Cotton isn't really "edible," but the folks here are so knowledgeable that I figured I'd post the question here anyway.
I have a single cotton plant that is starting to produce fluffy white cotton. I planted it as an experiment (it was the only one of ten seeds that made it), and I'd like to use the cotton if possible. The plant currently has about 30-40 unopened bolls on it, and many new flowers (and may I just interject that I don't think any plant flower is quite as attractive as the cotton flower?). I have looked online for ways for a non-farmer to harvest, clean, and make cotton ready for use, but I can't seem to find anything. It's as if hobbyists are just expected to grow it and then do nothing else.
Does anyone know, or have links to websites that could tell me what to do with the cotton once it is picked? All I can think of is to use it to stuff toys, but surely there are some craft uses out there that I am not finding. Is there an easy way to make it into fibers or threads? Thanks.
--S.