Jute is the new cotton, it seems. The weavers are finding new ways to use jute, as reflected in the All India Crafts, Handlooms, and jewellery expo organised by the Kerala State Handicrafts Apex Cooperative Society here. Jute saris and other clothing items are not passé. Also featured at the expo are quite a number of accessories made of jute that appeals to the fashion lovers these days, be it jute jewellery or bags. However, the latest entrants are the beautiful jute dolls from Rajasthan that have stolen the show in Kozhikode.
The exhibition also features a variety of handloom products such as Jaipur bed sheets, Kannur cotton bed sheets, khadi silk dress materials, and Banarasi saris, besides Chikan work clothing, readymade kurtas, and designer bed sheets.