sari baby blanket SOLD

One-of-a-kind baby blanket…. a delightful baby shower gift

The Mediterranean jewel colours of this lovely cotton baby wrap will keep baby snug and warm for an afternoon sleep in the garden, while you stop with a coffee and break yourself or when visiting with friends.

It is made from pre loved saris, are lightweight, warm and soft on delicate skin.

They are nice for:-

• Newborns
• Tummy time
• Bassinets
• Stroller throw
• Car seat throw
• Mum and bub time

These baby sari blankets have been made from 3 antique saris carefully stitched together with the traditional Bengali stitch, the Kantha. The Saris have been complimented and contrasted in colour and design so you can use either side.

The ladies who make these beautiful baby blankets live in the slums of South Kolkata (previously Calcutta) who have been taught to quilt so they can earn an income with dignity.

Measurement: 1mtr x 1 mtr – You can machine wash them on a delicate cycle.

Group : EMC, Kolkata, India

EMC is an initiative where young women from the slums of Kolkata, India receive training and job opportunities. As well as theory and practical skills in tailoring and paper craft work, the women are taught English, business skills and values for life.

For more on the work of EMC and the culture of the sari click here

Creation

The best used saris are purchased from a central market and brought to EMS. There they are cut to size and the front and back patterns are chosen to compliment. From there 3 other layers of saris are quilted inside with the traditional running stitch of Bengal, the katha (or kantha).

Impact on poverty

Most of the sari blankets are created in the homes of women who have come out of tough places such as alcoholism, abandonment (from marriage) and drug addiction. The personal, spiritual and practical training EMC offers these ladies is a massive leg up into a dignified life. Working from home allows them to be flexible with their home duties but still bring an income into their households.

Let's not forget the on-seller of this sari who has been in such a position as to need to sell their own clothing! That state is something to be contemplated!

...and for you...

If your sari could talk to you about the life it has seen what a tale it would tell! The blessing for you of this life is wonderfully smooth almost luxurious feeling cotton. The satisfaction of knowing this very practical item has not cost the earth nor its inhabitants is comforting. The maker has been empowered to rise to a new level of life and that comes through your fair trade purchase.

Impact on the planet

One less thing manufactured from raw materials can only be good for this world! One less thing in landfill or polluting a street is even better.