Monthly Archives: May 2014

Nylon's story is tied to American industrial history. Long before the fiber existed, Eleuthere Irenee du Pont founded a gunpowder business in 1802 that grew into the largest mill in the country, laying groundwork for the company that later invented nylon.

The material was developed by chemist Wallace Carothers in 1931 through polymer research, first called Fiber 66. It was used in toothbrush bristles before launching for consumers in 1939 in women's hosiery, quickly becoming a sensation.

World War II changed everything, as military demand redirected nearly all nylon production toward parachutes and tire cord, making stockings scarce and creating a black market at steep markups.

After the war, fibers like polyester and acrylic entered the market, and manufacturing led to wash and wear clothing by 1952. Nylon has since found its way into space suits, surgical products, and countless industrial uses.

Not every craft project turns out the way it was pictured, and this roundup celebrates 14 of the funniest, strangest examples out there. The list runs from wearable mishaps like crocheted shorts, toilet paper earrings, and jean pocket sandals to home decor that veers into unsettling territory, including a baby doll head decanter and a coat rack built from doll limbs.

Other entries lean into odd fashion choices, such as a doily dress, a button bouquet, and a bracelet made from old doll eyeballs. A few defy easy description, like a mirror built from a razor and toothbrush or a unicorn hat covered in randomly glued objects.

The tone throughout is lighthearted and a little sarcastic, poking fun at the results without mocking the effort behind them. Not every DIY project has to succeed to be worth talking about. Sometimes the misfires are the most memorable part of crafting, and that is what makes this list fun to scroll through.

Selling handmade crafts is an accessible way to turn creative skills into real income, and this article runs through several project ideas for a home based business. Pet collars and leashes made from nylon webbing are one option, especially with personalized touches like embroidered names. Key chains are another, since handcrafted designs appeal to buyers looking for something stylish and useful.

Belts and other wearable accessories can be made by combining leather, hardware, and materials like nylon webbing. Bags and totes are a strong choice too, whether that means customizing plain bags or building original designs with reinforced webbing. Refurbishing secondhand chairs requires minimal skill and can still turn a profit.

Etsy is highlighted as a great place to sell finished pieces. Success comes down to creativity, patience, and effective marketing, with inspiration from sites like Pinterest guiding what materials to buy first.