When it’s wintertime we often go out and play in the snow, get caught in a sleeting rain, or otherwise end up with wet gloves, mittens, scarves, and caps. You come in the house, throw them in the dryer, and do this nearly every day. And, even when they come out of the dryer, they end up in a jumbled mess on top of the dryer or elsewhere. This year, save on your electric bill, and organize all of those winter accessories, by building a drying stand. It doesn’t take up much room and it’s really useful. And, even if you’re not especially handy with tools you’ll find that the drying stand is not challenging to make.
A square or round piece of wood is the ideal base for the stand. You can cut a board, buy one that’s pre-cut, or even use an old cutting board. The wood you use should be thick – at least an inch or so. In addition to the base you’ll need a tall, slender piece of wood. Use a 2×2 from a home improvement store or even an old broom stick. If you purchase the wood at a home improvement store they’ll cut it for you at no charge.
To assemble the drying rack, position the pole at the middle of the base. From underneath, hammer a nail through the base, and into the pole. If you’re using a screw (even better), screw it in from the bottom, and through the pole.
It’s up to you how detailed you want the winter drying stand to be. You can finish it quickly by simply hammering nails into the pole, on all sides, at various levels. Just put the nails in at an angle so that they each slant downward.
To create a slightly nicer drying rack use wooden pegs. For this version, drill holes in the pole, on all sides, and at various levels, then add the pegs. Put a dab of hot glue or wood glue on each peg and insert it in one of the holes.
To use the drying stand all you have to do is put gloves, mittens, knit caps, and other winter accessories, on the pegs. Since the nails or pegs run the length of the stand it’s perfect for little kids or grown adults.