How to make a strong scented candle?

I know how to make scented candles but is it just me or do they not smell strong enough? I have had several disappointments and know that I’m following the directions precisely. The conclusion that I have drawn is that the companies I’m buying from just don’t make them strong enough.

When it comes to candle making, both fragrance oils and essential oils have their benefits and drawbacks. Essential oils are natural and often have therapeutic properties, making them popular with people who prefer natural products. They also tend to have a subtler scent and may not be as overpowering as fragrance oils. On the other hand, essential oils can be more expensive and may not always be strong enough to create a noticeable scent in candles.

Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are created in a lab and can be formulated to have a wide range of scents, from subtle to strong. They can also be less expensive than essential oils and may have a longer shelf life. However, some people are sensitive to synthetic fragrances, and fragrance oils may not have the same therapeutic benefits as essential oils.

Ultimately, the choice between fragrance oils and essential oils comes down to personal preference and the intended use of the candle. If you’re looking for a natural, subtle scent or therapeutic benefits, essential oils may be the way to go. If you’re looking for a wider range of scents or a stronger scent, fragrance oils may be a better option.

Starla and Lisa’s Candle Making site has taught me a lot and they seem to know what they’re doing so maybe I should try buying scents from them. It says that they’re from high-quality candle making oils and will give me the hot and cold scent throws I’ve been looking for. They definitely have a point about buying supplies from someone who makes candles and knows and not someone who just sells the supplies. I’ll keep you posted on my next scent quest.

I am sick of these lame soft scents so am on a mission to find out where to find the strong ones. Any input is much appreciated. Does anyone have a secret formula?

When my daughter was in early elementary school we were at Joann together (RIP) and she picked out some variegated pink and white blanket yarn for me to knit a blanket for her bed. Now probably 10 years later, it’s one of her favorite possessions. I note this because the blankets we give to little ones might seem simple on the surface, like something they need to keep warm, but they can turn into so much more.

Take the Pocketful of Love Blanket from Purl Soho. On the surface this is a pretty but also easy to knit blanket for a little one. It’s worked in garter stitch stripes using sport weight yarn (the sample is a superwash wool, but this would also be nice in cotton or a blend) and available in a crib or small throw size. Though of course because it’s garter stitch, it’s pretty easy to make it any size you want.

But what makes this blanket extra special is the little details. The slip stitch selvedges and I-cord bind off give it a crisp look that’s perfect with the garter stitch of the body.

And then there’s the pocket.

This is a big pocket. At 10 inches wide and 12.25 inches tall (that’s 25.4 by 31 cm) for the crib size and 12.75 by 14.25 inches (32.4 by 36 cm) for the throw, you can easily fit a favorite stuffed animal, toy or book into the pocket.

I love how even though it uses the same striped garter stitch pattern as the blanket, it’s stitched down so the stripes run the opposite way (horizontal when the blanket stripes are vertical), though of course you can match stripes if you’d rather.

I think this blanket has the potential to be greatly loved by the little one its given to, and by the knitter look for an easy, pretty baby blanket with a little extra useful twist.

Grab the free pattern from Purl Soho.

[Photo: Purl Soho]

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