3 ways you can put your mom's old Banarsi sari to fantastic use

These super-innovative transformations will surely surprise you.

Sarwat Fatima
नवंबर 10, 2016

There are a set of ventures that make great things out of your old sarees. Photo courtesy: Facebook/ Latasita

Some things are just priceless. And you don't want to get rid of them, no matter how old or faded they become. For instance--your mommy's old saree. After you have worn it to your school and college socials, you keep it safe, not wanting to part with the much-loved fabric. Now, what if we tell you that you can keep it with you forever, and not just locked in your wardrobe-- but as a fully functioning revamped piece. Confused? Well, there are ventures that can repurpose those old saris and give them a new lease on life. So ladies, just go ahead and give them a try.

LataSita
This one-of-a-kind brand recycles old saris and turns them in to contemporary fashion wear. From dresses to long skirts, there's an array of dresses to choose from. The brain behind the concept, Meghna Nayak, in an interview with the Vagabomb, said: "I realised I would have to find a way to incorporate my ethics into my lifestyle, but I didn't yet know how. In the UK I just assumed that the most I could do about the unethical production of garments was to write about it; but back in India, I realised that I could enter the fashion supply chain and experience firsthand, the challenges of running an ethical business." So, she decided to create the brand LataSita.

From dresses to long skirts, there's an array of dresses to choose from. Photo courtesy: Facebook/ LataSita

Also read: 5 websites you can score fabrics of all hues and colours from

The Initiative
This Mumbai-based brand is known for transforming sarees into blankets, and how. These are not your regular run-of-the mill blankets but creatively made godhadis (Maharashtrian blankets). In fact, the workers employed by The Initiative are women workers, who have no professional expertise. They manually transform the fabric, by stitching every piece by hand. You can get a customized blanket by stating your preferred colour and pattern. And there's more-you can get a specific message, date or illustration embroidered on it. Apart from this, you can also buy yoga mat bags, laptop sleeves, and utility rolls. Just log into their website and fill a form. You order will be delivered to you in about four weeks.

Workers manually transform the fabric, by stitching every piece by hand. Photo courtesy: theinitiative.in

House Of Wandering Silk
Can you imagine your silk saree getting transformed into scarves, bow ties, necklaces, and bracelets? Yes, it's possible. The House of Wandering Silk, which is run by Katherine Neumann, has employed marginalized women and they create some amazing textile products. Also, this is no ordinary establishment. The profits made by selling goods, goes towards the education of tribal and minority children in rural India. Crafted by hand, each piece tells a tale. If case, you are interested in buying the products, you could log in to their website and choose.