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is then started behind the upper vertical spokes in the usual way, and bound three times around before beginning to weave. When the bottom is about four inches in diameter, the sixteen short spokes, previously sharpened to a point, are inserted, one on the right of each of the spokes, except one (to keep the uneven number), which is closer than the others. The spokes are then evenly separated, and the weaving proceeds till the bottom is eight inches in diameter, when the spokes should be wet until pliable, and then turned sharply upward. An inch of triple twist forms a band at the base. Just here it may be said that all ornamental weaving, or weaving done with wide material, like rush, should begin and end at the same point on the circumference of the basket. If not, as will readily be seen, the basket will be uneven at the top. The rush, which has been soaked for fifteen or twenty minutes, is now started behind a spoke and woven in under-and-over weaving for eight inches. If it is necessary to join the rush at any time, the ends should be crossed behind a spoke and sewed firmly together with silk matching the dull green of the rush. In this basket it will take care to keep the sides straight and true, and the spokes at an even distance apart. Constant criticism of the work from a distance is |
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