able.

[Sidenote: _Leather, leatherette, and celluloid strips_]

Leather, leatherette, and celluloid strips should be long enough to
extend the entire width and length of the frame without splicing. The
ends can be cut, as is done in paper weaving, or turned in some pretty
way like that in the splint work.

Chapter Eight

WOOL AND SILKOLINE RUGS OR MATS

[Illustration: _Silkoline rug with three white stripes_]

[Sidenote: _Plain rug with end stripes_]

[Sidenote: _Finishing the ends_]

Silkoline rugs or mats are by far the prettiest for doll-house use. The
method of preparing the strips is explained under Materials (page 51).
Make the warp with twine of the same color as the silkoline. It should
be a three-eighths-inch warp. Choose a plain color for the body of the
rug, and a short distance from each end weave several stripes of a
contrasting color. The rug in the illustration is of deep cardinal. The
stripes can be of olive green, black, or any preferred color. Mottled
stripes are also attractive and effective. When the stripes at the foot
are woven, ascertain the distance from the foot piece to the last one.
To know where to commence the first stripe at the head, measure the
distance just found from the head piece down, and mark on both rods by
tying or sewing a colored string to the warp. This helps the child to
understand where the stripe should begin, which he soon learns to
measure for himself; and this training in accuracy and independence is
most excellent. There is nothing better than learning self-reliance, and
the child who has been taught it, is not apt to ask others to do his
examples for him. To learn the manner of making the stripes and spaces
each of the same width, count the loops on the rods (one has to weave
twice across the loom to have one loop on a rod), and have the same
number on each side. Care should be taken not to _twist_ the strips in
weaving. The method of splicing the strips and fastening the warp
strings is explained in Chapter V. The rug may be finished with a wool
or silk fringe of the predominating color, or a fringe of the combined
colors. If desired, it may be left plain, catching the woof strips
together at each end to conceal the warp strings. When a mistake has
been made, run the needle back under the same strings instead of pulling
out what is wrong. It prevents stretching and a destruction of the
material.

[Sidenote: _Mottled rugs made of figured silkoline_]