Country Lore

(Page 2 of 4)

December/January 2003
By the Mother Earth News editors 
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I made pillows for my husband and myself, using a pair of 10-year-old slacks. I pride myself on never throwing anything away before thinking of a use other than its original purpose.

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I cut a portion off each leg for the pillow part and a strip above that for the handles. This made two pillows, which I stuffed with polyester fiberfill. We used them on our next Amtrak trip and they were wonderful! Everyone along the way and at our destination thought so, too.

The pillows are easy to make and are great gifts for folks who travel a lot. They are made of beautiful colors and varying widths, depending on the slacks. Polyester makes a lovely material for the pillows because it is so stretchy. The filling can be as plump or as flat as you like.

I sell the patterns so others can enjoy making them, too. It's such a great satisfaction to have designed something so simple yet so useful.

FRANCES D. GOODE
Blakesburg, Iowa

Homemade Log Hauler

I have a Polaris 50OCC ATV that I have been using for several years. Skidding logs has been one of the toughest jobs I have to do. I thought a log arch would be a great asset, but it seemed too expensive for my operation.

I decided I could make a serviceable log arch from an old horse-drawn hay rake. I simply cut the frame to narrow it up. I made the width a little wider than the ATV so the wheels would avoid ruts made by the ATV. The piece cut off the frame is used for the main beam of the arch. Braces from the rake were cut and reused. The hitch is formed from 3-inch channel iron and plated on each side for strength. This was the only welding I did for the whole project. All the other fastenings were bolts and, in many cases, I used existing holes. I did use a cutting torch for the cuts, but I could have used a hacksaw.

The result is an inexpensive and serviceable piece of equipment. It has increased my log skidding capability far beyond my expectations. The large-diameter wheels not only provide elevation, but also easily move over low stumps and downed timber. And I can maneuver it by hand in the woods to avoid trying to back up while hitched to a towing vehicle.

GERALD BORLAND
Carthage, New York

Family Wisdom

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