Today’s project

Experienced woodworkers know that the most satisfying projects are the ones that serve a practical purpose and look great doing it. This handsome do-it-yourself blanket chest falls squarely into that category. The project provides convenient extra storage when closet space is scarce, and it looks great at the foot of the bed. It even provides a handy place to sit and tie your shoes.

The blanket chest is built from oak as pictured, but almost any hardwood can be substituted. Built mostly from a single sheet of plywood, the project calls for six simple rectangular pieces for the sides, top and bottom. The curved cuts for the base are traced from full-size patterns.

Because the fragrance of cedar helps to discourage moths, builders may want to line the chest with cedar closet liner (available at most home centers). The completed project measures 47 inches long by 20 inches deep by 20 inches tall.

The Blanket Chest plan, No. 724, is $9.95 and includes step-by-step instructions with photos, full-size traceable patterns, construction diagrams, a complete shopping list and cutting schedule and a toll-free help line for project questions.

A package of three blanket chest plans, No. C74, is $21.95 and includes this chest project and two others. A catalog picturing hundreds of do-it-yourself projects is $2. Please include $4 for postage and handling (except catalog-only orders) and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Spokesman-Review,15241 Stagg St., Van Nuys, CA 91405.

To order by credit card, call (800) 828-2453. Visit U-Bild on the Web at u-bild.com.