Half sari, half cotton tote bag, ethically handmade in India

This listing is for our beautiful half upcycled sari and half cotton tote bags. Choose your favourite sari colour and pattern from the drop-down menu.

These vibrant one-of-a-kind repurposed sari cotton shopping bags are meticulously handcrafted by empowered artisan women based in Pondicherry, India. Each bag is unique, creating a beautiful reusable tote bag from repurposed sari cloth. Each set of bags is made from the off-cuts of one sari, so colours and patterns may vary depending on which piece of the sari was used. This unique sari tote bag provides economic independence for the talented Indian artisan women who make them.

Our saris are from all over India and beyond, which means we have a wide variety of patterns and traditions represented. Many were generously donated especially for this social initiative. Because every sari is unique, each product has its own story and is truly one-of-a-kind. Most saris are comprised of multiple colours and patterns intended to compliment each other when draped, which is why no two items made from the same sari are the same. Colours and patterns may vary from the photographs, depending on which part of the sari was used. Some finished items have minor imperfections, which makes them even more charming and distinctive.

By purchasing this item, you are helping to empower and provide ongoing employment income for the women who make them.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
Dimensions. approximately 34 cm length x 38 cm height with 35 cm handle drop (12 in length x 15 in height with 14 in handle drop)

Care. Gently hand wash in cold water. Hang or lay flat to air dry.

Manufacturer(s):

Shaktiism CIC
hello [!at] shaktiism.com

Source: Shakti.ism

Shakti.ism is a British brand that gives Indian Sarees a second life by reusing them into beautiful new items in social workshops in India and Bangladesh.

Fair trade: Shakti.ism is a social enterprise operating in India and Bangladesh. Employees are paid a fair wage as well as additional health and wellness benefits. Shakti.ism regularly visits the locations and consults with their employees.

Environmentally friendly: The items are made from old Indian Sarees that are given a second life by Shakti.ism. For example, many sarees are donated. Local donations are generally from poorer people who donate sarees in exchange for other necessities of life. Or they sell it to Shakti.ism at a low price so that they can use this money to buy basic necessities. Shakti.ism can then save the second-hand fabric from being thrown away and reuse it. Saris can also be donated in Europe so that they can be reused.

Good cause: Shakti.ism works with women who are at risk of being affected by gender-based violence. At Shaktiism these women are given the opportunity to earn their own money fairly in a pleasant environment.