R U Super Fly?

I've talked about Pat Cohen on the blog before because of his awesome Punk Rockers! He's an amazing deer hair fly tier that is easily gaining much deserved recognition around the world.

Just yesterday he posted up a new website to make purchasing his amazing flies easier. Whether you are looking for a fly to fish, or one of his amazing punk rockers to display at your tying desk for inspiration, he's got got you covered!

Click here for his new website!

My Desk Has Been Hijacked

That's right....when your desk is the only one that's got space left on it, it attracts other people. My wife has 2 5 foot tables in the craft fly tying room, and since they were all covered in her stuff, she used my desk. Sure, I was a bit upset, but I was there to monitor her use, and to make sure it didn't get out of control. I have to walk a fine line because I have a few sewing projects lined up for her (some fishing related) so I don't want to get on her sewing bad side.

Sew wrong

And then this morning, my 18 month old son found his way onto my chair and started to blow on my unfinished poppers. Yes, these flies are hot!

Caution: Contents are HOT!!!

Thankfully with the new setup tying flies can be done one or two at a time. The vises are quickly accessible, but away from the little guy. Materials will soon be added to the wall for easy grabbing. And with a clean (for now) space, it's easy to sit down and not be overwhelmed by a mess that should be cleaned.

I even got some time to tie last night. Nothing great, and I didn't even photograph it for proof...so you're going to have to believe me.

A New Fly Tying Desk

For a few years I've had an old sewing machine desk that I've been tying at. Well, I decided it was time for a change.

The old desk

It's hard to see in the crappy photo above, but the old desk was made for small American seamstresses....and I outgrew that category long ago. The leg room under the desk left a lot to be desired. I loved how it folded up, and I converted it to hold materials on a board that secured to the back and kept materials out of tiny grabby hands....which seem to be very prevalent in my house.

The new desk, while the same size as the old one when the old one was opened, is 20 inches deep and 5 feet wide! It's got a lot of room. It's mounted to the wall with 10 anchors that I'm told can hold 250lbs each (that's a combined total of 2500lbs of support).....now that's some comforting support when cranking down on glow bugs or deer hair!

Ché working his magic

Of course, the desk came at a great price......FREE!  Well, not completely since I hooked my friend up with a few drinks. Got to keep the free labor well hydrated.

Before it gets all messed up

It's supported by tracks on the wall, so it can be raised or lowered if I ever need it to be. It's currently a few inches taller than a standard table, and that seems to be comfortable so far.

Got the molding cut and put back

Added some more tying stuff

I have not yet tied on the desk, but I've used it for a few other simple projects.....like testing out my new tying desk accent lights! I reclaimed the inside of a light saber when it was destroyed, and I'll have the coolest tricked out desk in town....or at least in the house!

Bling

DISCLAIMER: I had this new desk put in while my wife was out of town. She knew a new desk was coming, but I have yet to know her true feelings on this awesome setup! Will it be too large? Will it be too permanent? Will it be too awesome? She gets home any minute now so I guess I'll soon find out!