Model II. Small Circular Mat

Materials. - Eight strands round reed (No. 2), seven inches long, and one strand four inches long, for foundations; one long strand (No. 2 reed) for weaving.

Circular Mat. Fig. 1.

Before making this model, it will be necessary to soak the reed in water (warm preferred), for about two hours. This renders it as pliable as cord.

Start as in Fig. 1, inserting the short strand beside the projecting end of the weaving strand. Weave under four and over four twice around, then proceed to divide the rays into twos, beginning the division just after passing the inserted strand, and weave over two and under two. Be careful to keep equal space between the foundation rays (so as to secure symmetrical work), and also to keep the weaving thread down close to the center with the fingers of the left hand, and, by constantly turning the work, follow closely the weaving thread, which is to be held in the right hand close to the work. It is very necessary to emphasize these points. After weaving a mat three inches in diameter, cut the ends of the foundation rays to even lengths, and insert the scratch awl alongside each foundation ray, and into the opening thus secured, pass the ends, by twos, of the foundation rays; this secures the work, and makes a finish by forming loops. Flatten the mat before allowing to dry.

Division of rays into ones. Fig. 2.

Model III. - Tray

Materials. - Round reed No. 2; eight pieces twelve inches and one piece seven inches long for foundation rays; two long strands for weavers.

When weaving with one strand it is necessary to have an uneven number of rays for the foundation. After starting the center, as in Lesson I., the seven-inch piece is inserted alongside the extended end of the weaving strand, and the weaving proceeds under four, over four, three times around. Then make the division by twos. (See Fig. 2). Just after passing the inserted strand and keeping the work flat, weave four times around. Now, while holding the work in both hands, press the thumbs outward and into the center of the mat, keeping the end of the weaving strand toward the right, and the ends of the rays away from the body; gradually bend them inward toward center of the bottom, - thus obtaining the desired shape. It is well to keep the first attempts at "shaping" quite shallow.

From this point divide the rays into ones (see Fig. 2), and here cut away the end of weaving strand left extended at point of insertion of the seven-inch piece; this is necessary if an uneven number of rays is required.

Border II.

When the end of the first weaver is reached the second one may be spliced on by laying the end of the new weaving strand alongside the end of the first.

Do not place the ends of weavers down by the side of the foundation rays, until the work is complete, when the final end may be passed down, in order to close the work. Finish with border II.

Border II

After trimming the ends of the rays to even lengths - (about three inches), pass the end of each standing strand behind the first one to the left, in front of the second one, and down by the side of this one. It may be slipped down beside the second one before passing in front of it, if preferred.