Part 9 (1/2)

8 Plaited Mat

_Problem_--To construct a mat of plaited raffia rope

_Material_--Raffia

[Illustration: MAT OF PLAITED BRAID]

The starting-point in all these designs is the little round coil, called the button

ToTo form the button hold the end of the rope between thuin to roll the rope just as a watch spring is coiled With a needle and fine thread of raffia,around the button and, as each row is added, tack it to the preceding row by pushi+ng the needle in and out at right angles with the braid, so that the stitch may be invisible When finished the mat should be about four inches in diaive the mat firmness and thickness

9 Purse

_Proble of plaited raffia rope (See page 87)

_Material_--Raffia

To h rope to make two mats three and a half inches in diameter To construct these mats first make the button Work this tie of the plait just under the outer edge of the preceding row When both ainst each other, and overseaether for about two-thirds of the circu, for a handle Tie a knot in each end, and ravel the ends of raffia to form a tassel Attach this handle to the purse at each side, where the opening begins Girls especially delight in this little purse or bag

10 Plaited Basket

_Problee 88)

_Material_--Raffia

_Dimensions_--Bottoh; handle six inches long and two braids wide

Using three threads of raffia, plait a rope several feet long Proceed just as with purse, and sew until you have a les with the base, and sew round and round to forh fasten the braid; and, without cutting it, carry it to the opposite side to forain, to ether to make a broad handle, or leave them separated to form a double handle

An easy way to obtain athis basket is to have a smooth tumbler or a tin box, and, as you work, fit the material to the form When it is finished, dampen it and let it remain on the form until it dries

[Illustration: PURSE OR BAG OF PLAITED RAFFIA--(For description see page 86)]

[Illustration: BASKET OF PLAITED RAFFIA--(For description see page 86)]

11 Hat of Plaited Rope

_Probleles

_Material_--Raffia

[Illustration: HAT OF PLAITED RAFFIA]