Part Two: The Next Morning, Preparing the Lauhala Weaving

Split the leaf down the middle. You can do this with your thumbnail. The leaves come apart at the midrib very easily. Examine each strip. Note that there is a butt end, which is thicker, and a tip end, which is flimsy and may be weak. Also note that there is a "good" side of the leaf, which is shiny, glossy and smooth, as well as a "bad" side, which is dull, darker, and has visible lengthwise lines running along the leaf. You will be weaving with the good side up, and alternating butts and tips.