"Suzanne D." wrote in message
...
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.

Aside from the laborious thread/weaving, you can use the fibers in making
papers, There are many sources for making handmade papers on the net. If
there are not too many, you can smash the seeds rather than pick them out,
adds interesting texture to the paper. Try making handmade covers from your
garden for your garden notebook . Use appropriate sized picture frames from
the Dollar Two Ninety Eight Store.
Next year you might try some of the colored varieties and /or make dyes from
your plants. If you are a recycle fanatic like my SIL, use your dryer lint
in the mix.