Teach Soap

I have since started back knitting, though handmade washcloths to go with soap, and boy do my hands hurt. where the yarn rub my skin is sore my knuckles are sore also. so i was thinking of making some type of salve i was going to make it with either shea or cocoa butter i might use mango butter i have heard great things bout that. i need an E.O or other type of oil that would be good for the sore knuckles and hand joint. Any ideas

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~~Sydney~~
The Crafty Lefty

I would go with oils like lavender or chamomile. You could also infuse some arnica in oil.

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

I like lemongrass for my sore hands (I have had arthritis in my hands since I was very very young). My favorite salve is a lavender, rosemary and lemongrass mix with shea butter, avocado oil, jojoba oil olive oil and beeswax straight from an apiary. I'd love to try chamomile eo too, but holy cow it is expensive!

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

wow you two gave me lots to work wit thanks so much for the info now i can research i live next to an retirement community so if i do a good job im sure they well use it for other things thanks ladies

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~~Sydney~~
The Crafty Lefty

If you are knitting with cotton or synthetic made to imitate cotton - the lack of flexibility of the fiber contributes to the stress (wool has some stretch/give).

Do you ever crochet? I don't do a lot of that, but have heard its easier on the joints when working with cotton, but that could be one of those "Your mileage may vary" things. Faster than knitting too, so I hear.

Have you ever tried using linen yarn for washcloths? Its a pricey fiber, but it lasts for a long time, very durable, and can go in the washer/dryer. Washing linen improves the feel of the yarn - it gets ever softer and develops a subtle sheen, almost like silk. For something special. Wash the skein first though - lots of shrinkage and it will soften the yarn and make it easier to work with.

April thanks for that great info. never heard of linen yarn but the yarn i use is knitpicks dishie yarn and its 100% cotton but feel really good I been knitting a few days now i thinkg it was just my hands getting used to knitting again. but i do know what you mean i was using the sugar something yarn it was not as soft or felt as good as knit picks yarn so it could have been that also.

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~~Sydney~~
The Crafty Lefty

I also knit and crochet, have done LOTS of washcloths and some soap saver bags. My favorite is from Hobby Lobby... called 'Love this cotton'. It is a joy to knit with!

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Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

Thanks for all of the tips ladies

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~~Sydney~~
The Crafty Lefty