Mar 22, 2014 3 min read

It doesn’t matter if you live in a small apartment, a big house or anything in between – chances are you’ve struggled with the problem of storage space. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to add a closet to your home without the expense and inconvenience of a major remodel? If storage is an issue at your house, this do-it-yourself, free-standing linen closet project just might be the perfect solution.

The project features three big shelves above and two below, with a drawer in the middle. Designed to fit any budget, the closet is built from 16 board feet of pine lumber (other species will work), three sheets of matching plywood, a piece of hardboard, some pine molding, glue, fasteners, a few pieces of common hardware and the builder’s finish of choice.

Construction is simple enough for beginners. Just cut everything to size and assemble the cabinet using glue and nails. Next, assemble and attach the face frame, add the back, install molding, sand and apply finish. Finally, attach the doors and the install the drawer.

The completed linen closet measures 68 inches tall by 29 inches wide by 14 inches deep.

The Linen Closet plan, No. 735, is $9.95 and includes step-by-step instructions with photos, construction drawings, a shopping list and cutting schedule and a toll-free help line for project questions.

A package of plans for classic country furniture, No. C90, is $21.95 and includes this project plus a quilt rack and a blanket chest. Include $4.00 for postage and handling and allow about two weeks for delivery.

There’s something cozy about the word “homespun” – you just know that whatever you’re talking about is comfortable and familiar. That makes it the perfect word to describe a handmade afghan. You know right away that it’s soft, luxurious, warm and just right for catching twenty winks.

If you crochet, a full-color, 20-page guidebook makes it easy to create a little homespun luxury for your own nest. “Homespun Afghans,” features six indulgent designs that are so thick and soft you’ll want to make all of them. Perfect for the bedroom or den, they also make lovely gifts.

Each project includes a materials list and comprehensive, step-by-step instructions. If you’re new to crochet (or just a little rusty), a section of general instructions and a guide to basic stitches and techniques will help you to get started.

Half of the projects are worked in one piece, while the other three are block designs, making them ideal “take-along” projects. Designs include “Diamond Afghan” (pictured), “Modern Lacy Afghan,” “Patchwork Throw,” “Crosshatch Stripe Afghan,” “Lace Petal Afghan” and “Hexagon Afghan.”

The “Homespun Afghans” guidebook, No. LA4155, is $7.95. You can find ten cozy throws to crochet in a 33-page guidebook,”Thick & Quick Throws,” No. LA3721, available for $9.95. Include $4.00 per order for postage and handling 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 Observer-Reporter, 821B S. Tremont St., Oceanside, CA 92054. To order by credit card, or to request a free catalog, call 1-800-828-2453. Visit U-Bild on the web at u-bild.com.