FIG. 46. CHILD’S CHAIR WITH FIBER SEAT.
Now tie with a string as many strands of rush as will be needed to fill in this difference between front and back rails. Fasten them underneath the rail at corner A. Then use one strand, twisted, and weave around corners B and C and fasten under the rail at corner D. The weaving is identical to that described in square seats. Weave in each strand in the bundle at the same corners and tie under the rail at corner D; or until the spaces marked off on the front rail are filled. It may be necessary to add to or to remove strands from the bundle if calculations as to number of strands necessary were inaccurate. Tie all loose ends together at corner D, fasten securely and cut off all extra lengths.
Start now as in beginning a weave on a square seat, weaving around all corners in the regular way. The first strand around will effectively bind the bundles of ends at corners A and D.
Suggestions.—In using paper fiber or similar materials which come in long lengths, a strand 20 or 25 ft. in length may be used at one time in weaving. For convenience in handling it should be formed in a loop and held together with a strong rubber band. The strand may be unlooped a little at a time as the weaving progresses. In using rush, raffia, and like materials, the strand is made as the weaver works, so at no time is there a strand exceeding 5 ft. or so in length to handle. No special expedient is therefore needed.
FIG. 47. METHOD OF STARTING WEAVE ON SEAT OF IRREGULAR SHAPE.
Raffia, fiber, etc., may be purchased from supply houses and in many cases direct from the manufacturers. Rush may be gathered in many communities by an energetic instructor and pupils, and properly cured. In fact, gathering the raw material and preparing it for use is desirable in many ways, and is to be encouraged. Ordinarily rush may be obtained from manufacturers of rush seats. It costs 15 cents per pound, dry.
