I also like to do handicrafts and have decided on a multiband QCX + in the original housing. It works, but is still being refined.
Short info:
Bands 7-30MHz
C amplifier with RD16HHF1 (around 8W at around 1.2A, N around 40%)
RX with 3 high-pass filters, from 18MHz with MMIC amplifier 10dB
Control computer for band switching etc.
Built-in LiPO battery 14.8V / 1.3Ah
It was a lot of work and testing, only recommended for hobby freaks. Some measuring equipment is required. A report (sri, only German, I use google translator) is below
https://www.darc.de/fileadmin/filemounts/distrikte/s/ortsverbaende/31/QCXplus_DL8LRZ.pdf
73, Reiner
dl8lrz Reiner