roduce a better one, and interest will lend enchantment, until both
pattern and reproduction will be most creditable.

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.

To make a mat, first plait a rope several feet long. To form the button
hold the end of the rope between thumb and forefinger, and begin to
roll the rope just as a watch spring is coiled. With a needle and fine
thread of raffia, make the button firm; then keep on coiling around
the button and, as each row is added, tack it to the preceding row by
pushing 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 diameter. The object of winding the plait sideways is to give
the mat firmness and thickness.

9 Purse

_Problem_--To construct a purse or bag of plaited raffia
rope. (See page 87.)

_Material_--Raffia.

To make a purse, plait enough rope to make two mats three and a half
inches in diameter. To construct these mats first make the button. Work
this time with the braid flat. Sew by holding the inner edge of the
plait just under the outer edge of the preceding row. When both mats
are finished, place them flat against each other, and overseam or
buttonhole the edges together for about two-thirds of the
circumference. Plait a rope, seven inches long, 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

_Problem_--To sew braid together to form ONE angle. (See
page 88.)

_Material_--Raffia.

_Dimensions_--Bottom three inches in diameter; sides two
inches high; 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 mat three inches in
diameter. Now place the braid at right angles with the base, and sew
round and round to form the sides. When these are two inches high
fasten the braid; and, without cutting it, carry it to the opposite
side to form the handle. Fasten it there and bring it back again, to
make the handle two braids wide. Either overseam these