what can I do with the cotton from the bush

[kirataffy]

My friend grows cotton bushes. The last time we visited my kids got to see the bushes covered in cotton. Well, that resulted in a gallon bag of cotton and seeds. The boys want to try and make yard or thread. How can I do this without investing in the art. Todd talked about using two wire dog undercoat brushes and using that to pull the cotton apart and then twisting the thinned cotton into a thread/yarn. Would that work?

I also want to grow my own bushes. Do I need to knick or soak the seeds?

[gardengirl72]

file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Robert/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-14.jpghttp://www.cottonclouds.com/database/textfiles_cotton_clouds/product_image_320.jpg
Growing cotton is so much fun. I had a great time growing it. The next time I do grow cotton I want to grow the organic heirloom cotton in all the colors. It comes in natural red green blue white( which is more like an oatmeal). There are different types of cotton which can be grown roughly the same way, but the resulting cotton is for various uses. Do you know what type of cotton you have? Does it still have the seeds in it? Depending on which kind of cotton it is you could probably spin it with a drop spindle. Depending on how much yarn you spin you can make washcloths, dishcloths, towels and many more things. The reality is that it's an investment to grow an fair amount to do anything with.

Here is a link to a company that specializes in cotton fiber.
http://www.cottonclouds.com/shopping/product_info.asp?id=320
This is the link to the all about cotton kit that I purchased. Which reminds me that I have a bunch left...It comes with cotton and a drop spindle and directions. There is also tuns more of information on cotton on the site. Its a fun project!
http://www.localharvest.org/images/cat/prod_12923_6579_m.jpghttp://www.localharvest.org/images/cat/prod_12923_6580.jpg
Here are some links on heirloom cotton.
http://www.localharvest.org/cotton-seed-nankeen-heirloom-brown-C6579

http://www.localharvest.org/cotton-seed-erlenes-green-heirloom-C6580

[kirataffy]

Oh that is absolutly fabulous!! I had no idea that cotton came in other colors. I have the white kind and the seeds are still in the cotton... well some of them aren't. The kids have removed a good handful. Which they worked hard at while discussing why Eli Whitney cotton gin and that it was a great idea! Chuckle.:D

[gardengirl72]

I loved growing it, but I don't know when I'll ever try it again because you need 180 days and heat. It was interesting to see people's reactions to it. some wanted no part of it, others were interested, and others knew exactly what it was. maybe I will get some seeds. but I really want to grow organic sweet potato this year.

[kirataffy]

I wonder why some people would not want anything to do with it. It is such an interesting plant. Great conversational starter! I am going to send some to a internet friend in Alaska, along with some sea shells straight from Sanibel Island, Florida