Thanks Reedy..
Now with my treacher hat on....
Pilling - Accumulation of fibers on the surface of a fabric, caused by wear and washing. In 50/50 fabric, cotton fibers tear and become tangled with the stronger fibers on the surface of the garment. A higher cotton content results in less pilling.
Nub - a small lump or protuberance
a small piece; "a nub of coal"; "a stub of a pencil"
kernel: the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience; "the gist of the prosecutor's argument"; "the heart and soul of the Republican Party"; "the nub of the story"