When looking for an exceptional fabric for your special sewing project, sometimes searching a non-traditional source often brings surprising results. The exquisite fabric that can be found in a sari is one of those serendipitous finds.

A sari (or saree) is one long single length, rectangular in shape piece of fabric, without stitching and uncut, approximately 4 to 9 meters long, that is used to ingenuously wrap and drape around the body in a variety of ways. It is worn as a traditional dress in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

The sari is usually worn over a petticoat of the same fabric and color and is known as pavada in the south, and shaya in eastern India. A close-fitting, short-sleeved blouse worn under the sari is called a choli. The loose end of the sari draped over the shoulder is called the pallu and often elaborately patterned or ornamented. There are many variations of how to wrap the beautiful fabric around the body to either reveal or conceal.

Saris are woven with one plain end that is concealed inside the wrap, long decorative borders running the length of the sari, and a one to three foot section at the other end often elaborating on the border pattern. Most saris are machine woven today with hand woven ones reserved for special occasions. In times past only the rich could afford the hand-woven silk saris; most of the populace would wear saris woven of cotton.

A sari can be embroidered with glittering gold, silver or bronze metal thread or embellished with decorative pearls and gemstones making the garment an exquisite work of art. Saris do come in various lengths, extraordinary colors and designs reflective of the geographic region and cultural diversity. The sari is a garment of simplicity, comfort, and age-old grace and beauty.

A sari's fabric inspires. Although not a sewer's stitch would be found in the garment, a sari can be a beautiful art piece displayed on a wall, made into exotic pillow cases, as table runners, made into a decorative duvet cover, even into diaphanous window coverings. The sari is as versatile a source of fabric as it is a beautiful garment.

Sew happy, sew well.

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