UTILIZATON OF LOCAL REEDS TO DEVELOP PATTERNS AND PRODUCTS TO INCREASE THE VALUE OF LOCAL MATERRIALS STUDY AREA: KHOK PRONG COMMUNITY, WICHIAN BURI DISTRICT, PHETCHABUN PROVINCE

Abstract

Utilizing local sedge to develop patterns and products to enhance the value of local materials in Khok Prong Subdistrict, Wichian Buri District, Phetchabun Province. Khok Prong possesses an important local resource, the “sedge,” which has distinctive characteristics. Local residents have excellent skills in sedge fiber weaving. However, the development of patterns and products remains limited. This research aims to 1) study the utilization of local resources and the identity of the Khok Prong community; 2) design patterns and products from Khok Prong’s local woven sedge; and 3) evaluate satisfaction with the patterns and products from the developed woven sedge. This research employed a mixed-methods approach. The qualitative study focused on local identity, pattern design, and product development from sedge, along with the application of other materials. The quantitative study assessed the satisfaction of the sample group in four areas: 1) community identity reflection, 2) pattern design, 3) product development, and 4) marketing and value. The results revealed that overall satisfaction was at a high to very high level. The mean and standard deviation were as follows: community identity (=4.64, S.D.=0.65), pattern design (=4.53, S.D.=0.56), marketing and value (=4.54, S.D.=0.57) were at the “very good” level, and product development (= 4.36, S.D.=0.21) was at the “very good” level. The results of the One-Sample t-test confirmed that the satisfaction was significantly higher than the benchmark at the .05 level, reflecting that the developed reed patterns and products met the needs of the target group beyond the established standards at a good level.