Crochet meets Upcycling
We live in a world where style and sustainability increasingly go hand in hand. As an artisan, it may not always be possible to create the desired fusion between traditional craftsmanship with upcycling, but an opportunity has arisen to do just that in the form of handmade tote handbags using recycled yarns.
Just take a moment to reflect…what is upcycling? By definition, it is the process of transforming waste materials or unwanted products into products of greater value, whether that is of an artistic nature of environmental value.
I’ll let you into a little secret about how my handbag making idea was born … two years ago my husband and I were travelling back to the UK after a relaxing holiday in Italy. We stopped in a small town for a quick lunch - a sandwich and a good Italian coffee, and lo and behold, across the walkway, I spotted a small fashion store. In the window, there were stylish shoes, a few garments and one small black and white handbag. And when I say small, I mean SMALL – the kind of small that barely fits your mobile, a lipstick and a small purse At first glance, I thought it wasn’t for me - I like a handbag with plenty of space. But something about it was different, intriguing. Despite its size, it had an undeniable charm. Curiosity got the better of me, and I went to investigate. When the shop assistant revealed the price, I nearly fell over - it was a whopping €1,800! Upon closer inspection, I noticed it was entirely made of cotton, unlined, and asymmetrical. I realised the price was likely due to its craftsmanship, handcrafted by a renowned Italian artisan. But for me, it was the raw, artisanal essence that truly captured my imagination - that’s what drew me in.
By the time we were back in the car, I was designing bags in my mind - nothing like the one I’d seen, but inspired by the concept of using crochet, which I was already using in making jewellery, to craft unique handbags. My research into suitable yarns led me to recycled sari silk ribbon, and I was instantly captivated. The texture, the vibrant colours, the idea of upcycling such beautiful materials - it was everything I wanted for my creations.
Sari silk ribbons are made from remnants of traditional Indian saris, which are hand torn into strips, that are then bound together and sold in skeins of different lengths. Each ribbon, carries its own story and no two ribbons are exactly the same, making each individual handbag a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Each loop formed by the crochet needle is a deliberate act of creativity, transforming something old into something timeless and new. I do not try to hide the knots, nor the varying thickness of the ribbons, so the result is a tapestry of sophistication embracing the charm of imperfection.
Each tote is designed with practicality and beauty in mind. Fully lined, the bags include pockets for essentials like your mobile phone, adding functionality to design. To ensure longevity, the bags are scotch-guarded, helping them withstand daily use. They even come with a dustbag for safe storage, adding a touch of luxury to your purchase.
By choosing a handbag made from recycled sari silk ribbon, you’re not just investing in a beautiful accessory, but you are also supporting sustainable fashion. Upcycling sari silk ribbon not only reduces waste, but breathes new life into fabric that would otherwise be discarded.
And that’s how the journey began. That tiny Italian bag wasn’t just a handbag - it was the spark that ignited a whole new passion.
Carry your style in the palm of your hand!
Visually stunning silk ribbon handbags.
Repurposing upcycled sari silk yarn gives old, unwanted fabric a vibrant new life!