Thanks, ascincoquinas,
I don �t quite agree with their first example. I guess some would say "made from fresh butter and eggs", but I would say "made with" in that case. I agree with the made from stones example, though.
Here �s my explanation of the difference:
Use "made of" if the�components blend together and are indistinguishable in the final product. Use "made from" if you can identify the components in the finished product. If there is only one component, which has�just changed in form, you can use either expression, with a�slight difference in meaning.
�
Cake is made of flour, sugar, eggs, butter and milk. You can also use "made with", which somewhat indicates that there is a process involved, not just a final product.
�
I�made a lamp from a pair of aluminum colanders. The holes in it shine pretty little lights on the walls and ceiling.
�
Now, if there is one component, here is how it works:
�Use "made of" if you are talking mostly about�what is in the product.
������� My scarf is made of wool.
�Use "made from" if you are implying the process in your statement.
��������My�scarf is made from�wool.
�
The statue was made of gold. (material)
The statue was made from gold. (process)�
�
You can �t say "Butter is made of cream", because the cream is no longer present in the butter.
Butter is made from cream, because the cream has been transformed in the process.
�
As usual, I �m sure I �ve given you more information than you are looking for.
So, both of your examples are right, but "made of cotton" is probably the more likely choice.
Bruce�
