I agree with everyone else about getting "the fear" when it comes to lye. I was so terrified making my first batch that I managed to coerce my boyfriend into mixing the lye for me, so I could see first-hand what happened. Which was absolutely nothing! As long as you follow basic safety precautions (I'm sure you know already, but eye goggles, gloves, long sleeves, closed toe shoes, etc...) then it's not as scary as it sounds. I always mix my lye solution in an ice bath in the sink, that way if there ever is an oops, it'll be easier to control.
If it makes you feel any better, I'm probably the clumsiest person I know. I trip over my own feet, smash glasses or dishes at least once a week and sometimes stab myself in the mouth with a fork when I'm eating. But I can make soap, so you can too. Once you get your first batch out the way, you'll just be excited to make more and those nerves will be long gone. I've only made 10-15 batches, but I already look at my first one and almost cry with laughter. It's horrendously ugly, weirdly shaped and absolutely coated in either soda ash or mould. I'll never use it, but it helped me learn. I'm excited to hear how your first batch goes, and definitely take lots of photos and lots of notes. I didn't have a printer when I started, and my notes are a little mish-mashed, but it really helps to have thorough notes once you're a few batches in, as it's oh so easy to get confused with minor recipe differences between batches.
Good luck!
