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Secure the crossbars to the backbone at the places which are marked. Glue small blocks to the backbone on either side of the bars, to help to keep them in the right position. Glue and bind the crossbars to the backbone. Smear the bindings with thin glue to reinforce them. Note that the bowstrings lie clear of the backbone on the underside of the framework (Fig. 12).
Use thin string for the outline bracing. Tie a length to the bowstring tail marked F. Take it over the crossbar B; over the top of the backbone, and to the other end of C. Bind round and tie. Proceed by taking the string to the other ends of the framework, and bind round once or twice in each case. Finish by tying to the bowstring tail where you started. Check that the bracing string is taut and that the crossbars are level.
Use lightweight cotton material, such as cambric, for the cover. A square yard will be sufficient. Fasten it to a board with drawing pins. Now take a sheet of paper and mark on it a pattern of 5 in. squares. On this, enlarge the figure which is illustrated in Fig. 11. Allow for a margin of 2 in. all round. The sides of the feet, the arms, ears and top of the head are drawn separately and are attached by the overlaps indicated by the dotted lines.
Pin the paper pattern on the cloth and by means of carbon paper transfer the drawing to the cloth. When this has been done, paint the figure in suitable colours, using fabric painting oil colours. Allow sufficient time for the paint to dry, and then cut out, not forgetting to include the margin.
Fasten the cover to the crossbars with glue. Fold the margin over the bracing strings and sew down. See that the cover is evenly stretched and neatly secured. Next, take the separate parts, such as the arms and ears, and glue them on to thin cardboard for stiffening. Attach them with glue at the positions shown by the dotted lines.
The bridle string is tied in the form of a loop at the points marked X in Fig. 12. Strong string, 6 ft. in length will be needed. Pierce the cover in the appropriate places, and thread the string through. Glue small cloth washers to the cover where it is pierced, to prevent the material fraying. The kite line is attached to the bridle by means of a bowline knot and a reef knot.
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