Mother's Blanket Rack

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The be st way to come up with a pleasing end pattern that's symmetrical is to make a template by folding a sheet of wrapping paper—11" wide and 32" long—in half lengthwise. Draw one edge of your proposed end board ... cut both edges of the folded paper . . . open it up . . . and if you like the result (assuming the removal of the wood will leave room for attaching the five crossbars), trace the lines on one of the 1 X 12's and then cut the two of them at once.

We elected to place the centers of the two lower rods four inches above the floor line and six inches apart. The ends of the three upper pieces form the points of equilateral triangles with five-inch sides . . . the highest points being two inches below the end pieces' top edges.

We marked the two 1 X 12's and, using a No. 12 adjustable countersink tool, bored the holes for the crossbars. This drill/ countersink tool not only creates the right-sized hole, but sinks it 3/16" . . . which is the depth you'll need later to install the 1/2" cap buttons.

Then we glued and secured-with No. 12 X 1-1/2" flathead screws—the ends of the rods to the inner faces of the two 1 X 12's. Note that the 1-1/4" faces of the lower crossmembers are parallel to the floor, while the three upper pieces are cocked 45° in an "edge high" position.

Next, we glued in the cap buttons and sanded all edges and surfaces. A couple of coats of satin urethane varnish (lightly sanded between applications) and voiles: Our blanket rack was complete.

We think it's not only useful, but unusual enough to make an excellent gift.

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