Fig. 201. Weaving the bottom
These are held in position by the left hand, while the right hand does the work.
One end of the long piece called the weaver is placed at the centre, back of the horizontal spokes, with the end toward the right. The first finger of the right hand presses the weaver across the vertical spokes, under the horizontal on the left, over the vertical, and behind the horizontal again. Repeat twice so as to fasten well.
Separate the spokes evenly, and it is now ready for the weaving ([Figure 201]).
If there is any of the winding piece left, it may be used as a weaver.
The weaving is done by pressing the weaver under one spoke and over the other until the bottom of the basket is about two and one half inches across.
Soak it in water for a few minutes and then bend the spokes upward to form the sides of the basket.
In order to make the weaving of the sides of the basket easier, rest the work on the knee, holding the spokes with the left hand and press the weaver under and over the spokes with the first finger of the right hand. If the weaver comes to an end join a new piece by crossing them behind a spoke about an inch from the end of each.
When the sides of the basket have been woven, leaving about an inch and a half of the spokes extending, it is ready for the border.
Cut the spokes to an even length with a slanting cut, so that the points may be easily pushed down between the weaves. Hold the spokes in water for a few minutes and then push one of the spokes down beside the next spoke at least three quarters of an inch below the edge. Do this with every spoke until the border has been completed. Now our little basket is finished and ready for use.