Crochet with raffia

[Gentlemanwiththistledownhair]

I've never done this before (although I can crochet). Any tips? I'm guessing it's quite a difficult material to work with, as it's quite stiff.

I'm looking to make this lovely bag:
lifeiscozy.com/sun-city-bag/

Nobody?!

In that case I might just have to be guinea pig if raffia isn't too expensive...

Never tried with raffia. Report back. I may have imagined this but could you soak it in water to soften it up or would all the colour leach out? Experiment??

I recently started crocheting a basket with raffia and am finding it quite tricky as it's very stiff. I suspect I will do it in short bursts as I find it quite frustrating.