Progression of a shopping bag

I have always loved reusable bags. Now that New Zealand has banned single use plastic bags, everyone has a need for their own bag.

While at a Flax Weaving Wananga, at Waihao Marae, there was a discussion about who would have the best looking grocery bags in Waimate (us weavers, of course), and I started thinking about the “perfect” shopping bag and what features it would have.

My list was:

Stands up by its self
Big enough to hold all my groceries (but not so big its a struggle to lift once full)
Easy to carry
Sturdy & durable
Easy to keep a few in the car
Attractive

Next I went found every fabric bag I already had, and ranked them, most usable size, strap length etc. This one was the winner, and my size starting place.

After looking at my weaving pattern books, I decided to start with the Mick Pendergrast’s Bucket Kit, from the book Te Mahi Kete.

But I wanted 2 colours and patterns, so I made a proof of concept small gift bag from short lengths.

Next came prototype 1. I didn’t allow for the pattern stretch/sag so it came out too wide and a little short, but I loved the handles and how strong it feels.

Then prototype 2. Love it, will be making more, but what if I put a shoulder strap on it. . .

Prototype 3. Tried with the whiri on the outside of the bag, I will keep making them on the inside.

I love trying new weaving patterns and saw something similar in the background of a photo. this was also my first time calculating the pattern by how much weave-able length I had.