An ethical Kolkata-based brand, Sari Bari does a wonderful job at using old saris and transforming them into different quilts, bags and bed covers.
Sari Bari which stands for a sari home (as bari means home in Bengali), was spun into existence after the co-founders, Sarah Lance and Kristeen Keen’s, visit in Kolkata. They began the brand in order to give an income, a livelihood and a safe working space to women who have been in a victim of trafficking and sex slavery. Essentially, they take used saris and stitch them into new creations using the kantha style of stitchwork. Each item made by them comes with a label attached stating the creator’s name, and all the profits from the sales go towards their upliftment, a few welfare schemes. The aim is also to promote ethical clothing practices so that you know the exact source of where your products come from.
You can buy products online from their website. They usually make about 7-8 bags from one sari cloth, and order a twin, queen or king-sized quilt if it isn’t on the site by emailing them on info@saribari.com. Since the founders are based out of USA, the prices are given in dollars but there is shipping to Mumbai and all across the world. A handmade bag is around INR 3,500 and a quilt starts at INR 6,000.