Most people don’t think about cotton this time of year, but people have worn this fabric since before 3000 B.C. In 1607, cotton continued to be grown despite the English ban. England only wanted to promote the wool industry at the time.

We all probably remember learning about Eli Whitney who invented the first cotton gin which removed the lint from the seed. Walking through a field of cotton with a large sack behind you, you need to remove 450 lbs (remember, we’re talking the weight of cotton here) from scratchy burs to make a minimum living wage. Plus, temps of 80 degrees or more! Thousands of workers did this until the 1960s–whew! I lived through the sixties.

Without these incredible machines (which include air conditioning in the cabs) today’s cotton farmers can process a 500 lb. bale to be shipped to a mill. One bale can make 325 pairs of jeans or 500 men’s t-shirts. Nice.

Cottonseed processed can provide: oil for cooking, meal for livestock, and lint for different products. Potato chips and Cool Whip contain cottonseed oil.

The next time you fold your t-shirt this may remind you how much goes into bringing this product to you.

The above information about cotton was taken from www.cottonshedd.com.

On another topic, what are you reading right now? I’m into a humorous book Trouble Afoot at The Three Hounds Bakery by Julie Titterington. It’s a story about a mystery writer who inherits her great aunt’s mansion, quite a bit of money, part ownership of a bakery, and her aunt’s three dachshunds. She is also suspicious that her aunt didn’t die in an accident. It’s my recommendation this month, especially if you like dachshunds.

I’d like to leave you with this thought. “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” Matt 6: 28-29 (NIV)

Next time you dig around in your closet for something to wear, I recommend you whisper a prayer for all the workers who brought you your clothing.

I’d love to hear your comments. Until next month…