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 together to make a broad handle, or leave them separated to form a double handle.
An easy way to obtain a more uniform shape in constructing this basket is to have a smooth tumbler or a tin box, and, as you work, fit the material to the form. When it is finished, dampen it and let it remain on the form until it dries.
PURSE OR BAG OF PLAITED RAFFIA—(For description see page [86].)
BASKET OF PLAITED RAFFIA—(For description see page [86].)