ustration: 273.--Bottom of Work Basket (272).]

It is necessary to increase regularly in all the rounds to keep the work
flat. When you have finished the bottom begin the border of the basket,
which is worked of the same piece with it, and consists of 11 rounds.

It is worked in the same way as the bottom, the first 2 rounds without
increasing the number of stitches, but in the following 9 rounds
increase 2 double stitches at both ends, in order that the edge may be a
little wider in the upper part. In the last round add a piece of wire to
the straws.

[Illustration: 272.--Work Basket in Straw and Crochet.]

The cover of the basket is formed of two pieces. Begin in the middle
with 28 stitches; crochet each half in rows forming a half circle,
working backwards and forwards; at the beginning of each row turn the
straws, and take care that the rows which are finished form a straight
line. Each half of the cover requires 9 rows; the last one is worked
over wire. The two halves are united at the straight sides by a brown
silk ribbon 1-1/4 inch wide, which is sewed on underneath, and which
forms a sort of hinge; sew on also a piece of wire covered with brown
silk, so as to make the hinge stronger. Form the handle with a piece of
bamboo cane 23 inches long, and covered with straws; work over it in
long stitches of brown silk, and let it go down to the bottom of the
basket; then sew the cover on the handle with the brown ribbon, which
forms the two parts. Trim the basket with a ruche of double box pleats,
ornamented with glass beads and with bows of brown silk ribbon.

* * * * *

274 _and_ 275.--_Two Crochet Borders_.

Materials: Messrs. Walter Evans and Co.'s crochet cotton Nos. 30 and 80.

No. 274.--Crochet cotton of two sizes is used for this border (No. 30
and No. 80); it is begun in the centre by a chain of stitches of the
length required.

[Illustration: 274.--Crochet Border.]

1st row: 1 double in each stitch of the chain.

2nd row: Turn and work on the opposite side of the chain, * 1 double, 11
chain, miss 7. Repeat from *. 3rd row: * 1 double on the 1st loop of
chain, 2 chain, 1 double in the centre of the 7 stitches which are under
the 1st loop of chain, 2 chain, 1 double on the same loop, 5 chain.
Repeat from *.

4th row: * 1 double in the centre of the 1st loop of chain, 3 chain, 1
treble in the 1st, but before you complete the treble stitch make 1
chain. Repeat from *. T