Silk saris are special to Indian women. They spend a lot on them and wear it on special occasions like weddings. Also, saris are passed on from one generation to another. In such a scenario, letting go off an old, expensive silk sari is quite difficult. Even though you might not wear these saris regularly, you might not wish to give it away . The next best option is to convert these saris into a dress, home decor, accessories or stoles. Here are a few options that you can try ...
Home decor:
Curtains, cushion covers, lamp shades and patch work frames -there is so much you can do with that old sari that is left unused in your wardrobe.“I had an old silk sari that is a little damaged. I didn't want to give it away and wanted to make something out of it. A friend helped me convert that sari into cushion covers“ says Selvi, a homemaker. You can also use these old saris to decorate your house. Try framing them and put it on a plain wall.This will give your house a royal look.Another option is to convert them into covers for your favourite books and journals.
Dresses and accessories:
Old silk saris can be converted into dresses which will make you look fabulous. They can be stitched into anarkalis, long kurtas, gowns, dresses, or can also be used to make pavadai-satai for children. For the trendy ones, silk palazzos or skirts can be a good option, too. They will look trendy, chic and ethnic. In case of accessories, old saris can be reused and made into bangles and footwear. Get an expert to get that done! “One of the main reason why I prefer using old saris to make dresses is because they are economical and give a grand look to almost anything and everything,“ says Kalai Priya, a budding stylist. In fact Kalai recently made an Indo-western outfit with an old silk sari for a fashion show.
Dupatta and overcoats:
Dupattas, scarves and overcoats can be paired with almost anything. And what better than making them out of old silk saris? Silk dupattas can give kurtas and anarkalis an elegant and traditional look. “I tried to use my mom's old sari as a dupatta with my anarkali suit and it was so glamorous,“ says Varsha Alizar, a college student. Silk overcoats with a little bit of embroidery or de signing can turn a simple dress into something sizzling. Pair a plain black T-shirt with a bright coloured silk scarf and you will sure make a fashion statement.
Purses and bags:
Old saris can also be turned into beautiful bucket purses, wal lets, sling bags, tote bags, mobile pouch es, and more. If you are stepping out for a family function, we suggest you take one of these silk-made purses with you, that will sure be a conversationstarter. Make use of the border of the saris to convert them into a pouch or a jhola that is quite the trend now. Stylist Shruthi Balu uses old saris from temples for designing bags. “I get cheap silk saris from temples and then convert them into pouches that is quite a hit among my customers,“ she says. Another stylist, Sumathi Reddy , also makes outfits out of old silk saris. She says, “The fact that a sari is not going waste and is being remade into something nicer is very exciting for our customers. I have done several of these projects and got the idea when I was working on my own line.“
