AZ in Colorado Springs
I have made a couple of items from Popular Woodworking -- Roy Underhill joiner's chest (x2) and the mini-blanket chest that followed a few issues later. But, I altered the dimensions to more useful sizes (for the joiner's chests) and altered the interior compartment of the blanket chest to suit materials I had on hand.

The next year, I combined elements of both designs to make a toy box for my grandson. (I'm certain he and his parents have not yet noticed the hidden compartment ... )

Everything else is mostly sized to suit the current needs or the stock I have on hand, and designed from things I've seen already (they say there are no new ideas anymore, it's just re-hashing things that have gone before).

When I see plans for kids' toys (like the series of construction vehicles that have been coming out in Wood magazine) I follow along pretty closely. I share the complaint/observation that the instructions often are vague or misleading. (That's why I voted to retain cut lists.)