Well, summer finally packed its bags. The mornings are crisp, the evenings are darker, and I’ve already dug out the mountain of flannels and sweaters I swore I wouldn’t wear until October. The studio feels different too — less like a bright, open space for “summer energy” and more like a cozy little soap cave that smells like spruce, clove, and a hint of pumpkin. Honestly, not a bad place to be.

This is the time of year when my workbench starts to look like (controlled) chaos. On one side: stacks of summer soaps that are still bright, citrusy, and ready for anyone clinging to those last warm days. On the other: autumn soaps slowly taking over with their earthy, grounding scents. Somewhere in the middle: a pile of soap scraps that didn’t make the cut but are destined for scrap bags (aka the underdog of my shop — they may be weirdly shaped, but they’ll still get you clean).

And because I can’t sit still, I’ve also been knitting washcloths and cotton rounds with yarn I’ve dyed using food ingredients. Picture me with turmeric-stained fingers, muttering to myself about tension while trying to keep my dog from stealing a skein off the table. Not glamorous, but it’s honest. The fun part is imagining these little projects getting tossed in a camp bag or hung to dry on a branch after a day outside. They’re useful, scrappy, and they make me feel like the eccentric craft aunt I’ve always aspired to be.

Of course, I’m not glued to the studio all the time. This week, I’m sneaking off for a fishing charter in Florida. If you grew up in Alaska like I did, fishing is less of a hobby and more of a compulsion. Salt air, tangled hair, waves knocking me around while I try not to drop anything expensive overboard — that’s the vibe. And weirdly, it fuels my work. A few hours in nature, and I come back to the studio itching to encapsulate the smell and pour a batch of soap. Call it balance.

But back to the shelves. Right now, my summer soaps are staring at me like, “We’re still here, don’t forget about us.” And I get it — like old dogs at the shelter, they’re still good. They just need a little help finding homes before autumn officially takes over. So, here’s the deal: my Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall promo. Buy any autumn soap, get 20% off a summer variety. It’s my way of helping you stock up on cozy fall scents while still sneaking in one last whiff of summer.

The thing about soap is that it’s not just soap. (Okay, technically it is, but humor me.) It’s part of the rhythm of life. It’s what you throw in your backpack before a camping trip, what you hang by the fire to dry, what greets you after a day outside when you just want to feel human again. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but it does need to work, and if it smells like spruce trees or citrus groves while doing its job? Even better.

So that’s what’s happening in the studio right now: a little knitting, a lot of soap, some fishing, and the occasional fight with a turmeric stain. Autumn is here, whether I’m ready or not, and I’m leaning into it with both hands. If you’re ready too, check out the seasonal soaps — and don’t forget the promo. Because nothing says “fall prep” like snagging a cozy autumn bar and a discounted summer one to tuck away for when you miss the sun.