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Soap Mats

One complaint I've heard about "real" soap is that it tends to get a little slimy if it sits in a puddle of water.  It seems that a lot of soap dishes are made just to look nice and function is overlooked entirely.  Soap mats are the best solution I have found to avoid that melty, gooey effect and to dry the soap between uses, making it last longer.  You can either rest it in your current soap dish or use it instead of a soap dish.  Whenever it starts looking a little soapy, just wash it along with your towels and such.

After a bit of practice, I learned how to make my own little mats to rest my bars of soap.  And they work great!  If you don't know how to crochet, look for an online video for a lesson or do what I did and find a book that explains how.  I use a single crochet stitch.  In order to get the ridges on the mat that allows for more air flow, I only crochet through the back loop and not both of them.  (Maybe there is a term for this??)

Crocheted Soap Mat

Mine measure about 4"x 3".  I've become adept at crocheting in the car or in front of a movie and can make them fairly quickly.  I even make them during slow times at craft shows.  As a matter of fact, these usually sell rapidly at craft shows so I restock on the spot.  It's incredible how many people don't even have soap dishes these days (gasp).

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Comments

  1. JoannaJanuary 15, 2012 at 4:54 PM

    What a great idea, I can't crochet at all :(

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amy@10th Ave.January 15, 2012 at 5:19 PM

    I'm not either, really, Joanna! (But I'm learning.) :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Carol Stolk StudioJanuary 16, 2012 at 10:53 AM

    Hi Amy, so this is what you meant, they look great!! And I will try this.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Amy@10th Ave.January 16, 2012 at 6:02 PM

    I hope it works for you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dragon (Karen)January 17, 2012 at 6:03 AM

    A fabulous idea! The mats look amazing!

    What thread did you use?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Amy@10th Ave.January 17, 2012 at 9:38 AM

    Thanks! I use 100% cotton yarn.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Dragon (Karen)January 17, 2012 at 3:59 PM

    Thanks Amy.

    I use 100% cotton for my crocheted soap saks and knitted wash clothes. I thought your's looks thicker ... but it must be the photo.

    ReplyDelete
  8. PattiJanuary 26, 2012 at 8:47 AM

    So cute! I just got rid of my crochet hooks and now I wished I saved one of them. Great idea. I guess I can always buy another hook!

    ReplyDelete
  9. CrisMarch 24, 2012 at 3:16 PM

    Really great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  10. AnnOctober 3, 2014 at 8:52 AM

    This is a fantastic idea. If you used a waterproof 'yarn' it would be even better! I can't wait to go to a craft store and find the proper materials for this - thanx for the inspiration!!

    ReplyDelete

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