now you have a new bar of soap made from your soap scraps.
I've also put lots of soap scraps into a nylon stocking and tied a tight overhand knot. Now you can just wash with your "soap bag". It'll take on a shape of it's own with use.

[pam]

Ahh the soap sliver trick. That's how my mom did it in the 50's and 60's when making clothes! I love how everything old is new again.

[ErinD]

Heather I just read about your trip to PA and that you were born in Pgh and lived in Cranberry, ME TOO!
I was born in Pgh, lived in the North Hills, moved to Cranberry in early teens, and now I am back in the North Hills of Pgh again! How cool! :O) I love Pgh area, it's the best here!

Oh, and the soap is a great idea! You have a beautiful blog, and the Freshcut fabric is so very pretty! :O)

http://thehappyhousewifedecoratingadventures.blogspot.com/

[Katie]

My husband travels for work so we almost exclusively use little hotel soaps. We have a big box full. Of course this means we collect slivers pretty fast! Thanks for the tip!

[Katherine]

Can hardly wait to see your latest fabric. I'm mad about the first ones in your line. You are so talented!

[Lotta]

Ok, I'm too impressed with your readers recycling abilities. My trick with a sliver of soap. Toss it in the can.

Also, can't wait till your new fabric comes out I'm in love with everything you've created so far. Such a lovely blend of vintage, modern and cheerful. Thanks so much!

[Erika]

Heather, I saw that little handy soap trick in ReadyMade, that is so cool! Can't wait to see your new designs!

[Chelsea]

I simply cannot wait to see your new line!!!

I'm such a HUGE Fan:)

~Chelsea

[Chelsea]

I simply cannot wait to see your new line!!!

I'm such a HUGE Fan:)

~Chelsea

[Chelsea]

I simply cannot wait to see your new line!!!

I'm such a HUGE Fan:)

~Chelsea

[Chelsea]

I simply cannot wait to see your new line!!!

I'm such a HUGE Fan:)

~Chelsea

[Zelia]

thanks for that tip!

how come i never thought of that??

beijinho
Z*

[Esta]

My mum gave me this tip for dressmaking a few years ago and I still have the same piece of soap! Excellent idea!

[AJ]

My mom uses soap to mark, OLD tip from the old country... I think they all use them there instead of chalk.

[ARTina]

I'll co-sign on the greatness of using soap slivers as marking tools. I've found that the marks just steam away while I'm pressing...no fuss, no muss!