Raffia

[dinger]

I was just remembering things which were made from Raffia. shopping baskets rugs ect. . We used to get milk in wide necked bottles the tops were cardboard and had a bit in the centre which popped out to open the milk. Lots of these were saved and Coloured Raffia would then be wound evenly through the hole round the circle several times untill it covered the milk bottle top these would then all be joined together to form a strong basket rug or another item .Does anyone still carry out this hobby or is it a craft which has disappeared with the years.

[franbee]

Bit before my time dinger, though I do remember making table mats with raffia and a cardboard ring, blanket stitching the raffia round the circle. I think the style was a bit 50's, but if anyone fancies having a go, I've a bag of raffia in my stash!

[jazzactivist]

I have wondered what happened to raffia too, dinger. I remember using it at infants school to make a long plaited mane and tail for a 'horse' in the school play. My mum had one of those bags with the circles covered in raffia. It was very strong, so we carried our potatoes in it. Perhaps raffia is due for a comeback, especially as 50s items are quite retro-fashionable now. I wouldn't mind a bit of your raffia to have a go, franbee. Can it still be bought in craft shops?

[franbee]

Think so jazz, or you might find it in a garden centre, it's used in floral work. But you're very welcome to mine, I've got your address somewhere.

[dinger]

pleased someone remembers the shopping bags they were so colourful and were as you said Jazz good and strong . I believe people would still buy them today as they were light as well as strong . Have a go Jazz and start the trend back again I think the young generation would love them with summer wear. I will be your first customer if you make one .

[jazzactivist]

I'll give it a go, dinger, and if it turns out alright then I'll send it to you to be a test pilot. I can't wait to have a try now, as the memory of that shopping bag has come back to haunt me! It was rectangular with long handles, but made up of circles of raffia covered cardboard - orange and brown. I'll PM you my address again, franbee, and then I'll go and look in the craft shop in Kendal to see if they have any more raffia too.

[dinger]

Good luck Jazz I am sure if I remember right it was quite easy to do . Looking forward to yours being done .xx