Just imagine those amazing days when you use to wear that mustard yellow color Kanjeevaram saree that you inherited from your mom. While attending the functional charities at your college, being outnumbered in your saree collection it was always mother’s wardrobe you had to rely on. Maybe that was your personal favorite. But with time the trend of wearing that obvious color and pattern has faded. But you cannot just put it out of your mind and wardrobe. However, you can just do one thing to keep the legacy alive.

To keep the old memories of your mom and the saree alive - you just need to repurpose the saree in some creative ways. Like you can adopt some quirky ideas which I might like to share. 

#1. Just Give it a Facelift

The old sarees which you use to wear to carry on with the legacy needs a change and facelift. And to do that you can remove those old borders with new borders of Kundan or zardozi. Even the vice versa can work say you can use the very good border of an old saree on new silk which you bought. Block printing on the old and plain saree or you can simply combine two old sarees to design a half and half saree. Isn’t that cool enough??

#2. Changing them to Anarkalis and Kurtis

Long Kurtis and especially the anarkalis are in. When I say in it means, you can just any type of party in this ethnic and class appearance. With six to seven-yard long saree, it is easy to get a foot long Anarkali maintaining its flowy nature. Especially those kanjeevaram silk saree makes wonderful anarkalis. As for the Kurtis, you can pick those classy raw silk sarees or Kota silk and some fabrics like a waistline border to make it look gorgeous.

#3. Make Dupattas or Scarves

If the sarees are not at all in good shape, you can still use them without throwing them. Why not turn some of them to quirky dupattas or scarves. Like the banarasi dupattas and the kantha stitch dupattas are in fashion. Try them with lovely and rick salwar suits or Kurtis to pair like an ingenious.

#4. Design Beautiful Potli Bags

I was looking at this lady Chinna Dua and her Instagram channel when I found her using many of the repurposed sarees turned into potli bags to match her drapes of the day. She might source it from various shops I guess, but they all are seemingly beautiful and crazy. You can visit her profile any time to get ideas of the sarees to turn them into potli bags. Stick a few kundan to make them look more pretty.

#5. Try Making Jackets for Your Kurtas

Try out making those sleeveless overcoats for the kurtas and dresses - it is in vogue. A gorgeous jacket made out of that old raw silk sarees is surely going to make you feel crazy. The grander they are, the better they will look with the plain Kurtis. It is rare to get a good jacket, so it is a good idea to use your old saree. 

In Closing

Styling is always something that should be done to suit your taste and yet maintain the high legacy that those old sarees used to contain. Just go with the flow and choose the repurposing idea for that one fabric. Since not all repurpose idea will work for a single fabric. I hope you have a great time reading this blog. Let me know through my Instagram and Facebook channel how you enjoyed it. 

Author Bio:

Sumana Bhattacharya completed her Masters in Economics from the University of Calcutta & was working with the Department of Education, Govt. of West Bengal to provide training to the teachers in Government Schools. She moved to USA in 2005 after getting married & is the mother of 2 kids. She is the one that drives IndyVogue every day, every hour, every minute and every second. Salute to her and her undying spirit.