This Season
 
  • Cotton mouth is something that many people struggle with on a daily basis. Find out how not to have cotton mouth with help from a practicing dentist and chief clinical director for a large group…

  • Cotton is not only an agricultural crop, the perennial shrubs make attractive ornamental plants. Cotton flowers for several weeks, and the shrubs’ flowers change colors upon pollination,…

  • Cotton insulation helps regulate the temperature of your home by slowing the conduction of heat through your walls, floors and ceilings. This slows heat loss during the winter and prevents outdoor…

  • Rayon fibers contain wood pulp and are often blended with other fibers such as cotton. A rayon and cotton tablecloth requires special care to prevent the fabric from tearing or shrinking. Most types…

  • The white cotton ostrich in the online roleplaying game "Mabinogi" is a pet that you and another player can ride simultaneously, so long as neither of you are giants. Although slower than…

  • Chlorine bleach is effective to whiten, remove stains and disinfect clothing. Known under brand names such as Clorox or Purex, chlorine bleach is sodium hypochlorite and is not safe for use on colors…

  • Cotton reacts to and collects static electricity. By looking at the nature of static electricity you can study why cotton and other materials react to the small, sparking currents. In general, static…

  • Create spun cotton figures using spun cotton wrapped around a wired body. Spun cotton is the fibrous substance surrounding the cotton seed. With some patience, anyone can create these types of figures…

  • Permanently attaching felt to cotton can be done using some commonly found tools from around the home. If attempting to bond felt to cotton using a glue, you must select the appropriate type to keep…

  • Machine embroidery on cotton loop towels isn't difficult, but you must use the proper stabilizer for the embroidery work to look nice. The trick of successful machine embroidery on loop towels is to…

  • On supermarket shelves, the term "bleach" refers most often to liquid chlorine whitening agents, such as those sold by Purex and Clorox. These agents are very effective against cotton…

  • John Mercer obtained the first patent for the mercerization process that produced mercerized cotton, a cotton fiber featuring an attractive sheen resulting from a special chemical process. When you…

  • Cotton scarves are readily available at retail stores, consignment shops and garage sales. Dress up a plain cotton scarf with the addition of a ribbon border, giving an ordinary item a designer look.…

  • Cotton yarn provides an ideal alternative to the often-used wool and wool-blend yarns for knitting berets. Cotton is not elastic and, therefore, tends to sag -- an ideal characteristic for berets, as…

  • Cotton string has played an important part in regional economies within the industrialized world for centuries. Production of cotton string and thread dominated the economy of Nagoya, Japan in the…

  • When someone alters the color of fabric with bleach, they usually do it by accident. However, if you want to lighten cotton, bleaching the material is the most effective way to accomplish your goal.…

  • What was once a bright, vivid white sweater is now ivory or spotty with stains due to normal wear and tear. Do not toss the sweater in the donate pile, instead combine it with bleach and water to…

  • There are many different aspects a teacher may focus on when teaching about cotton, ranging from specific periods in its history to its valuable role in our present times. History-focused lessons…

  • Hanes Ultimate Cotton sweatshirts come in both crew neck and hoody styles in a variety of basic, solid colors. Ultimate cotton is a cotton-polyester blend that features 90 percent soft, breathable…

  • Perspiring while sleeping, a natural occurrence that stains your bedding with unsightly yellow stains, is easily removable with common household products and oxygen bleach. Laundry detergents that are…

  • Static electricity is encountered frequently in everyday life -- for example, the small shock when you stroke a pet -- or the sparks when you take off a woolly jumper in the dark. Cotton reacts to…

  • People have made cloth from cotton for thousands of years. Today, cotton has various uses in many parts of the world. It is durable, breathable, soft and hypoallergenic. Plisse refers to cotton that…

  • When a garment is described as being made of marled cotton, it is telling you two things. First, of course, it is made of cotton fiber; most likely 100 percent cotton or its other fibers would also be…

  • The cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) resides across the warmer regions of the southern United States and as far west as New Mexico. It also flourishes throughout Mexico, Central America, Venezuala and…

  • Cotton clothes are notorious for shrinking and have a bad reputation. In truth, though, many cotton products are now pre-washed before they are sold to the consumer because most of the shrinkage…

  • Cotton cord can be used as a leather cord substitute, but determining the size can be tricky for types such as the waxed cotton cord. Most manufacturers measure the cotton cord width by the…

  • Over the ages, cotton has proved to be a versatile fiber. From ancient Egypt to today's modern fabric manufacturers, it's hard to determine all the forms cotton fabric has taken over the years.…

  • Anti-reflective coating has been a great development in eyeglasses, but it certainly doesn't feel that way when it gets scratched. The reflection may be gone, but the scratch is all that you can see.…

  • The advances in technology, especially technology available for home use, has put many crafting ideas into the hands of the masses. Long gone are the days where transferring a picture to fabric was…

  • Entredeux is a type of decorative fabric trim or edging with small holes embedded in it, and the term itself means two pieces of fabric that are sewn together. Hobbyists and designers often use this…

  • Industrial Revolution furniture has its own sense of charm and purpose. Its design ranges from the grand to the mundane. In fact, the Industrial Revolution was the first time that furniture was…

  • Airplanes have come a long way since the Wright Brothers' first successful powered flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Despite its fame, the Wright Flyer was not the only powered airplane of the…

  • The Industrial Revolution, which started in England, provided more food and jobs and advanced technology in the countries it affected. While it did change the world for the better in many ways, it…

  • It happens to almost everyone. You get a project finished and notice a small dent or "ding" in the finish, or something drops on a favorite table and creates a small dent in the wood. You don't want…

  • Placing bird feed on the ground makes birds easy prey to neighborhood predators and attracts unwanted rodents. An elevated bird-feeding platform or table ensures that birds can feed in relative…

  • During the early 17th century, cotton was considered a luxury good in England and most other European countries because the looms used by cloth weavers in those countries could not weave the short…

  • Antique furniture and home accessories remain popular for their rich histories and excellent craftsmanship. Many pieces, however, are easily scuffed or scratched. These flaws can actually enhance…

  • People have been hand spinning cotton for thousands of years. Today, turning cotton to fabric is primarily performed by machinery in large manufacturing plants. There are, however, a substantial…

  • If you have an old pair of prescription glasses you would like to tint but you do not want to spend a lot of money having them professionally colored, you can try RIT dye at home. RIT dye is designed…

  • In the past two decades, consumers have taken a greater interest in the quality and characteristics of natural cotton products. The gold standard of quality has long been Egyptian cotton, which has…

  • It's common for keys on old typewriters to get stuck over time. Typewriter keys almost always get stuck because dirt and grime collect beneath them. To fix a stuck key, simply clean the dirt out. The…

  • Dents or "dings" in the lacquered surface of wood can be fixed. And you don't need to strip off the finish; you can simply add a small bit of lacquer to the ding a little at a time until it…

  • The inks in highlighters are often fluorescent colors. That means they are bright and easy to see, and it also means that the ink glows under a black light. Highlighter ink can be used for many black…

  • Highlighter pens can be found in almost every office in the United States. They are used to mark important portions of writing on paper, but they can also be used to create glowing water. This is a…

  • Tinted glasses are common accessories that add style to outfits. Although used to add flare to outfits, people often tint glasses to reduce the amount of glare absorbed from the sun. You can choose…

  • If you can make your own dishcloths, you can use them for a variety of purposes. Hand-knit dishcloths have the capacity to scrub dishes and counters more efficiently than commercial terrycloth…

  • Spot swelling is an old woodworkers trick to swell fibers in the wood to repair dents. The technique of spot swelling is used when sanding the surface is not an option, such as when the wood already…

  • Guitar finishes typically are nitrocellulose lacquer, which is a hard, almost bullet-proof finish that protects the guitar for the lifetime of the instrument. Occasionally, you bump your guitar,…

  • Cotton comes in a variety of formats, including the woven cord known as cotton rope. Cotton rope is used in the manufacturing of pet toys, children's toys, backyard recreational products, or, in its…

  • You can repair dented lacquer finish without sanding off all the lacquer. Dented musical instruments are heavily coated with nitrocellulose lacquer which is one of the hardest of all lacquers. To sand…

  • Making glowing water is entertaining and safe. Exposing fluorescent-dyed water to ultraviolet light creates a bright and luminescent glow. Use a light-emitting diode (LED) to produce a similar…

  • If you are invited to a house warming party, it is customary to bring a gift to the hostess of the party to celebrate and honor the new home. These gifts should be something that can be used in the…

  • Eyeglasses were first invented in the late 13th century and have been employed to bring the world into focus ever since. While the general principle of convex and concave lenses has remained the same,…

  • The resources used for energy during the Industrial Revolution made a huge impact historically and sparked a revolution that would change the world both technologically and environmentally. Although…

  • Repairing a Sheaffer fountain pen is not simple, explains Sam Fiorella, co-principal at Pendemonium, which is one of the country's leading experts on the process. The company repairs on contract for…

  • What is now known as the "Clothesline Project" began in Hyannis, Massachusetts, with 31 shirts, designed by survivors of rape, incest and domestic violence, hung across the village green. As others…

  • As well as giving a personal touch to your kitchen, knitted cotton dishcloths can contribute to a greener lifestyle. With the right yarn and proper care, they can offer a long-lasting and absorbent…

  • Apple's iBooks came with an LCD-type screen, which can be scratched by mistake. However, you can fix the scratches on the screen by filling them in. The process works in a similar manner to the repair…

  • Typewriters were made in an era before computers, in which even the most mundane piece of office equipment was a finely crafted machine. As such, typewriters have many intricate moving parts which can…

  • Bakelite was an inexpensive and very useful plastic invented by Leo Hendrik Baekeland in 1907. It was the first useful lightweight plastic that could be molded and formed for any number of uses.…

  • Cotton jersey, most often used for T-shirts, is a soft and elastic fabric that lends itself well to patchwork quilting. Small cotton jersey material scraps can be cut to a uniform size and sewn…

  • The original Playstation doesn't have built in features to indicate when something goes wrong. According to Sony, the system can just stop spinning the disc, leaving you unable to play your favorites.…

  • Cotton cord comes in many diameters and has many functions. Industries from jewelry to apparel use cotton cord in the construction of their products. Very thin cotton cord is used for hand tying…

  • Cotton webbing or belting is a multifunctional fabric product that often comes in rolls. It is used to make belts for casual pants or martial arts uniforms, as chair backing, and for straps for tote…

  • DNA tests are used to determine paternity, family relationships, identity or ancestry and are also done for forensic purposes. There are several different ways of collecting genetic material for DNA…

  • Lacquered cotton braid-stranded wire is a conductor, which means it is designed to conduct electricity, while protecting its surroundings. It comes in single-, double- or even triple-stranded wire.

  • The plumb bob is one of the simplest and oldest construction tools still in use today. A plumb bob is nothing more than a weight hanging on the end of a string. It is used to establish true vertical…

  • Cotton duck fabric is a heavy material made partially or completely from cotton fibers, and is commonly used for outdoor upholstery, awnings and heavy duty sacks. The heavier grades may be used for…

  • A refractive index indicates the ratio between the speed of light in a vacuum as compared to the speed of light within a specific substance. When light crosses over the boundary from a vacuum and…

  • Handmade knitted cotton washcloths are one of the best first projects for beginning knitters. They're straightforward, useful and quick to finish, so you won't get bored before the project is done.…

  • The most effective bath towels are made of 100 percent cotton because cotton is most efficient at absorbing or soaking up water. Cotton is able to absorb up to 27 times its weight in liquid water,…

  • In the southeastern United States, Georgia is the largest state in geographic area east of the Mississippi River. It has a total land area of 57,919 square miles. It should be no surprise, therefore,…

  • Manual typewriters add classic appeal to any hobbyist's collection. Whether restoring antique typewriters as a hobby or simply cleaning up an old one, common household cleaning products are all that's…

  • Comfort is one of the main selling features offered when purchasing apparel made from cotton. The fibers, often referred to as breathable, allow vapor and air to pass through, keeping the wearer dry…

  • Cotton is a shrub native to the subtropical regions of the world. It grows a fluffy white fiber around the seed of the plant. The use of cotton cloth can be dated back to 3000 B.C. and today it is…

  • Cotton is one of the world's most important fabrics and provides significant income for many rural economies. According to the National Cotton Council analysis at Cotton Counts, US textile…

  • Zinc-plated items can be quite bright and silvery when first plated. When alloyed with copper, the resulting composition is brass. Zinc-plated metals are often admired for their brilliance and are…

  • Futons are the traditional bedding of Japan, consisting of a mattress-sized case that has been stuffed with natural fibers—usually cotton batting. In Japan, futons are usually rolled away during…

  • Cotton provides consumers with a variety of material choices year round. Light-weight cotton keeps consumers cool during the summer. Heavily woven, thicker cotton provides consumers with warmer…

  • Combining stretch fabric and woven cotton adds texture and improves the fit of some garments. However, runs in stretch fabric and stitch cracking are common with this fabric mixture. Use spun…

  • Cotton insulation comes in the form of batts, or soft, felt-like sections of material. According to goodtobegreen.com, the cotton used in these batts is made primarily from recycled, post-industrial…

  • Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional sewer, proper fabric storage is immeasurably important for maintaining the color, texture and quality of your cotton fabric. Although cotton isn't a…

  • Cotton batting is a traditional filler used in the making of quilts. It provides the insulating layer sandwiched between the top and bottom layers of fabric and is then quilted in place. The quilting…

  • Stonewashing is generally associated with denim-related items, such as jeans. Retailers and designers have formatted whole departments geared toward the different stonewashing techniques. Stonewashing…

  • The W.A. Scheaffer Pen Company has been making quality fountain pens since the early 1900's. Lewis Scheaffer revolutionized the art of writing when he invented the lever fountain pen in 1908; this new…

  • Ordinary clothesline may seem like one of the most uninspiring materials possible for craft projects. But solid braided-cotton line is ideal for many types of projects. The most common size for…

  • Lexan is a clear polycarbonate plastic that is commonly used in marine windows, motorcycle windshields, motorcycle helmet visors, awning windows, remote control vehicles and applications where shatter…

  • Sea Island cotton is a species of cotton plant that was grown on the Sea Islands off the coast of Georgia from around 1786 to 1920. It was a luxurious fiber and highly valued before the species was…

  • Many items glow fluorescent under a black light, including special paints, dyes and laundry detergents. With supplies from a grocery store or a home improvement store, you can treat fabrics such as…

  • Knit your own cotton washcloth and treat yourself to a little handmade luxury next time you wash up. Knitting your own washcloth is easy; it requires little yarn and it should take no more than a…

  • Cotton seed cleaning is necessary to the overall process of cotton seed preparation; it's also an integral part to ensuring the quality of the cotton fibers. Cotton seed preparation involves the steps…

  • Making homemade cotton ball flower bouquets is a simple task that is similar to making candy or bubblegum bouquets. Use cotton ball flower bouquets as decor for your home, especially as a centerpiece…

  • Making a wig from cotton wool balls and a few other inexpensive materials makes a great craft project for kids. It's a good President's Day activity for elementary school classes as well, and it takes…

  • Making your own paper castings is a fun and easy craft project. It can be done in one afternoon using just a few inexpensive items from the craft store, plus a couple of items found in your kitchen.…

  • Throughout history, the rose has been called the queen of flowers. The ancient Greeks said that the rose was created by the gods. Cleopatra covered the floors of her palaces with rose petals.…

  • Glazing cotton fabric for a home decor or interior design project will give your fabric pattern a soft, luxurious sheen. The fabric finish normally is associated with upholstery fabrics and often is…

  • Step back in time and make potholders with cotton potholder loops. This fun craft is great for kids of all ages. Even the youngest children can help an older sibling or parent by helping choose the…

  • Cotton voile (pronounced "foil") is a versatile fabric for both clothing and home decor. It is lightweight and sheer, and drapes in delicate folds.

  • Making iron-on transfers for poly cotton t-shirts, tote bags and more is a great way to create your own type of clothing without needing to have sewing skills. Poly cotton is the perfect material for…

  • Using fabric paint is an easy way to add a custom look to any clothing item. When painting fabric, it is best to use machine washable fabrics such as cotton blends, as the paint is most compatible…

  • Braiding cords is a great way to make attractive, colored ropes. Creating a box braid out of cotton cord provides a sturdy cord with plenty of room for customization, as you can change the colors of…

  • Pitch dense wood can leave your bandsaw blade with a thick and sticky residue. Over time, residue buildup can hinder the effectiveness of the blade. Keeping your bandsaw blade clean will improve…

  • If you have spun wool by hand before you may be ready to try your hand at cotton, but be aware that cotton is a very different kind of fiber. Unlike wool, angora and other animal fibers, cotton has a…

  • Lacquered furniture may appear fragile and easily marred, but that is not always the case. Modern lacquer processes are not as fragile as older lacquering techniques. Determining whether the lacquer…

  • When wrapped tightly around an egg or other fragile item in a container, cotton balls can help keep the egg from breaking as easily when dropped or shaken. This is because the cotton balls act as a…

  • Prescription plastic lenses for glasses are lightweight and expensive. These lenses are coated with a scratch-resistant coating and sometimes a UV coating. With regular use, however, plastic lenses…

  • Batiste is a lightweight woven fabric that can be adapted for a variety of uses. Cotton batiste refers to a batiste fabric woven from 100 percent cotton fibers. The term batiste derives from Jean…

  • Cotton press cloths are a common tool used in sewing and garment construction and are useful to have in your sewing room or ironing area. The press cloth comes in handy when your closet contains…

  • Nikon has been making Nikkor camera lenses for more than 75 years and is one of the world's leading manufacturers of optical glass. Proper care is necessary for keeping your lens in good working order…

  • While washing batting before a quilt is made is not always recommended or required, a good first wash can reduce the minute shrinkage that can occur. Some quilters only prefer to leave the batting…

  • Archeological digs in Mexico revealed tiny bits of cotton material nearly 7,000 years old. From early Egyptians, to American colonists, to today's population, clothing and household goods created from…

  • Spin your own yarn from cotton balls. Impress your friends and develop a new skill and the independence that comes with it. These principles are used to make cotton but can apply to any type of fiber…

  • It has been said that everything is bigger in Texas. If you take that a bit further, it is safe to say that Texas, nicknamed the Lone Star State, is big in natural resources. Texas has a hearty and…

  • Cotton balls make great craft supplies---they can be used to make ghosts, lambs, clouds and other white creations. Just think of what you could create if cotton balls came in all colors of the…

  • Varieties of cotton cloth include denim, chambray, terrycloth, twill, seersucker and corduroy. All are made using the same basic process: the fibers of a cotton plant are harvested and spun into…

  • The term "Industrial Revolution" refers both to an era and a process that changed the face of agricultural and industrial production as well as political, social and economic institutions in…

  • Here’s a craft that the whole family can enjoy together, and a bonus is that you probably already have everything you need. Kids and parents alike will have fun using their imagination while…

  • A popular song at weddings, Cotton Eye Joe is often a forgotten line dance next to the more common Electric Slide, or even the Macarena. However, it's one of the most fun line dances if you know how…

  • As any true video gamer will tell you, the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is one of the coolest things ever made. It took video games out of the realm of huge pixels and text and into…