The Women of Sari Bari

A few weeks ago, Ellen brought a Sari blanket to work.  Her daughter Rachel had sent it to her.  One of Rachel’s friends works for the “Sari Bari” company.  We examined the blanket together.  Really, it’s a quilt.

I didn’t think to take a picture of Ellen’s blanket, but this photo from the Sari Bari website shows an example.

Pieced in strips from recycled Saris, layered with batting, and carefully hand-quilted with sturdy thread.   A little worn in places, with a weathered patina.  Pretty colors, nice design, nothing fancy.   Hmmm….  

A visit to the Sari Bari website reveals this

“About Sari Bari:

The name “Sari Bari” comes from two symbols. A sari is the traditional clothing worn by women in India.  Saris represent the essence of womanhood. In Bengali, the word bari means “house” or “home”. Our hope is for Sari Bari to be a safe home where women who have been exploited in the sex trade can have their dignity restored and experience a new life in the making.

Each of our products made from the Indian sari is marked with a woman’s name, a woman who now has the opportunity to make a choice for freedom and a new life.

Our mission:

Sari Bari, a business initiative, seeks the freedom and restoration of Kolkata’s red-light areas through dignity-giving employment opportunities for women affected by the sex trade.”

 

When I looked at the website a couple of weeks ago, there were quite a few quilts posted.  Now, they are all gone.  I think that must be good.  I have e-mailed the company, asking them when they expect their next shipment.  I’ll let you know what I find out.

There are still quite a few bags for sale, including this one I just bought:

 

Also, please note the Get Involved page. 

Dakota Cabin Quilts chose to sponsor one woman: the cost of supporting one woman through six months of training is $90.00 ( $15.00 per month).

Maybe your family, quilt guild, or group of friends could do the same?

Quilters are known for their generous spirit, and desire to help each other.  The women of Sari Bari are quilters too… let’s work together to support their efforts.