I’ve bought a coat of many colours.
It was an impulse purchase – I was walking back to my car from Paddington Markets when I passed the Cash Palace store on Oxford Street. Do visit if you’re in the area – every item is currently on sale, and the shop is packed with Indian and Japanese pieces. There was everything from vintage silk kimonos for $50 to cotton kurta tops to the most magnificent hand embroidered wool coats.
I fell madly in love with this Kantha quilt jacket, as much for its backstory as its design.
Kantha is a form of embroidery used by rural Bengali women in Southern India and Bangladesh. It’s basically rows of running stitches joining multiple layers of fabric together. Kantha quilts are made using reclaimed sarees, which are stacked together and then hand stitched to form a new piece. Each quilt is reversible and comprises up to six layers of thin cotton or silk. This traditional and frugal practice recycles old fabric into gorgeously warm and vibrantly colourful homewares such as blankets, throws and cushions.
The brilliant Elaine Townshend, owner of Cash Palace, imports vintage Kantha quilts into Australia and turns them into reversible jackets and coats. My calf length coat has in-seam pockets on one side, and patch pockets and carefully bound seams on the other. It’s very heavy in weight and cozy to wear. In the photo above, you can see the white rows of hand Kantha stitching. Any areas of wear and tear in the original vintage quilt have been carefully patched before the coat was assembled.
Edit: here’s a photo of both sides. Please excuse the quality of the selfies – it turns out the only full length mirror we have is at the back door, which is the darkest and messiest part of the house…
So now I have a coat of many colours, made from a vintage Kantha quilt, which in turn was made from reclaimed saree cloth. It’s a unique, one-off piece. Can you see why I love it so much? ♥
. . . . .
Cash Palace
139 Catherine St
Leichhardt NSW
(02) 9569 5977
Oxford Street
Paddington NSW
(opposite the markets)
Note: both stores offer a wide
range, but most of the sale items
are at the Paddington shop.
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
Love it!
I can see exactly why you grabbed that Celia, it’s stunning! I love the story of the Kantha quilting, I’ll be sharing this with friends.
Enjoy your weekend.
I love it also!! Lucky you, wear it and you will have fun !
It is so beautiful, not only looks great, it is the story that comes with it also that makes it so interesting
Wow, that’s just gorgeous. It would be a bit warm for Southern California where I am, but I’d be willing to make the sacrifice!
I can definitely see why you love it so much Celia. It’s beautiful.
As someone who really enjoys sewing, I love this piece. You’ve given me some new ideas for my scrap fabrics.
How lovely and what a great story to have with such a fine article of clothing. I can totally see you in it! xxx
Celia, I would like to see it modelled.
Sure. Come to Sydney and I’ll happily do that for you.. 😉
Love it! But, I am addicted to colorful stuff, clothes included!
I echo Glenda… would love to see a picture of you proudly wearing it… pleeeease? pretty pleeeeease?
I’ve added them to the post for you! :) xxx
I can see why you love it so much its a beautiful coat with a beautiful history.
Thank you, dear teacher! In spite of my many visits to the Far East, I had to look up ‘Kantha’ on Mr Google. Absolutely love both idea and look: can SO understand you just having to have it :) ! Love the elegance of the red/oranges. Nought ‘hits’; one right in the face . . . clever you!!!
Beautiful work of art. :)
It looks wonderful on you, I can see why you fell in love with it.
It’s beautiful Celia and unique – just like you:). I had a look at their Facebook page and they have some very lovely things there.
Fabulous! I love the story behind it too :)
I have two huge framed pieces of fabric in my house which are also made up of sari pieces, I love the colours and the embroidery in them – I think you’d like them :)
Snazzy! You look awesome!
Both you and the coat look lovely Celia:)
Love your coat. Have always loved Cash Palace. Good to know Elaine is still operating. Have put it on my list for a visit next time I’m back in Sydney.
Beautiful! What a great way to recycle.
It really is absolutely stunning and such an original one off….Hang on! That’s you too ☺☺
You look beautiful in the jacket. Definitely made for you.
Celia, I love it! But I couldn’t carry it off. It looks very “you”! I’ve never heard of this type of quilting, and now I’m fascinated.
It suits you Celia. A coat of many colours.
Wow, you look beautiful in your wonderful new jacket. I adore the Kantha quilted garments and quilts, and the women who make them are empowered by the money they earn from their work. This is an impulse buy that you won’t ever regret Celia.
It’s a stunning piece of clothing, and I’m glad you added the photos of you wearing it! I think it must be particularly pleasing to have two such different colourways.
Lovely Celia! I love that it’s made from fabric that might have otherwise outlived its usefulness. What a great purchase, and one I’m sure will be well used.
Beautiful and I love the backstory.
I just adore that coat and I equally adore the story of Kantha quilts! ; o )
Beautiful story, beautiful coat…looks great on you! :-)
Wow, how gorgeous… and it suits you too, lovely x