A rather unique sewing box, and one that is quite as convenient as
unique, is shown in the illustration. The material is walnut and ash.
The posts are walnut and the slats and top rail ash. Both are finished
in their natural colors. The following is the stock bill:
4 posts, 1-1/2 in. in diameter and 15 in. long, walnut.
1 bottom, 3/8 by 16-1/2 by 16-1/2 in., S-2-S, walnut.
4 top rails, 3/8 by 1-1/2 by 20 in., S-2-S, ash.
4 under rails, 5/8 by 3/4 by 20 in., S-2-S, walnut.
72 slats, 1/8 by 5/8 by 6-1/2 in., S-2-S, ash.
In ordering the stock it will be wise to combine the lengths of pieces
having like widths and thicknesses.
If not possible to secure doweling of the diameter indicated for the
verticals, it is an easy matter to take a square piece of stock, lay it
off and work it into an eight-sided prism. After this, the arrises may
again be planed until it has 16 and then 32 sides. The rest may be
removed with sandpaper. Or it is possible that curtain pole stock will
be available. Saw these posts to length and leave the ends square.
[Illustration: Sewing Box Made of Walnut and Ash]
Square up the stock for the other parts. Work the bottom piece to a
16-in. square. The rails are not to be squared on the ends but are to be
mitered each in turn. The bottom is fastened to the posts by metal
brackets.
[Illustration: Detail of the Sewing Box]
Chisel out recesses in the posts so that the bottom may be inserted.
Insert the corners and use glue and nails to hold them in place. Place
the lower of the two top rails, notching out the posts as is necessary
to bring the inner edge of these rails in position. Fasten to the posts.
Miter and place the top rails. The slats, it will be noted, are fastened
to the bottom from the outer side and to the lower of the two top rails
from the inner side. Brass-headed tacks such as upholsterers use are
required.
In finishing, sandpaper all parts and then apply a coat of boiled
linseed oil. Allow this to stand a half hour or so and then wipe the
surface clean. After this has dried thoroughly apply a thin coating of
shellac and allow it to harden. Sand the shellac when hard with No. 00
sandpaper and then apply several coats of wax, polishing in the usual
manner.
Two pairs of castors will add to the ease with which the box may be
moved about.