Teach Soap

I am new to soap making (as in, still trying to decide what my first batch will be--feel free to offer suggestions) and would like some advice. I have an almost full container of Spartan butter flavored shortening that I will not cook with, has anyone used this brand for soap? I'm assuming it's basically the same as Crisco's butter flavor, Soapcalc shows old Crisco, new Crisco w/palm, and Walmart's GV brand but it doesn't say anything about butter flavor. If I were to write to the company, exactly what information do I need from them?
I don't plan to use it for my first batch and I don't want to throw it out if it will work for soap--even if it's just for doing laundry--so I appreciate any advice you may have to give.

Also, I am intrigued by the idea of crock pot soap and while I was poking around online I stumbled across a post where someone did a little informal list of batch size to crock size--just a general idea, no solid rules, but of course I did not bookmark it and no matter how I word my search, I cannot seem to find it again. If anyone out there knows where it might be I'd appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

Welcome!
If what you have is similar to Crisco (or one of them) go ahead and make it, use a soap calculator and use it for yourself. I'ts most likely just flavor oil and contains no real butter.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.