Katan Sea Blue Silk Saree Handcrafted

What are the small cross marks across the body?

They are tiny cross-shaped dashes and clusters of fine pale stripes, woven into the Katan silk on a Jacquard loom rather than printed on top. Because the pattern is part of the cloth, it runs evenly across the whole drape, and the pallu carries the same pattern as the body, so the look stays neat and consistent from pleats to shoulder.

How much shine does it have?

Katan is woven from twisted silk yarn, which gives a smooth surface with a clear sheen. Here the shine is noticeable in daylight, but the small pale motifs break it up gently, so the saree sits comfortably between an everyday silk and something dressier without looking flashy.

Where would I wear it?

Its first home is the office: the small all-over pattern looks composed through a full working day. It also suits a kitty party or weekend brunch, a festive family gathering, and an evening dinner, where a bolder blouse and some gold jewellery shift it into dressier territory.

Does it come with a blouse piece?

Yes. The blouse piece comes attached to the saree, and the full length, blouse included, is 6.3 to 6.4 metres. Cut the blouse portion away cleanly before handing it to your tailor, so both the saree end and the blouse fabric keep a tidy edge.

It is hand-dyed. How careful do I need to be?

Dry cleaning is the only care recommended for this saree, so avoid washing or spot-cleaning it at home. Keep it away from damp, and if it ever gets wet, dry it in the shade. Slight variation in tone from piece to piece is part of hand dyeing, and screens can show the blue a little differently.

How should I store it between wears?

Keep it in its own fabric bag in a dry cupboard, separate from other clothes. Refold it along different lines every so often and let it air in dry, non-humid weather, because silk left in the same fold for long stretches can weaken along the creases.