
It’s always great to see creative new upcycling ideas in the fashion world. These upcycled saris are not only beautiful but also empower female artisans in India as well as Pakistan, Afganistan, Tajikistan, Thailand and Indonesia. The House of Wandering Silk is a budding social enterprise based in India. Today we are excited to launch a giveaway with them for some of their gorgeous pieces made from upcycled saris.
House of Wandering Silk – the story
Katherine Neumann, a Czech/Australian who lives in New Delhi, started the House of Wandering Silk in 2011. The House of Wandering Silk is based on Gandhi’s principle that “there is no beauty in the finest cloth if it creates hunger and unhappiness”. That’s why the House of Wandering Silk is committed to balancing social empowerment with exquisite design as well as a respect for the natural environment.
The process
The House of Wandering Silk sources old saris and upcycles them into scarves, shawls, shrugs, necklaces and quilts. The upcycled saris are transformed using a traditional Indian hand embroidery technique called kantha. The kantha technique involves tiny rows of running stitch hand sewn from end to end. This provides strength to the upcycled saris and allows them to be reused. The kantha embroidery creates a rich, rippling effect across the fabric and also adds a unique texture.
Sari selection
Many of the House of Wandering Silk pieces are actually separate upcycled saris that have been stitched together using the kantha method. The upcycled saris are handpicked for their fabulous colours and designs and then paired to complement one another. The photo below shows the House of Wandering Silk sari supplier Mini. Katherine used to buy from Mini’s street-side shop but the two have grown close and Katherine now visits Mini at her family home. Mini’s husband cooks Gurjarati curry and they serve Katherine cup after cup of steaming chai as she makes her selections from hundreds of used saris.
Business ethics
The House of Wandering Silk production processes do not involve any child labour. Artistans such as women’s cooperatives in Murshidabad, West Bengal State are employed ensuring disadvantaged women have dignified, sustainable and fairly paid employment.
The House of Wandering Silk also have a zero-waste policy. The remnants leftover from the production of vintage sari scarves are used to create sari bead necklaces and bangles. The sari scraps are hand-picked and wrapped over wooden prayer beads and bangles.
The House of Wandering Silk are offering a €50 gift certificate including international shipping to a lucky Upcycle That reader.
To enter:
1) Like The House of Wandering Silk & Upcycle That on Facebook.
2) Comment on this post telling us which is your favourite bangle combination from those shown below. Ex. Peach
This competition is now closed. Congratulations to our winner, Nicole!
Source: House of Wandering Silk
Do I have to pick just one? I like both Red and Blue
Happy days Kristina, with a €50 gift certificate you could actually get 2 sets 😉
The “Peach” grouping is my fave.
The “white” one is beautiful for me. I like the colors combination very much.
I just can imagine them to bangle around my wrist while tribal dancing. And I love the work of Katherine.
i love the red bangle combination! It is so bright and happy and would cheer up someone very special to whom i would give it!
Bummer! not a Facebook user..
Red!
I love the brightness of the Pink sari bracelets. Very fun loving and happy
I love all the items – they are so creative. I particularly like the mint version, though it’s a hard choice. I would love to win one!
A difficult choice being that all combinations are beautiful. Yet, the ‘White’ combination is the one that caught my eye first.
Gorgeous work. Wonderful Enterprise. Good Luck Ladies!
I think The House of Wandering Silk is doing a great job. I like them all but I think the red is my favourite
ethics and beauty ! such a gorgeous combination…my pick the blue lot 🙂
Red, Peach & Mint are all equally stunning !! What a beautiful way to make stunning pieces from old saris. These bangles are truly beautiful.
I love all of them!! Red is the one that grabbed my attention first. I don’t mind if I don’t win just glad I found out about this wonderful project.
Was not easy to pick one but I’m going for the mixed up combination of the red group.
Red!
I like the Mint bangles. The story about The House of Wandering Silk is a very inspiring one. It really made my day. Thanks.
White. I love the rich purply hues. What an inspiring story. Thank for getting it out there!
Oh they are all so good! But my favourite(s) would be the Mint and Pink! Love HoWS! Keep up the good work
Love white
I love HOWS …….the bangle sets are drool worthy, my one is “Pink”…..statementy…
Love them all but have 2 go Blue.
Oh I love them alll!! Just as I love HOWS!! If i really HAD to, then I would pick MInt! Or Red.. Or Blue or White Or Pink… emm tough question there.
🙂
Mint!
I love the red one. It has so many colors! 😀
I think the red is so versatile.I love the combo of colors.
Blue is very pretty 🙂
Mint!! But peach too! I love this website! So glad I was introduced!!
Minty fresh
Mint is my favourite combination
Love the mint one! Very pretty!
Love the red one!
I LOVE the red one. It would go with so many outfits.
Love the white. The red and purple is meaningless and I like the varied widths. And….those were our wedding colors. So happy I found this.
Blue is my favorite and mint is second
WOW… all so beautiful! Mint, white, red… I’d say Mint is tops on my list. Love the look!
I love the RED. I also love the fact that there is no child labor involved.
I love mint! 🙂 And thank you for your wonderful work!
Pink for Me. 🙂
Love the white 🙂
I would like to find out how we can buy in bulk used saris…..or dupattas…..If you have a connection or know how please message me…thanks
Hi Frances, perhaps try contacting Katherine from HOWS. Good luck!