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/

Watermelon Yarn?

I've made this new yarn and I've named it Watermelon. I really love the name because it just fits so well, and I think this pic really showcases the colors. In the picture, though, it looks as though the yarn is touching the watermelon...trust me, it's not!

So here's the question. Does the fact that I took this picture with the yarn so close to the watermelon make the yarn look "sticky"? It's just that whenever I think of watermelon (and I do often this time of year, yum!) I can almost feel that sticky feeling on my fingers...of course maybe not everyone is as messy as me when it comes to eating watermelon! What do you think?

I Am in a Treasury!

I am so lucky to have been featured in this gorgeous Fall Treasury by merkabajewelry! I'm still working on figuring out how to take a "print screen" and turn it into a picture, so until I do here is the link to the treasury. Check it out if you get a moment! Woo Hoo!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=1747

OK, now that I've got THAT out of my system...here's some of my new yarn for you to take a gander at. I'm branching out and using a little more wool in my yarns. The idea is to give them a bit more body and general "squishiness", and the colors I'm able to dye are...well, "to DIE for"! Sorry, I've always been a sucker for puns! Any comments would be appreciated.

To Dye or Not to Dye...that is the question.

Ok, so here it is. My husband and I are having a debate over my newest yarn. One of us thinks that it should be over-dyed with pink or rose, and the other thinks it should be left alone and that "someone is bound to love it". I'm not a big yellow fan (I guess that gives it away!), so maybe that is "coloring" my point of view! What do you think?