:: January 2002 
Advice
Caring for Fibres 101
Laundering Clothing
Separate lights and darks. Use warm or cold water, not hot, and detergent.
Read labels. Do not wash a sweater that says "Dry Clean Only."
Women only: Air dry bras, and they will last at least twice as long.
Storing Clothing in the Dorm Room
Any piece of clothing made of knitted fabric will stretch when hung on a hanger. When in doubt, fold the item in question and place it in a drawer.
Keep dirty clothes in a laundry bag. It is a courtesy to a roommate not to store them elsewhere (e.g. under the bed), and it makes it easy to grab the laundry when it's time to wash it.
Stain Removal
Taking care of small stains on your clothes will cut down the amount of laundry you will have to do. The best all-round spot remover is a Baby Wipe. This premoistened towelette will work wonders on fibre stains on clothing, furniture fabric, and rugs.
The next level of attack for clothing is a pre-soak detergent (e.g. Clorox II), but this may have to be done on a weekend at home since communal washing machines do not lend themselves to this procedure.
The final resort to a difficult stain is the dry cleaners'. If they fail, save the fabric for a crazy quilt!
Fabric Repair
Learn two sewing techniques that will serve you well in time: 1) how to sew on a button; and 2) how to hem a pair of pants. With these two skills, you will never be unable to wear something you own just because a button falls off or a hem pulls out. Attention, Men: Gone are the days when you could coyly ask a co-ed to do either of these tasks for you. Chances are good today that she will know no more about these basic repairs than you do unless you prepare yourself!
Fibre Responses to Terrorism
CyberFibres continues to see noteworthy expressions of patriotism in fibre. A red, white, and blue "Show Your Colors" quick knit scarf kit is available through Great Yarns, Raleigh, NC. The kit includes the pattern, a size 19 circular needle, and three balls of eyelash yarn (100% polyester). Click here to visit their website.
If you know of other patriotic fibre projects readers would enjoy, please use our contact form to share them with other readers