Raffia and Cattail Sandals

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Still another variation is the braided sandal. Here the sole is crafted from a braided length of cattail strips which is coiled into an oval shape and sewn together with a raffia weaver in the same fashion as a braided rug. One less coil around the heel than the toe section will give some shape to the sole. Two strips of braided cattails are then crisscrossed over the front of the sandal. Their ends are folded under the sole and sewn—with strong raffia—to the bottom of the sandal

ON YOUR OWN

Like any handcraft, wrapping sandals takes time, and unless you forage for your own materials or receive some as a gift, it's not going to save you a whole lot of money, either. But it's fun! It's no more difficult than knitting or crocheting, sewing, or tying a net. And it's definitely rewarding, not onlv in terms of the product and the personal accomplishment, but for the sheer joy of being able to say, "How am I doing? Why, I'm standing on my own now!'

A Cornhusk Substitute

Since some of you will undoubtedly be unable to locate a supply of cattails, MOTHER's project tester decided to try using cornhusks as a substitute. They proved annoyingly short but otherwise were adequate for making wrapped coils. Dried cornhusks are sold in many craft outlets; between 6" and 9" long and fanning out to perhaps 10" wide, they must be soaked in warm water before use (hair conditioner added to the water gives extra pliability). Like cattails, cornhusks shrink as they dry, and they will hold the form into which they've been shaped, which is often an advantage.

The rolled husks can be tucked into one another, end to end, to simulate a long strip, and they will not pull apart if they are well wrapped at the junctures. Strips must be torn from the husks to make weavers. Since these are fairly short, they will have to be joined together frequently; however, they make a smooth, attractive wrapping.

An awl, used carefully, is helpful in forcing an opening between the lashed rods through which a shuck strip can be inserted, as when making a woven-band slipper. The strip can then be pulled up between the inner coils of the sole and woven in.

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