As I am a big bloke, I don't worry about hauling my wet carpet peice around the plot - it does make life a lot easier, as I have also used it in strips to make paths between beds.
School was throwing out some carpet tiles, and I managed to get hold of several hundred ... the main path in my plot is carpet tiled, and looks very smart! I also use them cut in half and used as edging for beds, with a batton frame to hold them in place - much cheaper than wood for raised beds, and able to go a lot higher.
Last year I tried the woven weed suppressant fabric - it wears badly, and tears easily, but under tomatoes was a godsend, as it prevented some of the badly staked ones rotting. This year I'll try to reuse what I have left, along with paper, straw and grass cuttings - it you ask around, most neighbours will be glad to let you cart theirs away for them too - and adding it to your plot will also mean that you won't need to dig as much compost in next year...