The "mold" is actually something like a beanbag chair, only flattish; and the "beans" pretty much stay where they pushed them. So I lay down with my head and upper back on the mold, and the nurse had me put my arm over my head. Then two of them started pushing the beans around to conform to my body. When they thought they had it, they put a vacuum tube onto the mold's nozzle, and sucked the air out of it. That firmed up the mold, and the beans no longer shifted around. After checking my position, they decided that it wasn't quite right, put air back into the mold, and started shoving the beans around again. This time it was right, so then they moved me under the CT scan lights and started drawing on me, and placing metal stickers and wires on me. After the doctor came in and confirmed that the drawings were OK, they did the CT scan for the doctor to do her planning of angles, etc. They tattooed me (one dead center between my breasts, and one on each side under my arms).

My next appointment is Tuesday, where they'll double-check all the calculations and positioning, and if it's all correct, then I'll have my first treatment. At that time, I'll find out what my daily appointment time is.

I've been having a problem since last Wednesday night/Thursday morning with vertigo - I have BPV (Benign Positional Vertigo, which is due to small particles that form and float around in your inner ear, where they brush against the cilia and cause a sensation that you're still moving after you've stopped). I had physical therapy a year or two ago that taught me how to move my head and body in a certain way to get the particles out of the inner ear, and have not had a problem with it until now.

This time, the movements haven't helped, and I'm still having problems with the vertigo, although it has lessened significantly. I still cannot drive because I cannot turn my head quickly; and this evening riding home in the car, I started feeling motion sickness - I don't know that it's related, but I haven't had motion sickness in a car except for once (at least in my memory). I called the doctor yesterday, and rather than check out my ears, he wants me to have a brain scan. When I told Brian that, he thought I was joking - I only wish I was.

Come on! This is getting ridiculous - why can't we check out my ears first? I mean, really - I'm not having any other symptoms that might indicate brain involvement (headaches, blurry vision, seizures, peripheral neuropathy, etc.), and I have a history of BPV. Seems pretty straightforward to me!

At any rate, unless I have to go in for a brain scan this week, I'm free of medical obligations until next Tuesday. And I'm taking a class on Saturday, doing a loomwork bracelet. Matter of fact, that's probably what I'm going to be doing the next couple nights, prestringing beads for the class. I'm also finishing up my chain maille bracelet from the class I took on the 27th. I'm getting close to finished, but I've been really focused on my most critical project, which is a baby afghan (and yes, the baby is already born, but for a change I'll have the gift to her before she's two months old. I think that's a record for me ;-} ). I finished knitting the strips last Saturday, and am now joining them together and weaving in ends. I can carry that along with me on the train into work, and tonight I got a lot done while listening to the debate.

Of course, once all these projects are done, I've got a crib quilt to make, and a Christmas knitting project to work on. I suspect that I'll be very glad I'm not going to start chemo until at least after Christmas, maybe not until after the New Year.

For some getting started is the hardest thing. And for others the most difficult thing is the follow through; finishing what was started. We all have our struggles. And we all have points in our journeys where we really have a hard time just doing what we set out to do, even if it’s just beginning.

It’s easy to find excuses to wait before we start and then we find we never get started because there’s an abundance of reasons to wait.

For instance, it would be difficult to begin a diet around the holiday season starting in November with Thanksgiving and going to New Year’s Day. That’s understandable. However, if we began a diet in the summer, by the time we got to the holiday season our new eating habits, our new way of life would have become familiar and easy. So we can be wise about when we begin things.

Getting started for some is the hard part. There will always be reasons not to do something and if we spend our time thinking of those things and making up new ones we won’t even find out if we can finish. Excuses include: fear of failure, laziness, the inability to give up something else to fit in the new thing, lack of initiative, not believing that we can do it, and maybe having others tell us we won’t be able to do what we set out to do.

Our self-esteem depends upon our believing in ourselves. If we never try we never succeed. Our self-image is not dependent upon us winning a huge prize or becoming millionaires. It is based upon who we are and how we see ourselves. Our battles are often not even known or seen by anyone else. These things that we want to do, but can’t seem to start or finish, they are individual to each of us, and we are the only ones who can do them.

Take that first step today by setting all the excuses aside and then see if you can finish.

I finally finished this. I repeat, I finally finished this. And I love it. Why, oh why did I wait so long!

Primary knitting on this lovely pullover was actually completed back in February 2007. But due to the extensive hem knitting that I apparently wanted no part of, this languished in my knitting basket for a year and a half. Cut to a new me, a new season, and a very refreshing finishing spree, and I decided, "Hey! I don't have to do the hems! I should just knit a new border on this and be done with it." And a new sweater was born.

As for modifications, we have the aforementioned seed stitch borders, and I also did matching decreases. The pattern calls for just a bar increase in the body and k2tog decreases in the sleeve. I did a lifted increase to make it a bit more seamless and matching k2tog, ssk decreases in the sleeve. It fits perfectly and the yarn is so very soft. I've heard some mixed reviews about the pilling factor in this particular Debbie Bliss yarn, but I guess I'll just have to cross that bridge when I come to it.

In other news, I've finished another clapotis in Noro Silk Garden; I'll do a full FO post when I finally have a picture worthy of its inate loveliness. I'm also well on my way toward finishing the 28Thirty (just one sleeve to go) and I've cast on a new set of Dashings in Berocco Ultra Alpaca to replace my favorite fingerless mitts which were tragically lost in a drinking related incident last year. (sob!)

Here's a sneak peak for you...

Hope everyone is enjoying the crisp, cool fall weather, and busting out their handknits to keep them warm as we head into my favorite time of year...

If you are thinking about remodeling your home or office, there are many things to consider. One of the biggest is "should I do it myself?" There is no easy answer to this question, but you can help yourself decide by considering the following questions:

1. Do I have the time?

Remodeling can take a considerable amount of time, even for the experts. Most of the time remodeling is actually more difficult than new construction. One of the reasons for this is that you have to prepare the existing components of your structure to blend in with the new.

2. Do I have the know-how?

Your remodeling project will likely require some specific skills to ensure a successful result. These can include carpentry, painting, drywall finishing, flooring, plumbing, electrical, concrete work, excavation, etc. You'll want to carefully assess your abilities in the skills you'll need for your own project.

3. Do I have the tools and equipment needed?

Since so many skills are involved, most property owners do not have the needed tools and equipment. If you can get the tools by purchasing, renting or borrowing them, do you have the skills to use them effectively and safely?

4. Do I have enough help?

Remodeling can be very labor intensive; two hands are often not enough. You can always use someone to help carry materials or equipment, or you might need skilled help in order to complete the job in a reasonable time. If you need help, will you have access to the kind of help you need, when you need it?

5. Am I physically able to do the work?

Remodeling is usually strenuous work, involving climbing ladders, working on scaffolds or heavy lifting. You'll need to decide if you're physically able to do that kind of work for the extended period your project may take.

6. Do I have a clear idea of what I am trying to accomplish?

Can you draw the necessary building plans, or will you need to get someone else to do this for you? You may need to hire an architect if your remodel is very complex. An architect can help with traffic flow and other factors that may arise when you change rooms, or move walls and doorways.

7. What is my budget?

You should make a careful estimate of all the costs of your project before any work is started. Calculate the costs of all materials, equipment rental, tools, labor, subcontractors etc. Don't forget to add a budget for any unknowns or surprises that may be revealed later!

8. What kind of subcontractors am I going to need?

You will probably need some skilled subcontractors to perform specialized work that you can't do. Do you have the time to deal with those subcontractors personally, and do you have the knowledge needed to negotiate with them? If you are unprepared in this area, it can cost you a lot later on.

You may decide when you've finished answering these tough questions that you'll need some help. If you decide to hire a professional remodeling contractor, you should expect someone with years of experience in construction who can provide all the services listed above, including management of all the necessary subcontractors. Your contractor should take care of everything, and manage your project until it is completed in a timely and efficient manner.

Here's how to find a good remodeling contractor:

1. Go to Repairfinders.com

On Repairfinders.com you will find only the best qualified professionals in your area. All it takes is a couple minutes of your time to find the right one that is best for you.

2. Check out references

Get previous customers' opinion of the contractor and the work that was done. Talk to local vendors and suppliers to see if that contractor pays his or her bills.

3. Is the contractor local?

Does he or she have a local office, address or phone number? It's easier to keep track of a local contractor; avoid hiring from out of town or state unless you thoroughly check them out.

4. Look at the contractor's work

Make sure you look at previous projects or photos of completed work.

If you're looking for someone who has roots locally and is likely to be around to stand behind the work done on your project, you might also find out if the contractor you're considering is involved in the community or in non-profit organizations, or provides support for community projects.

Since there's not a whole lot of room for error, the installers must be very accurate in their measurements.  Especially if the installation will be enclosed on two or more sides.  It's not a simple thing to shave a 1/4 inch off a 500 pound slab on concrete!

Once accurate measurements are taken and templates made, the installer will go offsite and build a for to the exact specifications.  They'll add knock outs for sinks, faucets, bar taps, or any other fixture that you intend on using.  It is important that you actually have the fixtures on hand so the installer can measure and make sure everything will fit.  Again, if something is a touch off, there's not a lot of room for error.

The installer will mix the concrete to the correct specifications, including color and aggregate, and then pour it into the form.  Depending on the conditions and the mix, the form will be removed 7-14 days later and the finishing process will begin.

Finishing can include anything from grinding to sealing to nothing.  Depending on the use, it is perfectly acceptible to use natural countertops, and maybe only finish them with a coat of beeswax or carnuba wax.

ProLost: What Should Adobe Do With Premiere Pro?.

I finished the sawing part tonight.

We're a long way from done. The deck requires somewhere around 950 screws. I have driven somewhere less than 400 so far.

As I was starting that process tonight, drilling pilot holes and putting in screws, I realized that I'm past the challenging part of the project and now into the difficult part.

The cutting is challenging. For a perfectionist, it is very frustrating to have edges that curve slightly, that are one-sixteenth of an inch off, that are not perfect. However, that part of the work is very rewarding. It shows great progress. A piece of real estate 19 feet wide by 16 feet deep is now completely changed.

It's great.

However, all 950 screws have to installed.

Mark. Drill. Place screw. Drive.

And there are no gaps, no dangerous holes, no splinters. For the first time in a couple years, the deck is a safe place to walk.

But it isn't done until the details are finished.

I will find plenty of excuses as the light fails and the weather gets cold. But somehow, I will get it done.

And you? You will hold me accountable.

As you look in the mirror.

Becky has received her Halloween exchange - that packet obviously travelled by rocket ship, as I only mailed it Tuesday and she received it Saturday. When I saw this design (Willow Sampler) by Carousel Charts (don't miss their freebie from The Needlework Show!), gifted by dear Jenna, I just knew I had to modify it for Becky's Halloween exchange. It was just so her! It's stitched on a lovely piece of Vicki's linen, one of the 'orphan' line. I can really recommend trying these linens - they're not too expensive and the colors are incredible. They're also nice to stitch on. :) There's my plug. LOL! This is stitched on Mottled Green Magpie Tears.

I've also finished *Three Crows, by The Goode Huswife. I loved this project! The colors may be a bit dark - I used the called-for fibers, but stitched it on Lakeside Linens Vintage Pear, which is darker than the model. But it suits me well, and it looks lovely with my mockingbird pillow (What's the Word, Mockingbird). So lovely that I'm going to finish this as a little pillow, too, and display them together. (The colors haven't shown up very well, so I've included close-up pictures that are a little truer to the real-life colors.)

*Edited to add: So many people have asked - this pattern is OOP and extremely HTF. We won't even discuss what I paid on eBay. :(

Right now, I'm working on a quilt square for the quilts for breast cancer group. Isn't this a fun design? It's a funky owl from the Spassvogel book of designs by Jutta Ortmanns (published through Bahmann in Germany).

I've also been reading. I finished The Kite Runner, and I would make this mandatory reading for everyone if I were Supreme Ruler of the Universe. Not only because it's a great story that's well told, but because it makes real the spectre of Afghans, of Muslims, of so many "things" that so many of us don't understand and therefore mistrust. Peel away the unknown, and we're all just people. There is no 'us' and 'them'. I'm also reading The Night Watch. I like it so far, but Sarah Waters is very readable, especially to those who enjoy a Victorian feel to their novels.

We had a busy family weekend that included clothes shopping for Max (who has grown at least 3 inches and whose jeans were more like shorts as a result), a Cub Scouts meeting for Nick, a trip to the local street carnival, and much more. Everyone has had a great time, but I think Niek and I are definitely flagging tonight. ;)

the vote is in!

After counting up the votes cast for Mary's gift, the Prairie Schooler design won by a landslide. At the time I counted, there were 37 votes for Prairie Schooler (including emailed votes), 9 for La-D-Da, 7 each for Mary Garry and Birds of a Feather, 2 for Brightneedle, and 1 for JBW designs. For people who said "this design or that one", I counted the first design they mentioned. So I guess we know what my next start will be!

Wishing you all a wonderful week full of joyous happenings and good health!! 

PS: Thank you, Heather, for naming me on your blog. Ten random things about me? I'm short, I'm too heavy, I love finding errors in books that I'm reading, I absolutely hate shopping for clothes for myself, I miss traveling, I adore my kids and husband, I would love to live in a rural setting (MAINE!), I know for a fact that family comes first, I think my parents are incredible people, and I'd love to earn my bread & butter by my pen. :)

It will probably come as no great surprise to my regular readers that I stitched the Blackbird Designs ornament first ;)  I used Sassy's 32ct Khaki linen with a mixture of the recommended threads and my own substitutions and I think it turned out pretty cute :)

The photo is a bit washed out, due to the flash - the linen is a little darker IRL and the lighter threads show up better. I chose to stitch our surname initial, rather than my first name, so that it's more of a family ornament.

Bahan dari Jati dengan finishing yang PREMIUM. Anda boleh memesan finishing sesuai dengan pilihan buyer dan trend pasaran Anda. Kami akan siap melayani Anda.

Salam sukses

Yusuf

jeparamodels.wordpress.com.

081346357237

First up, my latest progress on A Quaker Study, which I'm doing as a SAL with Sue (please excuse the crumpled fabric!):

(Small Large cat included for scale)
(apparently, I can't tell the difference between them when they're curled up in a ball ;)  )

Actually, that really is a rubbish picture :lol:  I think it will be a bit better if you click and enlarge it...

Nearly done with this now, thank goodness!  It really hasn't been the most enjoyable stitch ever (too much repetition for me) and I've been really grateful for Sue's company stitching it, otherwise I don't think it would have even got this far.

A slightly (but only slightly) less rubbish picture now; my Glory Sampler finish:

I didn't get the angle quite right - the edges *are* straight and it doesn't taper down to the bottom, but never mind.

Thanks for all your visits, as always and don't forget, you still have a couple of days to enter the drawing for either Sarah Hook or Ann Grimshaw :)

By M. L. Gulrajani (www.fibre2fashion.com)

Technical textiles are one of the fastest growing sectors of the global textile industry. According to 'Technical Textiles and Industrial Nonwovens: World Market Forecast to 2010' published by David Rigby Associates it is forecast that the world market for technical textiles and industrial nonwovens will reach 23.8 mn tons with a value of $ 126 bn by 2010. The drivers for future growth of this industry are expected to be Asian countries like China and India.

The Indian technical textile industry was estimated by Tata Economic Consultancy Services (TECS) to be about Rs 23,300 crore during 2005-06 which is expected to increase to Rs 29,600 crore ($ 7.5 billion) by 2007-08 registering a growth of 11.51 % per annum, while the total textile production may touch over $ 45 billion.
Various techniques of application are required for finishing of medical textiles with specific finish that may include: coating, spraying, padding etc.
The Working Group for the 11th Five Year Plan has projected the market size of technical textiles to grow at about 15% per annum and at this growth rate, the market size for technical textiles will increase from Rs 26,076 crore ($ 6.5 billion) in 2006-07 to Rs 52,200 crore ($ 13 billion) by 2011-12. Keeping such high growth rate of the Technical Textiles market in view the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in his Valedictory Address announced, during the Tex-Summit 2007 organised by the Ministry of Textiles on 31st August and 1st September 2007, about the launching of Rs 689 crore Technology Mission on Technical Textiles in the 11th Five Year Plan.
An objective of the Mission will be to focus on key segments viz Agrotech, Meditech, Buildtech and Geotech. These sectors are expected to grow at a rate of 8%, 12%, 15%, and 15%, respectively. The Meditech will focus on sanitary napkins, incontinence diapers, baby diapers, surgical dressings, healthcare textiles, sutures, medical devices and implants. The market size for these products will grow from Rs 1280.32 crores to around Rs 2256.36 crore during 2006-07 to 2011-12.
Textiles used for medical, healthcare and hygiene are classified as Medical textiles or Meditech. Some areas of usage are:

* Non-implantable materials - For wound care that includes absorbent pad and bandages
* Textiles in Extracorporeal devices - Like artificial kidney, liver and lungs.
* Implantable materials - Like sutures (biodegradable and non-biodegradable), soft tissue implants, artificial tendon (meshes)" artificial ligament, artificial cartilage, orthopaedic implants, artificial joint, cardiovascular implants, vascular grafts, heart valves.
* Healthcare/hygiene products - Include bedding, clothing, surgical clothes, products for feminine hygiene like sanitary napkins, baby and adult diapers etc.
Finishing
Most of the medical textiles are prefabricated ready-to-use products. They are made from various bio-compatible skin-friendly fibres with some inherent properties and added functionalities. The added functionalities may be imparted during the production of the fibres or applied as a specialty finish to the fibre, yarn, fabric or the product itself.

Various techniques of application are required for finishing of medical textiles with specific finish that may include: coating, spraying, padding etc. Such finishes must be applied in infection-free environment or the finished product may be required to be sterilised before use. The finish to be applied may have an auxiliary function or may be an integral part of the whole product. Standard products for coating on the field of medical application are self adhesive plaster, wound dressing and compresses, plaster and bandage materials, collagen and siliconised tissues, and operation and post-operative textiles such as clothing and covers. The properties required may be hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, alcohol repellency, water density, medicine release and nano porosity.
The medical textiles may have 'Interactive materials', which can react to human and environmental conditions: phase-change materials (thermo-regulating systems), shape memory materials, change of colour in case of emergency, reaction by change of temperature, pH-value and electro active influences, microencapsulation of specific agents, transdermal systems - coating of textiles with active substances and medicals, production of layers from gel with encapsulation of additional substances.
In the following sections a brief description of some of the product and the requirement of the finish is discussed.
Non-implantable materials
Generally wound care products such as absorbent pads, bandages and plasters are classified as non-implantable medical textiles. Other textile products such as, protective gowns, gloves, operating-room drapes masks, shoe covers also form a part of non-implanted textile materials. However, they will be discussed under healthcare and hygiene products category.
Such materials are used for external application and they mayor may not come in contact with the skin. Wound dressings that generally are made from highly absorbent fibres or polymer coatings absorb blood and provide medication and are composite fabrics that are produced by coating an adhesive (in many cases pressure sensitive) between the fabric layers and may also be an absorbent polymer and a medication. These are auxiliary finishing compositions that become an integral part of the product.
The dressings come in a variety of styles and sizes for all parts of the body, enabling wounds from surgical procedures, and plaster casts, to be kept dry and prevent unnecessary dressing changes. This minimises damage to the wound, pain and the chance of cross infection, maximising how quickly the wound heals.

A number of wound care companies have launched different kind of wound care materials that have been classified into 10 different categories, namely
1. low-adherence dressings
2. gauze impregnated dressings,
3. dextranomer paste pad and dressing
4. alginate dressing
5. hydrocolloid dressings
6. hydrogels
7. vapour permeable adhesive film dressings
8. polyurethane foam dressings
9. zinc paste bandages, and
10. iodine containing dressing.
(Y Quin, 'Smart wound-care materials, in 'Smart textiles for medicine and healthcare: Materials, systems and application', Ed. By L. Van Langenhove, Woodhead Pulishing Limited, England, 2007, p 27-49).

Wound dressings generally consist of a layer of absorbent material, such as an absorbent gauze or foam layer, wherein the layer is supported on an adhesive coated semi-permeable backing sheet. An adhesive-coated margin of the backing sheet extends outwardly from the edges of the absorbent layer for attachment of the dressing over a wound by adhesion to the skin surrounding the wound. The absorbent layer serves to absorb wound exudates.
Such dressings require a coat of an adhesive layer that may consists of acrylate ester copolymers, polyvinyl ethyl ether or polyurethane of these adhesives polyurethane-based pressure sensitive adhesives are preferred. The basis weight of the adhesive layer is between 50 to 150 g/m2. The adhesive layer should be moisture vapor transmitting and/or patterned to allow passage of water vapour.

The zinc oxide based dressings consist of zinc oxide, glycerin, water, and a preservative. A number of other natural substances, such as gelatin, alginates, gum arabic, and agar agar, are also added as binders. The preservatives ore commonly esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid or boric acid.
A composition which is particularly useful in semi-rigid medical supporting bandages comprises of 10 to 35% zinc oxide, 2 to 15% cellulose ether, 10 to 35% glycerin and 30 to 75% water. 160 g/m 2 of the above composition is applied, in a conventional coating plant equipped to process highly viscous materials, to a gauze bandage 10 cm wide and having 20 threads. The substrate has a selvedge on both sides and the resultant coated product is wound on a polystyrene core having 10 mm inside diameter and 14 mm outside diameter, wrapped in wax paper, and wrapped in polyethylene coated aluminum foil which is then fused.
Bandages of the foregoing description have been used for many years in the treatment of leg injuries or disorders. They are used for many years in the treatment of thrombosis, for the healing of leg ulcers, as a supporting dressing in minor injuries, to prevent swelling of broken limbs after removal of the plaster cast, and as semi-rigid compression dressings in cases of varicosis, ulcers, phlebitis, and leg edema.

One of the most significant ideas to change the nature of wound dressing materials has been the concept of moist wound healing. Moist wound healing refers to the provision and maintenance of optimal hydration of the exposed tissues in the wound, that is, wound tissues should be physiologically moist, not dry but not wet. Moist wound healing dressings usually fall into 1 of these 3 performance categories with regard to their effects on tissue moisture levels - dressings that absorb excessive wound exudate, dressings that maintain existing levels of tissue moisture, and those that add moisture to the tissues. (Liza G Ovington, Advances in wound dressings, Clinics in Dermatology 2007: 25, 33-38).
Dressings that absorb excessive wound exudates have a high capacity for capturing and holding fluid. In such dressings generally calcium alginate (fibres or powder) and foams are used as spatiality chemicals. While various types of hydrocolloids and transparent films are used in dressings that maintain hydration of tissues. Hydrocolloids are gel forming polymers and adhesives held in fine suspension on the backing of film or foam.

Lastly the dressings that provide moisture to the wound are hydrogels of various polymers such as : glycerin polyacrylate polymer is a chemical available under the tradename Hispagel. The glycerin polyacrylate has excellent water solubility, moisture retention and lubrication properties. Additionally this polymer also has the non drying property due to strong bonding of water with the polymer molecule. The glycerin polyacrylate will work on skin to form a film protecting the wound from outside particles and in combination with glycerin maintain a high hydration level (US Patent 5902600). Hydrogels consist essentially of 20-97% of an aqueous liquid and a cross-linked hydrophilic polymer. A variety of hydrophilic polymers have been used for the production of hydrogels viz CMC, alginates, HEMA, chitosan, pectin, petroleum jelly etc.

Recently some advanced wound dressings have been developed that interact with the biochemical environment in wound and promote healing. Such dressings are generally composed of a homogeneous mixture of 55% bovine collagen and 45% oxidised regenerated cellulose. When placed in the wound these collagen-based dressing chemically binds to enzymes and renders them inactive, bringing their active levels back down into the ranges found in healing wounds, which may then allow healing to progress.
The latest addition to the wound dressings are commonly classified as 'Antimicrobial Dressings'. An antimicrobial agent such as iodine, ionic silver, silver + charcoal and polyhexamethyl biguanide (PHMB) are incorporated into foams, hydrocolloids, alginates, and fibres. Most popular among these are the silver containing dressings where these products release silver cations into the wound as they absorb or come in contact with wound exudate.
A cursory look at the wound dressings indicates that a large number of specialty chemicals and finishes are required in their production and these may include, polyurethane, silicones, zinc oxide, glycerin, gelatin, alginates, gum arabic, agar agar, calcium alginate, hydrogels of CMC, alginates, HEMA, chitosan, pectin, petroleum jelly, glycerin polyacrylate, collagen, iodine, ionic silver, charcoal and polyhexamethyl biguanide (PHMB) etc. Coating is a preferred method of application.

Healthcare/hygiene products
Another area that requires a large amount of specially finished textile products is that of Healthcare and Hygiene products that Include bedding, clothing, surgical clothes, products for feminine hygiene like sanitary napkins, baby and adult diapers etc.
According to a report hospital-acquired infections in England cost the National Health Service in the region of 1 billion pounds (infections result in an average extension to a hospital stay of 11 days per patient) each year and at least 5,000 patients die of complications from infections that they contracted in hospitals. At any given time, 9% of hospitalised patients in the UK, that is, 300,000, have an infection that they did not have before they arrived. Many of these infections are caused due to unhygienic conditions prevalent in hospitals.
Bed sheets

Patients while in hospital constantly come in contact with the bed sheets and pillows provided in the bed. Number of products and treatments have been developed and commercialised for producing fabrics for bed sheets and pillow covers with antimicrobial, odour absorbing, temperature regulating, blood repelling and anti-allergic properties that finding their way in hospitals.

A number of manufacturers are producing antimicrobial sheets and pillows that keep bedding cleaner and prevent foul odour. Both bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal type of antimicrobial agents have been used for treatment of bed sheet and pillow fabrics. For instance Rest Right Pillow with SilPure treatment of American Textile Co is polyester fiberfill pillow treated with SilPure, a nano-silver-based treatment that claims to prevent bacterial growth and bad smells. A cotton barrier keeps out dust mites, which doctors say can be helpful in reducing allergy symptoms.

Another product incorporating metal compound as antimicrobial agent is the Cupron bed sheets. Cupron's manufacturing technology permanently binds its proprietary copper compound to textile fibres. Copper's antimicrobial properties have been known for more than five millennia. The ancient Egyptians used copper pipes to transport water to destroy parasites and other water-borne pathogens. Antimicrobial propensity of metals and metal salts has been attributed to their ability to deactivation of proteins.
N-Halamines, having oxidative properties, have been incorporated in the bed linen by the Vanson HaloSource, Inc. The company's HaloShield technology, introduced in 2004, harnesses N-halamine molecules that attract chlorine molecules in the wash cycle and binds chlorine on the fabric. When bacteria and viruses come into contact with chlorine in the fabric, chlorine kills the microbes as shown in Fig 1.

Gang Sun, professor of textiles and clothing at the University of California, Davis and one of the developers of HaloShield technology has said that. "In light of the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the use of HaloShield can be a major development in the battle against microbes that spread infection." For the first time, hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities will be able to use HaloShield sheets and pillowcases to combat the spread of a wide range of resistant bacteria, viruses and other microbes, including MRSA, a form of staph bacteria, which is blamed for about 13% of the USA's two million hospital infections each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Overall, hospital infections kill 60,000 to 80,000 people a year at an average annual cost of $ 6 million per hospital.

Another product that has Nanocide Antimicrobial developed by CMI Enterprises has been introduced in the market in 2006. The products sold under the trade name 'Dimensions' have shown that 99.9% of resistant Staphylococcus germs that come in contact with it, are killed within 30 minutes. It is claimed that with the Nanocide Antimicrobial treated fabrics, hospitals, clinics, dental offices, and nursing homes can now provide an environment that is essentially risk free of contamination, and subsequent patient infection and other potential health related issues from seating and bedding upholstery material.

CMI permanently places or embeds the nanoparticles into the surface area of the product. When the recommended cleaning and care instructions are properly followed, the nanoparticles cannot be washed away, worn off or depleted overtime.

With the use of these innovative nanoparticles, the Nanotechnology employed is unique in the fact that the bacteria does not have to ingest or absorb the biocide, but is killed when it comes into contact with the Ion field on the surface. The new 'Dimensions' with Nanocide Antimicrobial line is useful for the medical, clinical, elderly care, and EMT industries.

The new temperature regulating bed linen of Brennet AG, Bad Sackingen of Germany produced from viscose rayon having phase change microcapsules (PCMs) of Outlast technology absorbs excess body heat, stores it inside patented microcapsules and releases it back to the sleeper when needed, which helps the microclimate of the skin be influenced in a positive way. These bed linens help balance temperature changes and offer a pleasant temperature throughout nocturnal recovery.

A number of specialty chemicals being applied to textiles that come under the category of health promoting products such as Vitamin E - prevents aging, Capsaicin - raspberry extracts that prevent slimming and so on.
The technology of finishing of medical textiles is in its infantile stage. This glimpse of the finishes for medical textiles is indicative of the fact that in coming years these finishes will be used for variety of purposes and will have a major share in the specialty chemicals market.
About the Author:
M L Gulrajani is associated with Indian Institute ofTechnology (lIT), New Delhi.

I purchased several types of wood so now it was time to choose what wood to use for my first pen.  I had apple wood, rambutan, spalted sycamore, spalted hackberry, cocobolo, bocote, poplar, oak, red palm, walnut, pheasant wood and several others that I can’t recall at the moment.  After some ‘Eeny, meeny, miny, moe’ I ended up using walnut.  First I cut the blanks to size and then used a pen drilling jig so that I could insert the pen tubes into the blank.  I made my pen drilling jig out of a pine 2 x 4 that was leaning against the wall in my shop looking for something to do.  I cut two 4 inch pieces from the 2 x 4 and cut a V-groove out of each pieces.  To drill the blank all I have to do is put the blank into the v-groove and clamp the jig to the drill press.

  I squared off the ends of the pen blank with my pen mill and then I put the blank on the mandrel so that I could turn it.  After turning the pen blank to a shape that looked like it would make a comfortable pen I started to sand it smooth.  In the process of sanding I determined that I will never use 100 grit sandpaper on my lathe ever again because it was just too coarse.  After the pen-to-be was nice and smooth I finished it with a coat of HUT Crystal Coat and let it dry for 30 minutes.  I couldn’t let the pen blank just sit around for too long because it was almost a pen!  I collected all of the pen pieces and my blank and pressed everything together to created my first pen.  Take a look!

I think it came out pretty good for the first go-around. 

But there are good times to share with you, my good friends. :) And finishes, too! Oh my!

On Friday, the younger three kids and I made the drive down to the southern part of the country to visit with Niek's grandmother. She's exactly the same age my Aunt Hattie would be, but she's still totally independent and very fit. But, like so many of us, she gets very lonely and because she's so far away, we aren't able to visit her as often as I'd like to. We spent most of the day with her, and we all had a wonderful time. I've just got to find a way of arranging my schedule so I can do this regularly every 2 months or so.

Another good time that's being put in the calender to keep it regular is our Stitch N Bitch day. As you may remember, we were at Harmien's last time, so this time we met up at my house. Here's the cast of culprits: Harmien, Margaret, Rachael, and Annemarie. We had a great time and even got some stitching done this time! ;) Thank you all for coming - I had a great time!!

See ladies, I even finished the little ornament I was working on. :) This is a SanMan freebie from their August newsletter, but done in my choice of colors. I can't show you the back side because it has the name of the recipient stitched there.

Here are the gifts that everyone brought - as if their presence were not gift enough! And here is Max, intently assembling the Lego kit that Rachael got him. :)

I got busy with some finish-finishing today, thanks to Niek letting me have some time for that. I finished a gift for a friend (here's a picture of me modeling it in the mirror), a little ornamental pillow, and some stuff that I can't show. ;)

Another big event that occurred during the last few days was Arden's nine-month birthday. He is nearly over his cold, but still has a runny nose and his eyes get a little gooey. He's a jolly fella just the same, though. He's also gotten his first two teeth - bottom front.

I had little chats with everyone yesterday regarding the balance between doing things for oneself and doing things for others - whether it be stitching, blogging & commenting, or anything else - and it helped to hear from friends that it's okay to be a little selfish. I'm going to take it easy with blogging and 'obligation' stitching (including my etsy shop) for awhile until things feel more settled and less stressed. I hope you'll continue to check in with me here even if I'm no longer a daily blogger or commenter on your blog. Thank you!

Process modification is defined as changes or improvements to process equipment, process materials, or process technique.

A few of these options include:

• Mechanical or Vacuum Dewatering
  Machinery has been developed to squeeze (mechanical) or suck (vacuum) water from fabric before thermal drying to reduce the drying heat load.
• Low-Temperature Dyestuffs
  New dyes are being developed that perform at lower temperatures, thereby reducing the temperature levels required in dye becks and ranges and reducing thermal load. Ultrasonic energy has also been shown to increase efficiency here.
• Microwave Drying
  Operating on the same principle as a microwave oven, this technique can greatly reduce the energy requirements for drying.
• Wastewater Separation
  Ultrafiltration can be used to separate dyes and chemicals from wastewater streams, allowing reuse of the chemicals and recycling of the water.
• Updated Machinery
  Much of the new process equipment being developed by suppliers reduces thermal requirements through lower liquor/fabric ratios, better insulation, and higher productivity (throughput).

The pressure to reduce and potentially even eliminate volatile organic compounds in exhaust air streams is affecting those that coat, paint, or clean surfaces. Metal coaters, printers, circuit board manufacturers, dry cleaners, and almost anyone else who paints or coats almost anything are all searching for alternatives.

Organic solvent-based coatings have been the coating of choice because they require the minimum surface preparation, tend to be fast drying, offer easy color change, often dry adequately at ambient temperatures, and need a minimum capital. However, this equipment typically has useful coating-to-total-spray ratios of only 30 to 40% This inefficiency leads to large amounts of VOC emitted per part painted with the potential for significant solid and hazardous waste, depending upon the coating compound. Therefore, their future use is increasingly limited. Obviously, manufacturers of these coatings have a vested interest in finding environmentally acceptable alternatives, and are making rapid and dramatic progress in this area. Please consult with them for the latest information.

In addition, VOC reduction choices are often unclear. Factors such as required finish quality, surface preparation, capital, operating cost, and the possible future tightening of emission limits all play into the final decision choice. The choices include:

* Elimination of the emission in the first place by selecting an alternative fabrication path (such as anodizing rather than coating),
* Collaborating with others to perform contract coating for the facility,
* Capturing and recovering the organic for recycle or fuel use,
* Incinerating the problem hydrocarbons,
* Changing to a lower emittive coating process (such as higher solids coatings and/or overspray reduction),
* Changing to water-based or ultraviolet-cured coatings, and
* Powder coatings.
The information presented here is intended to assist in the preliminary identification of the alternatives. Always check your full range of options with your coating supplier as well as their competitors, and check the applicability of their suggestions by actually coating your material and subjecting it to real world operating conditions. You may be pleasantly surprised to find that switching to an alternative improves your product appearance, functionality, and durability. Then again, you may not.

I wrote down the words, but it hardly seems real. Probably because my critique group hasn't had the chance to sink its teeth into my novel yet. Some revisions will still need to be made. But beyond that, I also feel a deep sense of melancholy about its completion. It, and Sam, were both conceived in November 2005. I have centered my life around them. They were my soul reason for being these last two, now almost three, years.

But now Sam is two, and going to preschool. The book is finished. John is here. Could I have a better reminder that time marches on?

I feel like, as a writer, I have been a neglectful mother. While I am holed away with my laptop searching for comma splices, my boys are growing bigger every day. I really should go live in the world I'm writing about, and bring them with me. Sometimes I feel such enormous guilt. Have I done what I set out to do? Do my boys love language, and reading, and art? Are they creative and open to possibilities? Do they see the world as magical and everyday objects as things to explore? I often wonder...

Yesterday, I got a yes.

I was nursing John. Just one side. Just for a minute. I knew I shouldn't leave Sam to play unattended, but the baby did need to eat. I figured, what can he get into in just a couple of minutes?

Bubbles.

I hear the word coming from the bathroom. I go to investigate. And this is what I found:

Sam had channeled Jackson Pollock and taken a half-full bottle of liquid soap and created a fabulous art display all over the bathroom vinyl. Then, he brought out his cars and furthered his artistic endeavors all over himself, the bathtub, and the bath mat. It was marvelous. It was horrifying. Like there are really enough hours in the day to clean up a mess of that magnitude?

I had to step back and look at it through his two-year-old eyes. What a thing of beauty is a bottle of soap? How easily it moves. How pretty it shines. You've got to hand it to the kid. He doesn't lack for creativity.

And then I had an ephiphany. Maybe all that time I was fretting about being neglectful, it wasn't really neglect at all. I was giving him space, and room to just be. What if I was actually a good role model, plugging away on my computer, creating my world of words, and leaving him to his exploration? Would Jackson Pollock have gotten anywhere if he wasn't given time to experiment? Would I? Would anyone? Who knows, Sam may become an artist one day too, and for that I would gladly sacrifice a bath mat.

Finishing kayu merupakan suatu sentuhan akhir dalam proses pengerjaan mebel. Karena merupakan sentuhan akhir, maka finishing seharusnya mampu memberikan nilai tambah bagi mebel tersebut. Nilai tambah ini dapat berupa peningkatan aspek dekoratif ataupun aspek protektif-nya. Aspek dekoratif berarti mebel tersebut menjadi terlihat lebih indah sedangkan aspek protektif ditujukan terutama kepada kayu-nya agar lebih tidak mengalami kerusakan. Untuk mebel yang ditempatkan di dalam ruang (indoor), tentunya aspek dekoratif lebih diutamakan, sedangkan untuk mebel di luar ruang (outdoor), maka aspek protektiflah yang lebih penting karena kayu sebagai benda organik akan mudah rusak karena pengaruh cuaca.

Finishing kayu dapat kita bedakan menjadi 2 jenis, yaitu finishing kayu yang nutup (opaque finish) dan finishing kayu yang masih memperlihatkan serat kayunya (clear finish). Cat minyak (cat sintetik) dan duco adalah contoh finishing kayu yang nutup serat, sedangkan plitur, pernis dan melamik adalah contoh finishing kayu dengan serat yang masih terlihat. Sebenarnya melamik atau melamine bukanlah satu-satunya bahan untuk finishing kayu. Pemilihan opaque finish atau clear finish sangat tergantung dari kualitas-visual kayunya. Jika kayunya memiliki kualitas visual yang baik, tentu clear finish yang dipilih, begitu juga sebaliknya.

Melamik memang sangat populer di Indonesia sebagai bahan finishing kayu. Tidak heran apabila saat ini, di kalangan pembuat mebel, ada profesi yang disebut tukang melamik. Sebenarnya melamik bukanlah satu-satunya bahan finishing. Selain melamik, kita juga dapat menggunakan NC (Nitrocellulose), Acrylic atau PU (Polyurethane). Bagaimana memilih bahan finishing kayu yang tepat ? Silahkan baca tulisan saya selanjutnya.