- BY RANI SHARMA
What can you do with an old sari? A LOT! You can transform it not just into ethnic wear, but also design some beautiful and chic looking fusion wear. Yes, fusion contemporary dresses.
In fact, you can do it with all your old saris at home and save on the cost of the fabric. I am transforming my great grandmother’s sari into a new sari and keeping memories intact. With the kind of quality they had back then, these will last another few decades.
So, if you also have exclusive saris that you have inherited from your grandmother or mother, don’t just put them away.
What to do with old saris:
1: Old sari into a new sari -If there is that one special sari with a frayed pallu or slightly torn edges, you do not have to get rid of it. The most damage for the old pattu and silk saris is in the border. So, rip off the pattu border and stitch it up with a new kundan work, sequin or zari based patch work border. Add some tassels or
pompoms to the pallu.
2: Get a salwar suit made from old saris. If the borders are damaged, you could use the body of the saree for the top. Use contrast patchwork borders for the hemline, neckline and sleeves. For the bottom and
dupatta you could either use another old sari or mix and match it with what you have.
3: Lehenga or half-sari from an old silk sari is a great option. If you do not have enough for the entire outfit, use it in bits and pieces. Once you cut out enough for the lehenga, use the rest for the blouse. if it’s a half sari, you could keep it simple. For a lehenga, beef it up with borders, sequin, zardozi, embroidery or lace of your
choice. Follow the pattern for the blouse and dupatta as well.
4: A summer maxi dress with old cotton or pattu sarees.
5: Turn your old saris into skirts.
6: Turn your mother’s chiffon sarees into a kaftan style kurtas.
7: Stitch great looking dupattas with old saris.
8: Anarkali dresses with old saris are an amazing option too.
I design from vintage saris, and infuse new ideas and trends to my creations.
Contact Rani Sharma from Raneez Boutique at 404-386-2062.
