Feb 1, 2014 3 min read

An elegant balance of form and function, Craftsman-style furniture possesses a refined simplicity that blends well with almost any decor. That simple elegance is what gives this Craftsman-style curio cabinet project its classic appeal. Equally at home in the dining room or the den, the cabinet is perfect for displaying collections ranging from fine china and crystal to antique fishing reels and wooden decoys.

As pictured, the project is made from oak (the traditional choice), but other species will work just as well. True to the Craftsman spirit, the project features simple joinery and straightforward construction techniques. Most of the cuts are straight, and the curves are traced from full-size patterns.

To build, trace the pieces onto wood and cut everything out. Next, assemble the project using glue and nails. Once the cabinet is assembled, hang the doors and install the glass door and side panels. To finish, install the shelves. For a truly dazzling effect, there’s room in the top for an interior light.

The curio cabinet measures 72 inches tall by 36 inches wide by 14 inches deep.

The Craftsman Curio Cabinet plan, No. 901, is $9.95 and includes step-by-step directions with photos, full-size traceable patterns, construction diagrams, a shopping list and cutting schedule and a toll-free help line for project questions.

A package of Craftsman-style furniture plans, No. C149, is $22.95 and includes this project plus plans for a grandfather clock and a bookcase with glass doors. A free catalog picturing dozens of do-it-yourself projects also is available. Include $4 for postage and handling and allow about two weeks for delivery.

Perhaps knitting is something you used to enjoy, but it’s been so long that you’ve forgotten how. Or maybe you’d like to learn, but you don’t know how to get started. The truth is that it doesn’t really matter why you don’t knit, because it’s never too late to learn (or relearn).

A 33-page guidebook, “Learn to Knit in Just One Day,” makes it easy to master this classic needlecraft. The book features 12 simple lessons that will teach you the fundamentals in just a few hours. All the basics are covered – from casting on, the stitches, correcting mistakes and binding off to increasing and decreasing, ribbing, joining yarn, gauging and measuring, reading patterns and more.

Five simple practice projects will help you gain confidence once you’re comfortable with the basic techniques. With practice, you’ll quickly acquire a fun, practical and rewarding skill that will last a lifetime.

The practice projects include an afghan, plus a hat and scarf, a baby bonnet and sweater, a boat-neck sweater and a striped sweater.

The “Learn to Knit in Just One Day” guidebook, No. AN1210, is $7.95. You can find 24 other lovely knitting projects in a 41-page guidebook, “The Big Book of Quick Knit Afghans,” No. LA3137, a 41-page guidebook available for $9.95. Include $4 per order for postage and handling and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o Observer-Reporter, 821B S. Tremont St., Oceanside, CA 92054. To order by credit card, call 800-828-2453.