I love me a good redemptive story – the kind where someone is written off and then comes through as the hero at the end of it all, or where someone overcomes all the odds to find beauty and meaning in the midst of what everyone else just thought was hopeless. Those are the kinds of movies that leave me a weepy, happy mess. So when I heard about this amazing company and their beautiful products, I just knew I had to share them with you.

Sari Bari is a business that operates out of India, upcycling old saris in the most amazing and inspiring way. (Remember those incredible upcycled sari rugs I showed you last week? Sensing a theme?) The mission of Sari Bari is to offer freedom to women who are vulnerable to trafficking and trapped in the sex trade. They provide these women with employment in a safe, loving, restorative environment. They are then trained and treated as artisans, creating beautiful, truly one-of-a-kind, sustainable handmade products which are a profound metaphor for their own lives. Once discarded and treated as worthless, they are also being transformed back into something of great beauty and worth. Each piece is as unique as the amazing woman creating it.

Their technique comes from an ancient Bengali art form known as Kantha, meaning “old cloth.” In the traditional kantha style, five layers of used saris are sewn together with a single running stitch to make a quilted blanket. In Bengali tradition, such blankets are passed on as heirlooms to future generations.

Each woman has her own unique style and stitch, making each piece an original work of art. Of course – given the natural properties of silk – the blankets are also delightfully light, remarkably warm and incredibly soft. What a great way to infuse some inspiration into your home through the spectacular colours and patterns used! Once each blanket is finished, the women “sign” their pieces with their name, a mark of pride and identity. Now show me a product that is beautiful, functional and filled with a story of inspiration and hope and I’m IN! Hope you find yourselves inspired as well.

xo
s.