Cotton substitute

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12-13-2010, 03:54 PM

#31

crankygran

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Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: Western Slope, Colorado

Posts: 354

Bamboo uses a Lot of water in its processing. Seems like we are dam-- if we do and dam-- if we don't.

12-13-2010, 03:58 PM

#32

pookie ookie

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Join Date: Sep 2009

Location: Trifid Nebula

Posts: 1,304

Let me know when someone figures out how to make "cotton" out of kudzu. Until then, I'm sticking with the real thing.

12-13-2010, 04:15 PM

#33

Gingersnap

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Join Date: Oct 2010

Posts: 12

used the bamboo once but has anyone used the batting made from plastic bottles. what are thge pros and cons?

12-13-2010, 04:59 PM

#34

quiltmom04

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Join Date: Jan 2009

Location: PA

Posts: 2,879

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gingersnap

used the bamboo once but has anyone used the batting made from plastic bottles. what are thge pros and cons?

I have used it and I do like it! It drapes nicely and is easy to work with.

12-13-2010, 05:21 PM

#35

mshawii

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Join Date: Jul 2010

Location: Portland Oregon suburbs

Posts: 1,053

Any idea how much it costs and if the quilt stores are going to carry it?

12-13-2010, 05:25 PM

#36

sewbizgirl

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Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: Mississippi

Posts: 26,229

I am primarily a dressmaker and a knitter. In knitting yarns, I absolutley HATE bamboo. It's slippery and slick and has wimpy drape, and once knitted keeps on growing and growing and growing. I can't imagine ever switching from cotton fabrics to bamboo, soy, corn, or the like.

Like BellaBoo, I don't buy the "green" technology hype we are having shoved down our throats left and right. There are always "Progressives", hungry to reinvent the wheel, who usually end up having to admit to failure.

If it ain't broke, don't "fix" it... Maybe the shortage of cotton for China will revitalize some cotton farming in America. I heard a startling figure on the radio the other day, that 60% of all U.S. farms today only gross $10,000 or less annually. That is just pitiful.

12-13-2010, 05:38 PM

#37

Dodie

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Join Date: Jan 2008

Location: Wyoming

Posts: 1,460

I only know what 2 quilt shops told me as to why they do not stock bamboo batting is because it does not hold up in the washings and that it is very expensive

12-13-2010, 05:39 PM

#38

bleighw

Member

Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Posts: 35

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrspete

Has anyone learned whether the world markets have found a substitute for Cotton! This southern gal just briefly heard something so if I relate it, do not take if for fact. BUT, agricultural world recognizes that cotton depletes the soil and has to be replanted each year. That means more treatments to soil and more labor to replant and cultivate. The bamboo plant is a staple plant in that it can be cut and never have to be replanted and needs little soil treatment. The fibers from the bamboo plant are spun as we do our cotton. NOW I am stretching to imagine this but I think it would be a wonderful 'green' route. Any feed?

Blessings,
Ruth

Bamboo is not "green". Couple of reasons: water consumption is quite high; chemicals that are required to make fibers ready for fabric manufacturing are toxic and most of the workers are not protected. As usual, workers are second and third world women.

12-13-2010, 06:25 PM

#39

kathidahl

Senior Member

Join Date: Oct 2010

Location: Once an Iowan, always an Iowan, but now suburban Chicagoland

Posts: 508

Bamboo does make a beautiful floor...sounds like that is where it should stay..under foot!

12-13-2010, 06:31 PM

#40

quiltmom04

Super Member

Join Date: Jan 2009

Location: PA

Posts: 2,879

Quote:

Originally Posted by mshawii

Any idea how much it costs and if the quilt stores are going to carry it?

If you mean the green batting, it's actually a bit less than cotton and the fabric store locally does carry it. I suspect if yours doesn't, they can order it for you.