Recycle PET bottles into textile

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjhCGF9yV1M

Is Recycled Polyester a sustainable textile

Synthetic fibers are the most popular fibers in the world – it’s estimated that synthetics account for about 65% of world production versus 35% for natural fibers. Most synthetic fibers (approximately 70%) are made from polyester, and the polyester most often used in textiles is polyethylene terephthalate (PET).   Used in a fabric, it is most often referred to as “polyester” or “poly”.

The majority of the world’s PET production – about 60% – is used to make fibers for textiles; about 30% is used to make bottles.   It’s estimated that it takes about 104 million barrels of oil for PET production each year – that’s 70 million barrels just to produce the virgin polyester used in fabrics. That means most polyester – 70 million barrels worth – is manufactured specifically to be made into fibers, NOT bottles, as many people think.  Of the 30% of PET which is used to make bottles, only a tiny fraction is recycled into fibers.  But the idea of using recycled bottles – “diverting waste from landfills” – and turning it into fibers has caught the public’s imagination.

The reason recycled polyester (often written rPET) is considered a green option in textiles today is twofold, and the argument goes like this:

1.  Energy needed to make the rPET is less than what was needed to make the virgin polyester in the first place, so we save energy.

2.  And we’re keeping bottles and other plastics out of the landfills.

But the game gets a bit more complicated here because rPET is divided into “post consumer” PET and “post industrial” rPET:  post consumer means it comes from bottles; post industrial might be the unused packaging in a manufacturing plant, or other byproducts of manufacturing.  The “greenest” option has been touted to be the post consumer PET, and that has driven up demand for used bottles. Indeed, the demand for used bottles, from which recycled polyester fibre is made, is now outstripping supply in some areas and certain cynical suppliers are now buying NEW, unused bottles directly from bottle producing companies to make polyester textile fiber that can be called recycled.

The real problem with making recycled PET a staple of the fiber industry is this:  Recycling, as most people think of it, is a myth.  Most people believe that plastics can be infinitely recycled  – creating new products of a value to equal the old bottles or other plastics which they dutifully put into recycling containers to be collected. The cold hard fact is that there is no such thing as recycling plastic, because it is not a closed loop.  None of the soda and milk bottles which are collected from your curbside are used to make new soda or milk bottles, because each time the plastic is heated it degenerates, so the subsequent iteration of the polymer is degraded and can’t meet food quality standards for soda and milk bottles.  The plastic must be used to make lower quality products.  The cycle goes something like this:

    * virgin PET can be made into soda or milk bottles,

    * which are collected and recycled into resins

* which are appropriate to make into toys, carpet, filler for pillows, CD cases, plastic lumber products,  fibers or a million other products, but not new soda or milk bottles.

 * These second generation plastics can then be recycled a second time into park benches, carpet, speed bumps or other products with very low value.

    * The cycle is completed when the plastic is no longer stable enough to be used for any product, so it is sent to the landfill

    *  where it is incinerated (sometimes for energy generation, which a good LCA will offset)  -

     * or where it will hold space for many years or maybe become part of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch!

And there is another consideration in recycling PET:  antimony, which is present in 80 – 85% of all virgin PET, is converted to antimony trioxide at high temperatures – such as are necessary during recycling, releasing this carcinogen from the polymer and making it available for intake into living systems.

Using recycled PET for fibers also creates some problems specific to the textile industry:

    * The base color of the recycled polyester chips vary from white to creamy yellow, making color consistency difficult to achieve, particularly for the pale shades.  Some dyers find it hard to get a white, so they’re using chlorine-based bleaches to whiten the base.

    * Inconsistency of dye uptake makes it difficult to get good batch-to-batch color consistency and this can lead to high levels of re-dyeing, another very high energy process.  Re-dyeing contributes to high levels of water, energy and chemical use.

    * Unsubstantiated reports claim that some recycled yarns take almost 30% more dye to achieve the same depth of shade as equivalent virgin polyesters.[11]

    * Another consideration is the introduction of PVC into the polymer from bottle labels and wrappers.

    * Many rPET fibers are used in forgiving constructions such as polar fleece, where the construction of the fabric hides slight yarn variations.  For fabrics such as satins, there are concerns over streaks and stripes.

Once the fibers are woven into fabrics, most fabrics are rendered non-recyclable because:

    * the fabrics almost always have a chemical backing, lamination or other finish,

    * or they are blends of different synthetics (polyester and nylon, for example).

Either of these renders the fabric unsuitable for the mechanical method of recycling, which cannot separate out the various chemicals in order to produce the recycled yarn; the chemical method could -  if we had the money and factories to do it.

One of the biggest obstacles to achieving McDonough’s Cradle-to-Cradle vision lies outside the designers’ ordinary scope of interest – in the recycling system itself. Although bottles, tins and newspapers are now routinely recycled, furniture and carpets still usually end up in landfill or incinerators, even if they have been designed to be  recycled because project managers don’t take the time to separate out the various components of a demolition job, nor is collection of these components an easy thing to access.

Currently, the vision that most marketers has led us to believe, that of a closed loop, or cycle, in which the yarns never lose their value and recycle indefinitely is simply that – just a vision.  Few manufacturers, such as Designtex (with their line of EL fabrics designed to be used without backings) and Victor Innovatex (who has pioneered EcoIntelligent™ polyester made without antimony), have taken the time, effort and money needed to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in the industry so we can one day have synthetic fabrics that are not only recycled, but recyclable.

Read more from http://oecotextiles.wordpress.com
Quote: dont hold something in your arms that you can never hold in your heart

Outlook of organic cotton clothing

Will organic clothing going to be the future fashion trend?

Clothes made from organic fabrics are easy to maintain and clean. Despite of the low market share in global clothing industry, on an average organic clothes demand is growing at an encouraging rate. Designers are working towards making these clothes more appealing, fashionable and economical. Down the line, after some years people would be spotted wearing trendy and stylish outfits made up of organic cotton and fabrics. 

The effect of chemicals on skin and the body is a concern for everyone nowadays.  No one has the desire to knowingly damage themselves and if you can be kind to your skin while adhering to the latest fashion trends, it is easily understandable why this trend is becoming more and more popular. With a variety of styles for both women, men and children, even including footwear and manufacturers mushrooming worldwide, it is clear that there is certainly a market for organic fashion clothing. Possibly one of the main reasons for this undeniable draw is the fact that organic clothing goes hand in hand with ethical clothing. Fair trade products are becoming more and more popular with consumers and this has been extended to the clothing lines. With frequent news stories of sweatshops slave trade situations throughout the fashion industry, even the everyday consumer has the ethical nature of the manufacturer in mind when shopping.

However, it is not only the ethical factors of the organic fashion clothing industry that makes it so popular. With many celebrities picking up on the clear benefits of this range of clothing, both to the consumer and the industry there are several of these celebrities who are opening up their own collection. Emma Watson, for example is opening her own collection of eco-friendly clothing for 16-24 year-old. With celebrities such as this drawing attention to the industry, especially to such a young and important age group, it is no wonder that it is doing so well. Although the clothing can sometimes be a little expensive the durability and health benefits of the products outweigh this factor.

Would you think the future of Organic Fashion Clothing Industry looks positive?

Quote: get personal, get fashion

Happy St Patrick' Day

Mastectomy Bra

Before you head to the hospital for any breast surgery, it's a good idea to purchase the right bra or camisole for recovery, and pack it in your overnight bag. You may even want to buy two bras, as you may need to wear a post-surgical bra continuously until you begin to heal. Wear one bra while the other is in the wash.

Features to shop for in a post-surgical bra

Let comfort be your guide when shopping for post-surgical bras. Look for wide bands across the shoulders and beneath the breasts. This assures you that the bra won’t cut into your skin and muscles and will stay in position. Check for adjustable straps and closures, so you can make your bra fit properly, no matter what your new shape may be. Steer clear of underwire bras until after treatment, and then check with your doctor or surgeon before you start using underwire bras again. Go with as few seams as possible, to avoid irritation to your tender skin and particularly your incisions. Choose seamless bras whenever you can – they are simply more comfortable. Stick to breathable fabrics or natural fibers for long-range comfort.

Front closing soft cup bra

After breast surgery, you can be secure and comfortable in front-closing bras with soft cups. Because breast surgery can sometimes affect your shoulder rotation, you may have trouble reaching hooks on a back-closing bra, or pulling a bra on overhead. Many sports bras have zippers, hooks, or slides that make dressing easy. Soft bra cups will stretch to fit over surgical dressings, and provide light compression on incisions.

Compression vest and bra

Your breast surgeon may tell you to get a compression bra or vest for wear after surgery. These offer greater coverage of your breasts, back, and underarm tissues. Compression on incisions can help prevent swelling from fluid buildup as you heal. The right compression vest or bra can hold your skin in place and prevent skin from shifting and stretching around your sutures. This helps reduce puckering around scar tissue, which saves you from additional surgery later.

Mastectomy Bras and Recovery

Whether you choose to have breast reconstruction or use prostheses, a mastectomy bra can offer you a lot of comfort right after breast surgery. Mastectomy bras have soft inner linings and special pockets to accommodate your prosthesis. A camisole style bra or a full cup mastectomy bra will give you comfort and security after breast surgery. A word of caution – use a lightweight prosthesis right after a mastectomy, so you won’t have extra weight on your incision. You can get a weighted prosthesis after you have healed.

Post surgical camisole and tops

A camisole is similar to a tank top or a sleeveless undershirt. Nowadays these are adorned with lace and ribbons and are made of stretchy, lightweight fabric. Post-surgical tops and camisoles come with pockets that can hold surgical drains securely in place. Some post-op camisoles are designed with bra cups and prostheses pockets built in, as well as room for surgical drains. Look around and you may find blouses, T-shirts, nightgowns, and pajama tops designed with bra cups and removable drain pockets – many of which may be used long after you have recovered from surgery.

Recycling facts and benefits

Everyone today has heard of how important it is to recycle and most cities offer a recycling program, but what exactly is recycling and how beneficial is it really to us and the environment?

What are the recycling facts and benefits?
Recycling is the process of turning one products useful parts into a new product; this is done to conserve on the consumption of resources, energy and space used in landfills.

By recycling 1 plastic bottle not only saves anywhere from 100 to 1000 years in the landfill but also saves the environment from the emissions in producing new bottles as well as the oil used to produce that bottle.

For every 1 ton of plastic that is recycled we save the equivalent of 2 people’s energy use for 1 year, the amount of water used by 1 person in 2 month’s time and almost 2000 pounds of oil.

Approximately 60% of our rubbish thrown away today could be recycled. A survey was done and 9 out of 10 people surveyed said they would recycle more if it was easier.

Odd as it seems there are many people who do not realize that plastic bottles our water comes in is made out of oil. This is the same oil that is used to make gasoline. It's the same oil that is in such high demand and is not an unlimited resource. Today the most common products in cities recycling programs are paper products, cardboard, plastic, glass and aluminum.

Taking Just A Moment
Taking just a moment to put your newspaper, soda can and glass spaghetti jar in the recycling bin will save everyone years in environmental harm from production of new materials, over crowded landfills and the depletion of our natural resources.

4000 Years
When we do not recycle at least our glass or aluminum we cost the earth in power usage, water and oil usage and landfill usage; glass takes up to 4000 years to decompose in a landfill yet can be recycled indefinitely.

Earn Money
Recycling can be done at home as well as in conjunction with city programs. Many scrap yards pay for scrap metal including the soda cans and soup cans we use every day.

Be Creative
Many useful items can be made from our everyday trash; the cardboard tubes left over from paper towel and toilet paper can make useful storage containers for our extra extension cords and prevents a tangled mess in the Christmas lights. If your going to throw these out don't just throw it in the rubbish bin, put it the recycling bin. Baby jars can become snow globes the kids can make and give as gifts, old Christmas cards can become new hand made cards and a glass or plastic bottle along with some clear oil and food coloring and a few other common household items can become a groovy lava lamp! The possibilities are endless and instructions can be found in books and on the internet.

Start Today
Recycling is a very environmentally green activity; however, there are ways that you can make it greener as well as building a strong beginning if you do not currently recycle.

Many people beginning a recycling program look around and wonder what they can put in the recycling bin; there is so much information available on this site, so don't panic.

By reusing your recycled storage containers you save on the environmental impact as well. Paper and plastic bags are good for recycling storage; however, a plastic reusable bin is even better.

Spread The Word
Share what you know. If you notice abundant trash in your neighborhood start spreading the word and your experience with recycling and if there isn’t already one in place strive to get a city recycling pick up program started.

The fact is many of our resources as well as our Earth is not renewable and we have to start taking control of our selves beginning with the world we live in.

Quick Quiz

1.  The term CFR requires who to pay the costs and freight necessary to bring the goods to the named port of destination?

a)  the buyer

b)  the seller

c)  the banker

d)  the forwarder

2.  Which of the following terms means the seller has the obligation to pay costs and freight necessary to bring the goods to the named port of destination, in addition he has to procure marine insurance against the buyer’s risk of loss or damage of the goods during the carriage. 

a) FOB 

b) CIF

c) CFR

d) DDP

3.  EXW requires who to arrange export clearance and loading at the seller's premises, bearing cost and risk as well?

a)  the buyer

b)  the seller

c)  the banker

d)  the forwarder

4.  Under FOB, FCA, CFR and CPT, who will be responsible for arranging insurance?

a)  the buyer

b)  the seller

c)  the shipper

d)  the forwarder

5.  Under Irrevocable LC term, can the LC be canceled or withdrawn after it has been opened and notified to the exporter?

a)  can

b)  cannot

6.  When there is no description on the time limit for negotiation of the bills of exchange on the LC, and if they are brought to the bank more than 21 days later than the date of issuance of the BL, can the bank refuse to purchase the documents?

a)  can 

b)  cannot

7.  If the LC terms demand that the bill of exchange drawn by the exporter is the type which requires the importer to pay when the bill is presented to him by the reimbursing bank, this LC is called:

a)  sight LC

b)  acceptance LC

c)  cash LC

d)  confirmed LC

8.  Which one of the following would cost more to the buyer?

a)  DES - delivered ex ship

b)  DEQ - delivered ex quay

c)  DDU - delivered duty unpaid

d)  DDP - delivered duty paid

9.  Which one of the following types of B/L best described this situation:  A document is issued for receipt of cargo in a first port of unloading at Myanmar for transfer into another vessel in Singapore serving the final destination in Hamburg.

a)  cargo receipt

b)  direct BL

c)  through BL

d)  air waybill

10.  A forwarder works for and is responsible to carry out the instructions received from whom in a CFR or CIF contract?

a)  buyer

b)  seller

c)  consignee

d)  shipping line

Write to us for answers.  A small token will be given for those with correct answers.

INCOTERMS

Incoterms is an abbreviation for International Commercial Terms.  This is an international rule for the interpretation of the most commonly used trade terms in international trade prepared by ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) which is based in Paris.  The purpose of the Incoterms is to avoid dispute between trading parties arising from different interpretation of such trade terms in different countries.


Today, most of the businesses of international trade in the world are conducted using Icoterms as a general business customs.  In order to avoid misunderstanding and confusion between a seller and a buyer, it is advisable for the exporter to add to the contract or correspondence, which constitutes the agreement between term, a clause to the effect that interpretation of trade terms are based on Incoterms.


Most commonly, they stipulate the wording in the general terms and conditions of the contract.  They put such phrases like "Trade terms such as FOB, CIF adn any other terms which may be used in this contract shall have the meanings defined and interpreted by Incoterms 2000, ICC, as amended, unless otherwise specifically provided in this contract".


There are 13 Incoterms as follows:
EXW :  ex works
FCA :   free carrier
FAS :   free alongside ship
FOB :  free on board
CFR :  cost and freight (Formerly C&F)
CIF:    cost, insurance and freight
CPT :  carriage paid to
CIP:    carriage and insurance paid
DAF:  delivered at frontier
DES:   delivered ex-ship
DEQ:  delivered ex quay (duty paid)
DDU:  delivered duty unpaid
DDP:  delivered duty paid


For a precise understanding of Incoterms, check out the website http://www.icc.org/incoterm

Baby footwear

Shoes complete the outfit for kids, but wait until your child begins walking--- usually at 10 to 14 months--before buying her first official pair of shoes. That is when a child really needs them.  

We recommend picking a first shoe with flexibility, which helps the foot develop its arch.  Try to bend the shoe in half, if it bends easily, it is a good shoe.  The best shoes also have traction on the bottom so your baby won’t slip easily. A shoe doesn’t have to be expensive to be flexible. Pick a pair of shoes that is light weight as your kid will not be able to carry  a ton with their tiny feet.

Beside these, make sure you buy the right size. You will want some room at the toe, but not so much that your child will trip. Also, keep in mind that toddlers kick off anything and everything, so look for flexible shoes that lace. They are harder to take off than shoes with Velcro closures.

To keep your prewalker’s feet warm outside on cool days, look for soft, elasticized baby socks or booties that cling to the feet so your baby can’t kick them off. You don’t have to buy expensive leather baby shoes as baby will outgrow quickly.

Recycle & save the earth

One easy way to help save the earth is to quit using plastic shopping bags from stores, as they end up in landfills and stay there for years. Make some simple tote bags instead, either from ripstop nylon (sturdy for groceries), or from your favorite fabrics.   Keep the bags in the car for your shopping adventures, and remember to take them in the store with you. It will soon become second nature for you as there will be more and more eco-minded people and businesses. Some even reward us for bringing our own bags, and some businesses now charge extra if you don’t.

Now is also a good time to investigate earth-friendly and sustainable fibers like bamboo, hemp and other options. Most fabric stores, and certainly many online sources, offer these alternative fibers and fabrics at increasingly economical prices. There’s nothing as comfy as a lightweight bamboo knit garment.

Don’t forget to clean out your sewing room and give things you no longer need to worthy causes. Check with a chapter in your area to see what you can repurpose, and give yourself more room, plus a good feeling from helping others. So, honor our precious Earth and plan a sewing-related activity!

Anti-theft underwear

Are you afraid of the family jewels being taken from the family safe?  Put them where no burglar has gone before, a pair of skid marked underpants. Now you see the genius of the Security Briefs, anti-theft protection masquerading as your dirty tighty whiteys. Not meant for wearing, but it's between a Small and Medium sized men's underwear. Security Briefs are disgustingly funny. Secretly conceals your valuables stash. Has skid-mark technology to ensure no one will touch these things so your valuables are safe.

 

Alternatively, the below are also available for sale at night markets and Chinese department stores. The zipper front pocket is convenient for carrying cash or other items you wish to conceal. They come in an assortment of styles and colors and usually cost around 1 US dollar, a smart investment if you plan on travelling around China for some length of time. 

I know this could have been an ugly design but one should pack a couple pairs for long trips in China and wear one on the day you embark on a train ride or long distance bus.

How to choose winter sports apparel for warmth & comfort

Layering is an effective and versatile way to dress for winter. The three layers are: wicking, insulating and weather protection.

1. Inside layer (or long underwear): This is the layer worn next to your skin. The inside layer, worn next to your skin, is usually long underwear. But, long underwear is no longer boring -–you'll see fun, slick and sexy styles for both men and women. There are definitely stand-alone pieces that can be worn as tops to show off. Choose a synthetic fiber that has "wicking" power so the material can wick (or move) moisture away from your skin and pass it through the fabric to evaporate. That way you stay warm, dry and comfortable. Silk is also a good, natural fabric that has wicking abilities.Even when it's cold, it’s possible to sweat — especially if you’re hiking uphill, snowshoeing or Nordic skiing.
2. Middle or insulating layer: Look for sweaters, pullovers, hoodies and vests designed to keep you heated by trapping air between the fibers. Popular insulation materials include fleece (and numerous variations), which dries quickly and keeps you warm even when wet and good old-fashioned wool which naturally wicks away moisture.
3. Outer/protection layer: Shells and pants serve as your guard against the elements of winter. They should keep out snow, sleet or rain and block the wind, while also letting perspiration evaporate.

Modern shells and pants are made waterproof and breathable by using tightly woven fabrics teamed with a coating or laminate. This keeps moisture on the outside but allows perspiration to escape — to keep you dry and comfortable. Look for jackets and pants using Gore-Tex, which is best for keeping out rain and wet snow.

Snowboard apparel is designed looser to give riders freedom of movement. Pants are reinforced in the seat and knees for extra protection when kneeling or sitting on the snow.

Don’t forget the details.Look for functional hoods, cuffs, pockets and zippers — details that work well in a snowstorm.

Tips for Winter Fashion & Clothing

Fashion Tips

1. The wicking layer should fit snugly (not tight) next to the skin in order to effectively wick moisture. Comfort is key for the insulating layer. It should be loose enough to trap air between layers, but not so bulky that it restricts movement. Whether you are a skier, snowshoer or snowboarder, your protection layer should fit comfortably, offering you maximum range of motion.
2. Don't wear jeans or street pants. Denim is not waterproof, so water will soak through and you'll end up cold, wet and miserable.
3. Cotton is not the best choice. Cotton is great for towels, because cotton soaks up and retains moisture. That's precisely why cotton is not great for on-slope apparel. It absorbs moisture (sweat and snow), and retains it. When the wind blows, you will get very, very cold. Don't wear cotton athletic socks, cotton jeans, cotton sweatshirts or cotton T-shirts unless it’s warm out!

Apparel Tips

1. Look for 100 percent UV protection in sunglasses. Make sure the glasses fit snugly behind your ears and rest gently on the bridge of your nose. You don’t want them falling off when you’re cruising through the powder!
2. Goggles should form an uninterrupted seal on your face, extending above your eyebrows and below your cheekbones. Watch for gaps, especially around your nose.
3. Don't buy gloves or mittens that are too tight. There should be a little air space at the tips of your fingers, which acts as additional insulation.

Cleaning sheepskin boots

I came across an article written by a filmmaker/writer Jonathon E. Stewart on how to keep your Ugg boots clean and this article will be very useful if you were to soil your boots one of these days.
Ugg boots is an Australian term for sheepskin footwear.  Footwear made of sheepskin will last a lifetime if they are well looked after and it is really easy to do the cleaning yourself at home.

First, look for a sheepskin cleaner meant for cleaning your sheepskin boots. They come in various types and prices so buy one that suits your purpose best.  Normally a mild cleaner will be more than sufficient to do the job but make sure you read the washing instructions on the bottle.
Then, wet a piece of soft cloth in water.  Squeeze out excess water so that the cloth is damp enough to do the cleaning without soaking the entire boots.  Gently wipe the outer part of your shoe with the damp cloth until you have removed all the dirt on it.

After that, get a sponge and dip it into the diluted cleaner.  Squeeze out excess cleaner and gently scrub the outer part of the boots with the sponge in small circles. Continue cleaning until you have removed all the dirt. For dirt trapped in corners and hard to reach places, use a toothbrush dipped in the cleaner. When all the cleaning is done, remove excess cleaner with a damp cloth. You might have to rinse several times.

Your sheep-skin boots is now ready to be dried. Remember to keep your boots away from direct heat as this can cause your boots to pucker. To maintain the shape of your boots, stuff the inside with paper and let it dry in a warm and dry corner.
To have your boots smelling fresh again, sprinkle some baking soda into it, shake well and leave overnight.  Charcoal will do the same but don't sprinkle charcoal onto your boot!  Finally, give your boot a good gentle brush using a suede brush.
If you are unsure of the step-by-step cleaning method, go to http://video.about.com/shoes/How-To-Clean-Ugg-Boots.htm. After this you won’t need to spend money sending your Ugg to the cleaners.  Good luck

How to clean suede

Suede is a lovely material - warm, soft and cuddly. Too bad it's such a terrible beast to clean. In general, have suede garments professionally cleaned. This can be costly but the most effective way to ensure the safety of your fabric. If you must clean your own, follow these guidelines.

1. Rub suede gently with a bath towel to restore some of its nap. 

2  Remove dry stains and marks from suede by gently rubbing a pencil eraser on the affected area. For wet stains lay a papertowel on top of stain to absorb most of the liquid. Do not apply any kind of stain remover or other products, especially if you want to have it professionally cleaned. This can interfere with the cleaning process. 

3.  Brush with a suede brush.

4. Apply a small amount of white vinegar to a lightly dampened cloth as a last resort for cleaning suede.

5. Gently rub the surface of the shoe with the cloth, then allow it to air dry.

6. Remember that stains on leather and suede should be professionally treated. This is always the best option. You never know how the leather was treated during the making of your fabric and what will happen if you try to clean it yourself.

Travel light & travel right

Holiday is here! One of the last things vacationers want to worry about is the condition of their clothes. And nobody wants to drag around suitcases full of stuff that never gets worn. To help travelers avoid these scenarios, here are some packing tips.

The best travel wardrobe consists of a few garments that can be combined to create multiple looks. This means fewer clothes and fewer shoes, which is especially important because footwear is heavy. Multi-purpose garments, such as an oversized shirt that can serve as a bathrobe and a coverup at the pool, or a simple dress that serves as a backdrop for accessories that can change the look from casual to dressy, will also help lighten the luggage load.

Plastic bags are a boon to a carefree travel wardrobe. Used properly, they can minimize, if not completely eliminate, wrinkled clothes. Garments can be hung on a hanger and covered with a dry cleaner´s bag, then folded and packed.

Once the destination is reached, hang the garments and remove the bags. If there´s no room for hangers in the luggage, hold the garment and bag by the shoulders, allowing the hanger to fall out before packing.

To help shoes keep their shape, stuff them with rolled up socks and stockings. Pack the shoes in plastic bags so the clothes stay clean.

Assemble children´s clothes by outfit. Then pack each outfit, right down to underwear and socks, in its own large self-closing plastic bag. Children will enjoy the on-the-road independence of being able to dress themselves. These same plastic bags, in assorted sizes, can be used to store small, easily misplaced supplies, such as band-aids, aspirin, first aid cream, etc. Be sure to squeeze the air out of the bags before sealing them.

Be prepared for some wardrobe first aid. A small traveler´s sewing kit and a stain remover stick or gel can handle most clothing emergencies. Use it to pretreat stains at the end of each day.

When choosing luggage, keep in mind that two small bags, with evenly distributed weight loads, are easier to handle than one large, heavy one.

How to get rust off your white clothes

When metal and water come into contact, it seems that metal is always on the losing side. Rust forms, creating a red-colored stain that makes the metal brittle.  If white fabric comes into contact with rust, the rust easily stains the fabric.  Everything shows up on white, so there is no hiding this obvious stain.  With the right "recipe", you can remove rust stains.

Step 1:  Mix cream of tartar and table salt in equal parts in a bowl.

Step 2:  Add enough hot water to make a thick paste.

Step 3:  Apply the paste onto the stain with a clean cloth

Step 4:  Allow the paste to sit on the stain for 15 minutes

Step 5:  Launder the garment in the hottest water allowable, with a scoop of laundry detergent

You can treat a large stain by adding 4 teaspoons of tartar cream to a pot of boiling water.  Place the stain area into the pot and allow it to boil for 10 to 15 minutes.  Check the label to ensure the garment can withstand heat,  Do not attempt to dry the garment until the stain is gone or it will become permanent.

Get wrinkles out of clothing using aluminum foil

Are you having a difficult time getting the wrinkles out of clothing that cannot take direct heating, such as silk, wool or rayon?  There is a little trick you can do.  Try aluminum foil, it has more uses than wrapping leftovers.

Step 1:   Place a piece of aluminum foil on the ironing board.  The piece of aluminum foil should be long enough to cover the clothing.

Step 2:   Lay the clothing flat over the aluminum foil.  Straighten out the garment, so that it is not bunched up in places.

Step 3:   Fill the iron half way with water. If the iron is filled up too much, it has the potential to leak. Press the steam button down and move the iron back and forth 3 or 4 inches above the clothing.  You will need to repeat this several times.

Step 4:    The wet heat emanating from the foil helps to get the wrinkles out!

Warning - do not place the iron directly on the clothing.

Clothing safety for children

t is important to check a child's clothing daily for safety, including clothing that children wear during dramatic play at home or at school.  Some children clothing - even a favorite pair of pajamas, an innocent-looking sweatshirt or a favorite Halloween costume - can be a health hazard.  Make safety a priority when dressing your little one.

Sharp Edges

Sharp points or edges can easily cause injuries to the delicate skin of children.  Metal zippers that come in contact with the skin must have a zipper guard behind the zipper (facing the body) for protection.  All stone-washed garments must have pockets basted shut to keep objects out of the pockets.  Velcro, hook and loop or fastening tape with sharp corners should not be applied.  No monofilament threads (those transparent fishing line likes of thread) should be used to sew children garments.  Trims such as rhinestones, sequins, etc should not be allowed on garment size 3T and below.

Drawstrings

Injuries and strangulation can occur if drawstrings from hoods and necks of jackets or sweatshirts get caught on playground equipment or objects such as doors, tree branches or fences.  Drawstrings can get caught on crib rails or in the netting of playpens as well.  It is best to purchase clothing that does not have drawstrings.  For waistbands that have drawstrings, the drawstrings must not exceed 3 inches outside the channel when the garment is extended to its fullest width and this drawstring should be secured to garment at midpoint.  Even single yarns used on products for decorations can be no longer than 3/8 inches.

Small Pieces

Buttons, studs, sequins and other small ornamental decorations on clothing can present a choking hazard.  Ensure that these items are securely fastened to garments.  If drawstring cord lock is used, it should lie flat against the garment. Also check for sharp objects or pins that could detach and puncture a child's delicate skin.

Fire Safety

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, it is safer to place a child in snug-fitting sleepwear.  Children who sleep in loose-fitting and over-sized cotton T-shirts are in danger because such garments can easily catch fire if near an ignition source.  The danger with loose-fitting clothing is that there is an air space between garment and the child's skin, which helps the fire t burn.  With snug clothing there is no air space to ignite and burn.  Nylon or polyester fabrics are safer than cotton, as these do not ignite easily.  Additionally, some children's sleepwear is specially treated to make the fabric flame-retardant.

Sun Protection

No matter where you live, children need to be protected from the skin-damaging effect of the sun.  Clothing should be made from tightly woven fabrics.  For maximum sun protection, wearing long sleeves and long pants is best.  Color plays a role in sun protection :  lighter colored fabric blocks more sun than darker colors.  Some new "high-tech" clothing is specially treated with UV absorbers that create a sunblock in the fabric.  Hats are a must to protect the face.  Hats should have a soft, adjustable brim that wont obstruct a child's field of vision.

Footwear

Shoes need to be worn for protection and to provide support.  Shoes that do not provide support or that have a high heel can be dangerous.  Keep shoelaces properly tied or choose Velcro fasteners with round edges, which are especially good for young children.  Wearing high heels when playing dress-up can cause injuries.  Untrimmed thread ends n the foot area of newborn baby items is a serious safety hazard as they may become wrapped around the babies toes and cause tourniquet.