The soap makers on BYC may be able to advice. I've read some of this thread and got some wonderful tips and ideas. Check out the "cupcakes" in the newest posts:
I use Potassium Hydroxide to make liquid soap. I used to grate up my bars that I'd made with Sodium Hydroxide and melt them in water, but it never becomes a smooth, liquid soap for me. If I make my soap with Potassium Hydroxide however, I only need to dilute it with water, simmer it on the stove for a bit, and then I have nice, liquid soap.