FIG. 38. SPOOL OF FIBER AND BUNDLE OF RUSH.
Corn husks, taken from close to the ear, may be used, particularly for seating chairs of toy furniture. The husks near the ear are not as coarse and brittle as those outside. The shortness of the husks precludes their general use, altho they produce an excellent seat when properly woven.
The materials mentioned by no means exhaust the list of available mediums for rush seating, but will give considerable and sufficient variety for shopwork. As the weaver comes to appreciate the limits and advantages of the various mediums for certain grade work, he may utilize local plants and grasses suitable for such work.
Preparation of Materials.—Rush—and in the term are included cattail and flag—is common to almost any locality in our northern states. It should be gathered when full grown and still green. It is ready for cutting when the tips of the leaves begin to turn brown. This is usually about the middle of August. The leaves are tied in loose bundles for convenience in handling, and dried in the shade, preferably a darkened room. They should remain here until thoroly dry. Before using, soak the rush about ten hours in water. Less time is required if warm water is used. When it is soft and pliable it is ready for weaving.
FIG. 39. ISOMETRIC DRAWING OF FRAME FOR RUSH SEATING.
Before weaving, the butt ends of the leaves are cut off about a foot from the base. These are too coarse and stiff to weave properly. One leaf may be used or two leaves may be twisted together to make a strand. Three leaves make a coarse strand, two a medium, and one a fine strand. A long, tight twist is necessary to produce an even, smooth strand. The twisting is always done in one direction. One leaf is recommended for beginners in rush seating, for adding to one is much simpler than adding to several. The under side of the seat need not be as smooth and as well woven as the top. In fact, twisting need not be done underneath at all unless the individual worker so desires.
Raffia is easy to manipulate because of its pliability, even when dry. Several lengths will need to be twisted together to produce a strand of sufficient size. It requires little soaking to make it ready for use. Raffia produces an even, smooth surface of pleasing appearance, and is very desirable in a seat.