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Thursday, October 23, 2008, 06:54
Carol Hewings, 64, who has been shopping at Sainsbury's at Roundswell in Barnstaple since it opened in 1991, had the idea of using her crochet skills to create a homemade "bag for life".
Staff at the Roundswell supermarket were so impressed with her design that the store is now planning to sell the pattern for the bag and donate the proceeds to the Children's Hospice South West.
Carol told the Journal that she made her first bag three years ago after getting the idea from a friend.
She said: "I made one for my daughter back in 2005 and she has used it every day since.
"It's so strong that she even managed to carry her computer in it.
"The first two bags I made sold for £60, all of which I donated to the Children's hospice. Since then I've had several orders for the bags."
Carol explained that to make a crochet bag about the size of a normal carrier bag you'll need around 200 plastic carrier bags.
She said: "I start by cutting the bag into strips and then tying them together to create a longer strip.
"I then use my normal crocheting method to create the bag.
"All the information you need to make them is included in the pack that I have produced for Sainsbury's.
"Unfortunately, I have osteoarthritis which means I can't make too many of the bags anymore but people can have a go at making their own.
"All the money will go to the kids at the hospice which is a great cause."
Sainsbury's spokesman Cat Upcott said: "Mrs Hewings told our staff about the idea a few months ago and we've been fully behind the idea ever since.
"It is a great use of used bags and a superb way to support a local charity.
"The patterns will be available from our clothing desk and will cost around £3 — all of which will go to the Children's Hospice South West.
"Also, if anyone would like to collect some recycled bags from the store they are more than welcome to do so."
Carol Hewings (right) with a fully loaded bag she crocheted out of old carrier bags. She is with Sainsbury's staff, from left, Cat Upcott, Bob Clayton and Nathan Pardoe. Picture: Jo Tibbles 0810-156_08
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