TALES 》 Kotpad Cotton Sarees

Sophistication lies in simplicity of urban

Savannah, I'm coming home Savannah, by Philly K what a way to start this monsoon breeze and being cozy yet inspired! Kotpad weaves from Koraput district of Orissa, its a small village in Orissa, the fabrics of Kotpad are absolutely unique, breathable due to natural fibre, its glad to say Kotpad Handloom fabrics was first to receive GI(Geographical Indication) tag from Odisha and Kotpad adivasi tribes are still preserving the core aesthetics, making Orissa honored.

Products which are made from this place are Kotpad handwoven shawls, luga/paata known as Kotpad saree, tuval known as towel, Koraput cotton pants, Koraput dupattas, Koraput jackets and dress materials and many more to the list. Kotpad sarees are simple and are completely non-chemical, eco-friendly and non-toxic, thus makes comfortable to wear. The weaving is done by tribal weavers of the Mirgan community, while weaving these sarees is time consuming and involves intricate dyeing process, the adivasi tribes are still preserving the core aesthetics, three shuttle pit looms is been used for weaving these sarees. The dyeing process is long and tedious, taking as many as fifteen days for getting the dyed fibers, while the weaving of the saree requires another twenty days to more intricate around three months.

The borders are solid which looks seamless graceful. Handloom sarees of this region is vegetable dyed fabric woven here. Natural dye colouring is derived from the AUL or madder dye(Morinda Citrifolia) extracted from the root of Indian Madder tree and colors used are deep maroon, dark brown, pinks which are combined with the natural unbleached off white colour of the yarn produce dramatic. Basically motifs are developed by the extra wefts and basic motifs used on the fabric are watery fish, cute little crabs, sailing boats, fan, bows, animals, bird motifs, kumbh, conch, temple and axes are few motifs.

Many a times I wonder why cotton fabrics shrinks?
The answer, the reason behind cotton fabrics shrinkage happens after first wash cycle of the fabric is because of the tension that is applied to its yarns and fabrics during the construction of the clothing, so need not panic on that.

Fabric care for Kotpad cotton sarees
Do check out for specific care instructions on the garment once you purchase and follow the instructions carefully, it addition to it, here are certain guidelines

• One can wash these sarees at home or given to dry clean
• Make sure, before washing rinse the saree with cold water and use mild detergent
• Once wash cycle is done, dry the fabric in shade to prevent the color from fading
• To give saree a crispy look one can starch these cottons saree as well
• Do not wring or squeeze the fabric
• One can steam press and iron the fabric, in a medium-low heat
• Avoid naphthalene balls and other repellents in direct contact to these fabrics while storing