Kete Muka Tuatahi

Figure 22: Weaving frame. 

For my first kete muka I will be using a frame that measures 17.5cm.  I am using Ruapani which I have harvested from my kaiako's pā. 

Figure 23: Testing width of whenu.

I have created my whenu from two, 1cm wide whenu.  They have been top and tailed and given a miro.  3 of these side by side measure 1cm.  This means I will need 17.5 x 3 whenu = approximately 53 whenu.

Figure 24: Creating aho.

Aho are made from 2 strands x 2.  These are given a miro like the whenu.  

Figure 25: Creating body of kete.

Whenu are draped over the frame and aho paatahi is applied for 5 rows right up against each other and travelling around and around the base.

Figure 26: First line of whatu.

Once five rows had been completed, I continued with whatu around the frame in a continuous loop closing the sides as I went.

Figure 27: Completing first line of whatu.

Closing the other side.

Figure 28: Completed body.

Once whatu was complete, I removed it from the frame.

Figure 29: Finishing top edge.

I finished the edge as I would a piece of tāniko.

Figure 30: Untrimmed ends inside kete.

I turned it inside out and tied off all the added ends and trimmed them.

Figure 31: Completed kete.

I then unravelled the ends and trimmed them into a fringe.