In our home in Mumbai, India, sarees held a special place. My Aai (mom) would carefully fold each one, knowing which could still be worn, which could be gifted to someone in need, and which could be repurposed. She would look at an old, worn out saree and see not just fabric, but possibility. With a little imagination, she’d turn faded sarees into new dresses, cushion covers, or even blankets. Watching her breathe new life into these pieces was like seeing magic unfold, and each time, it reminded me of the resourcefulness and love she put into everything.

For my mom, upcycling wasn’t about following trends. It was about honoring each piece of fabric and treating it with respect. It was about making the most of what we had, a way of living that was deeply sustainable, even if she never labeled it that way. She would often say, “Why waste something when it can become something new?” That simple yet profound mindset became part of how I see the world.

Today, I feel a deep connection to her philosophy. I want to upcycle her old sarees, not just as a creative outlet, but as a way to honor the values my mom taught me. To me, each saree holds a memory-a family gathering, a festival, or a special milestone. By upcycling them, I get to keep those memories alive, transforming them into something new without losing their history.

Upcycling saris is my way of carrying forward my mother’s legacy of creativity and resourcefulness. I hope to create pieces that are not only beautiful but also deeply meaningful. So, here’s to creating something new, rooted in tradition and inspired by the lessons my mom passed on to me.

~Sujata