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Independent craft blog since 2007

What’s the Best Candle Wax for Homemade Candles?

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Candle making is an art that has been around for centuries, and it continues to evolve with new types of wax being introduced in the market. One of the newest waxes that have gained popularity in the candle making world is coconut wax. Coconut wax is made from the meat of the coconut and is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable wax. It has a creamy texture and burns cleanly, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer eco-friendly and sustainable products.

The article that I came across covers the three most popular types of wax used in candle making: paraffin wax, soy wax, and coconut wax. Paraffin wax is the most common wax used in candle making and is derived from petroleum. It is known for its strong scent throw and low cost, but it is not the most environmentally friendly option. Soy wax, on the other hand, is made from soybean oil and is a renewable resource. It is also known for its clean burn and good scent throw, making it a popular choice among candle makers.

Coconut wax, as mentioned earlier, is a relatively new addition to the candle making world. It has a lower melting point than paraffin wax and soy wax, which means that it takes less time to melt and produces a smoother finish. It also has a longer burn time and better scent throw than other types of wax, making it an excellent choice for scented candles.

If you are new to candle making or are interested in trying out different types of wax, this article is an excellent resource for learning about the different types of wax and their properties. It provides detailed information on the benefits and drawbacks of each wax, as well as tips for working with each type of wax. Whether you are a seasoned candle maker or a beginner, this article is a must-read for anyone who is passionate about candle making.

You can read the full Candle making article here.

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Get into the Details with the Sashiko Tee Knitting Pattern

Sashiko is a traditional Japanese embroidery technique that uses running stitches to make lines (straight or otherwise) that reinforce and insulate fabric. It can be used as a mending technique or for decorative purposes, and it has become popular in recent years as a visible mending technique. 

It’s also the inspiration behind the Sashiko Tee by Elenor Mortensen. This top down, circular yoke top is worked in the round with allover stranded knitting designs reminiscent of intricate sashiko stitching. 

You’ll find floral patterns, starbursts, straight lines and individual colorwork stitches in this design. 

The pattern is offered in six sizes and two different gauges (both use fingering weight yarn) making a dozen different size options. The finished bust circumference of the sweater ranges from 33.8 to 57 inches, or 86 to 145 cm. 

The project calls for two colors, and I love the traditional blue and white of the designer’s sample, but some of the projects shown on Ravelry use more than two or use a multicolored yarn as one of the options, which gives it a different look that’s even more interesting. There are also some projects that show longer sleeves, repeating the patterns from the body on the sleeves, which is a great move if you need a sweater for the fall. 

I know I say this a lot but it’s worth your time to look at the different ways people have approached this sweater by clicking on the projects tab on Ravelry. You’ll find different colors and sleeves, different ribbing treatments, added beads, a bit of mohair, different lengths, subtle colors and bolder choices…so many fun options. 

The pattern is available in English, French and German, and you can grab a copy of Ravelry. I think this one would be a fun way to get into colorwork knitting without having to deal with a bunch of colors, and you get a cool result and lots of practice following a chart. 

[Photo: Elenor Mortensen]