In the early years of communist rule in China, a sewing machine was one of the so-called big items that indicated a high living standard.

VOA: standard.2009.09.28

Today,one of the big items on the Chinese consumer wish list is a car.

VOA: standard.2009.09.28

(Sound) As a large machine mashes the cotton into a solid brick a bit smaller than a train car, Pitt says her crop is destined for one of the world's most popular fashion items.

VOA: standard.2009.12.12