Fabric love 💘

That saree collection of yours 👌👌👌

I love fabric. I don't let go of even an inch of fabric. If it is a garment in good condition which can be  donated or 'handed down' to a needy person, I do that. But otherwise it is recycled or upcycled however which way you like to perceive it. But most Indians do that. Compared to more 'developed' nations, we are far more mindful of how best we can reuse anything. This feeling may not necessarily stem from the feelings or concerns we may have for the environment, or humanity. Instead perhaps, it could well be a way to squeeze the products 'value for money' worth till the last straw or thread. In any case, it is a worthwhile excersise.

Especially cotton fabric. They grow on you. Becomes more and more dear as the fabric grows old and older. And then, very reluctanly, you let go of it.....only in it's use in its original form and purpose. Like a much loved turkey towel, becomes a mop, or a duster, or a foot wipe, etc (away from the glare of  visitors to your home, mostly in the kitchen, store, or bedroom.)

When my eldest niece was to be born, four decades ago, I overheard my Ma and Sister in law discussing 'old cotton mundu'!!! My 12year old mind was busy figuring out the purpose, till I was explained how used, clean, soft, white cotton mundu (used by the men / women of the household) were best to tear apart and made into hand-stitched nappies!!! Or for swaddling the baby, or making bedding for baby, and so many other uses. 

Even now, whenever I foresee the possibility of some excess or leftover/Baki material from the fabric I take to the tailor, I request them to keep it safe for me to take it back with me when I go to collect the stitched garment. Especially jeans fabric, when I take it to alter length. Tailors are often surprised, and then I sheepishly explain why I need those (and not because I'm a miser of sorts, who doesn't even let go of bits of fabric!!!) Appo, Madame taiko? Machine undo?? Some tailors get seriously interested in the possibilities of turning small bits of cloth into pouches, coasters, headbands, dolls, so much more.

And that's where I'm most interested in a saree. This 6 meters of gorgeous fabric (and weaves, the story, the heritage, the history, 😍)....what happens to it finally?? A drape garment that is so beautiful, and elegant. Basically, a very long yardage of beautifully crafted fine fabric that is so versatile that it can be draped in any which traditional or modern way you wish.

We give away some to our less privileged helps, we gift the more expensive ones to dear relatives who value it and is happy to posses it,  some we cut and remake into pavada/blouse for little and young girls in the family, some we make into salwar kameez for ourselves, into curtains, covers, quilts, the possibilities are innumerable.

I'm not a saree wearing person. But for me, every saree seems like a treasure. The last time I wore one was a few months ago, and before that a few years ago!! In this group someone mentioned that she buys at least a100 sarees a year!! And I got thinking of the innumerable possibilities with the fabric yardage 😊

The photo is just one option with fabric, the possibilities are innumerable 😎