Fiber Arts Fridays-Drying and Picking Table

I don't know about all of you...but I like to dye and process fibers and yarns all year long, not just when the sun is shining! This little gem has been a lifesaver for me in both Winter and Summer. The idea was given to us by our goat mentors Carol and Jeff from Ronan Country Fibers. It is technically a "sorting table" but I use it to pick fiber, sort and to dry. The best part about it is that it is so portable. I can set it up or take it down in a matter of seconds.

The materials you will need are (8) 3' pieces of 1 1/2" PVC pipe, (4) 2" long pieces of 1 1/2" PVC pipe, (4) 1 1/2" T's, (4) 1 1/2" elbows, a can of PVC glue, a 4x4" section of bird netting or plastic deer fencing, and a bunch of zip ties.

First, glue each of the four small 2" pieces of pipe to each of the four elbows.

Next glue each of the four T's onto the other end of the small pieces, making sure that the Elbow and the T are perpendicular.

Next insert the 3' pieces of pipe in between each of the Elbows and T's, making a square, with all the T openings facing up.

Next, insert the remaining (4) 3' pieces of pipe into each of the T openings and turn the table rightside up.

Last, lay the netting over the table and attach with zip ties, stretching and adjusting as you go.

Note: You can glue all the pieces together except the legs, or just some of the pieces, whichever you prefer. I did it this way, so that I could more easily store it away when not in use.

PS. This table also makes a great doggie spot (see picture #1) and an even greater playhouse for my two grandaughters. Just throw a couple of blankets over it and...Voila! Instant entertainment!

For more Fiber Arts Fridays posts, please visit Alpaca Farmgirl at http://www.alpacafarmgirl.com/

Olivia's New Clothes!

This weekend was Pedicure Day for the girl goats...I like to think of it as a day at the Angora Avalon Day Spa! First we have a warm foot bath (which I can assure you they REALLY dislike...goats hate water), then we have our nails trimmed (only slightly better), and finally a quick brushing (to rid everyone of unsightly stickers, poop balls and unidentified clinginging objects). The only bright side, in the goats' opinion, is that everyone gets a treat afterwards! Olivia did however, get a new jacket also. Her fiber has grown to about 2" since the last shearing, and her old one was getting a little "snug"...WE blame it on the Holidays, they blame it on fat fur...we all have our excuses :D

Almost all done...in 101!

Well, Ok it was a little warmer than 101 this past weekend...more like 106! Yuk! But it is true that we only have one animal left to shear, that being (you guessed it) Sugarfoot! I really do love her a lot, but she can be a pain in the rear sometimes. The last time we caught her it was amidst quite a bit of attitude, spitting, fuss and general commotion so I am not looking forward to her yearly haircut!

But for the most part, and except for a few fashion rechecks, all shearing is complete and everyone is feeling lighter and friskier! The nexxt post is a picture of Reno with his new "do". I was having a difficult time holding him still. I think he was anxious to get back to the girls and "strutt his stuff"! Typical Reno!