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Old 12-09-2009, 03:13 AM posted to rec.gardens.edible
Suzanne D.[_2_] Suzanne D.[_2_] is offline
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First recorded activity by GardenBanter: Jan 2009
Posts: 222
Default Question on how to use cotton

Cotton isn't really "edible," but the folks here are so knowledgeable that I
figured I'd post the question here anyway.

I have a single cotton plant that is starting to produce fluffy white
cotton. I planted it as an experiment (it was the only one of ten seeds
that made it), and I'd like to use the cotton if possible. The plant
currently has about 30-40 unopened bolls on it, and many new flowers (and
may I just interject that I don't think any plant flower is quite as
attractive as the cotton flower?). I have looked online for ways for a
non-farmer to harvest, clean, and make cotton ready for use, but I can't
seem to find anything. It's as if hobbyists are just expected to grow it
and then do nothing else.

Does anyone know, or have links to websites that could tell me what to do
with the cotton once it is picked? All I can think of is to use it to stuff
toys, but surely there are some craft uses out there that I am not finding.
Is there an easy way to make it into fibers or threads? Thanks.
--S.