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New BedSheets - Any experts out there??

The TVClubHouse: Archives: 2004 January - Arpil: New BedSheets - Any experts out there?? users admin

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Archive through February 22, 2004Jagger25 02-22-04  12:56 pm
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Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 1:11 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Guess I should have answered earlier. I have some 300 count Egyptian cotton that I thought I would really like but I don't like them because they are for the guest bed, and I feel like I have to iron them. I have never even considered ironing sheets in my life!

Pamy, even if the sheets had been used, once you wash them, they automatically become new again. Although I am sure the ones Spygirl bought were not used. I have bought used sheets at thrift stores to use for traveling where I was not sure I would like the sheets provided. Come to think of it, the last set of travel sheets I bought were extremely nice, and they were 100% pima cotton. Very soft, no pilling, and no ironing!

Spygirl
Member

04-23-2001

Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 1:27 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
The sheets I purchased were still folded and wrapped in the original packaging with the ivory satin ribbon tied around the sheets. The package still had the price tag on it (if I remember correctly it was Dillards) and it had never been opened. The seller had pictures of the set on the site.

Pamy
Member

01-02-2002

Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 2:00 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Ooohh ok. I go to a store called Tuesday Mornings, they have great deals on expensive things, it's like an expensive Pic N Sav! lol

Cathie
Member

08-16-2000

Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 3:19 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I love my jersey knit sheets and don't plan to ever buy anything else. If you watch the sales you can catch them at a good price. I have purchased king size sets at Kohl's for $29.99 during their big sale days.

Colordeagua
Member

10-25-2003

Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 3:20 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
My experience with high thread count Egyptian cotton sheets is -- too wrinkled after washing / drying. Need ironing.

The only place I buy bed linens now is Land's End. Their bed linens are longer than average and their customer service is the greatest.

Jan
Member

08-01-2000

Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 3:24 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Kappy, I think , at least in catalogues, they talk about pocket depth for sheets. Many sheets are now advertisied as having deep pocket depth . You probably need to look for some that do NOT have deep pocket depth. Many of the new mattresses are made deeper and, as Kady said, many people have thick mattress pads so more and more sheets have deep pockets, I guess.

Wink, it actually was in Home Sense that I saw the Egyptian cotton sheets that I almost bought. THey were 400 or 440 thread count (I forget which) but were only available in white. They were way over $100 if I remember correctly so I hesitated to buy until I found out re the wrinkle situation!

The worst sheets I ever bought for pilling were Jessica McClintock Designer sheets from Sears, I think (or the Bay). They were not cheap but man did they pill.

The sheets I use right now are a bright red Ralph Lauren (they were a gift) but they are getting a bit worse for wear. (I use the same sheets always,just wash and remake the bed). Does anyone know if Ralph Lauren are 100% cotton because I don't find them too wrinkly.

Tishala
Member

08-01-2000

Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 3:36 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Jan, I don't like Ralph Lauren sheets either. When I was still living in Philadelphia, where flannel is a sensible thing to have, I bought a flannel duvet cover from Ralph and it was a nightmare. It kept "shedding"--I don't know another word, but the flannel flaked and flaked so much I ended up vacuuming green duvet cover "dust" from EVERY corner of my apartment--so it was like $175 down the tube. They felt great, but they were a nightmare to deal with, I think because all that stuff is licensed and Ralph has no real oversight on some of the products that have his name attached.

It was the last time I bought anything from Ralph, I think. But at least it was better than some flannel sheets I bought from the Martha Stewart Everyday line at K-Mart. I love Martha, but those flannel sheets were terrible. Some of her sheets are pretty good, but the flannel is a nightmare.

Reader234
Member

08-13-2000

Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 6:08 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I'm going to 2nd Color's post on Land's End - I cant afford their sheets, but mom (again! *G) bought us all the flannel sheets from there, they are WONDERFUL!! And my mil buys her sheets there, no pillage, nice soft, no ironing either... (I'm sure they have the 200 or more sheet counts too!)

Land's End is very dependable that way!

Dipo
Member

04-23-2002

Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 7:02 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I got my sheets from QVC, Northern Nights and I love them. They are 300 TC and are so soft I gave all my old sheets to the animal shelter. I got 2 sets and I think they were bout $76 per set (Queen). I think they were on sale, but I have been very happy with them.

Melfie1222
Member

07-29-2002

Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 8:45 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I love flannel sheets too, I use them almost year round for all but the hottest weather. My favorites are from LL Bean... very soft, no pilling and great wear. Plus I love their color and pattern choices... they just had the cutest Candy Heart flannel sheets that I was tempted to buy, but I bought the pajamas instead. I am also a flannel PJ junkie. I used to work at Eddie Bauer and got several sets of nice flannel sheets there as well.

Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 8:55 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Tuesday Morning is a great place for off-price high end goods, although lots of their "discounts" are still more than I would like to pay. I did find a wonderful DKNY sheet there at 70% off their already discounted price, so I ended up paying about $16 for supposedly a $115 sheet. Hahahahaha, I have ONE $115 sheet. It is 60% cotton, 40% polyester, a little hot in summer.

Rosie
Member

11-12-2003

Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 9:25 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Juju, excuse me for asking but do you use that "$115 sheet" as a top or a bottom?????

Tabbyking
Member

03-11-2002

Sunday, February 22, 2004 - 10:07 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
i go to www.smartbargains.com
do you know that i quit taking neurontin for leg pain (except when i have to do 600-800 mile trips in one day!) since i bought this baffled mattress thingie. hubby is allergic to down, so we got the fiberfill one. i got one for the motorhome and one for our bed at home...for 39 bucks, marked down from 200 bucks. it's like sleeping on a cloud. i put it under my mattress pad and shake/fluff it when i change the sheets. when i get to bed at night, i smile as i relax into my most comfortable sleep in years. i know they also have sheet sets, but i haven't purchased any yet. i usually use the t-shirt (jersey) sets, which are warm in the winter and cool in the summer. i dislike icy sheets in the winter and i am in california...imagine being in maine and climbing into that cold bed :-)
i also got a suede, faux sheepskin lined jacket for 79 bucks, marked down from 300; and a great knife set...

Jan
Member

08-01-2000

Monday, February 23, 2004 - 8:24 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Wow Tabby, I just went to the site and the bargain prices they have on sheets is astounding!!!! Wish i didn't have that stupid customs issue with US website ordering!

Meridian
Member

09-23-2000

Monday, February 23, 2004 - 9:38 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I love coordinating bed linens!

In general, all cotton sheets will require ironing. Eqyptian cotton, while touted as "the best" truly does not wash and wear well. If you are looking for sheets that feel lovely and are easy maintenance, you might want to consider a cotton percale blend 230+ tc. They will never require ironing and will last without pilling.

Copied from www.bestinbeds.com/bed-linens/faqs.htm

QUESTION: What does the term "percale" mean?

ANSWER: Though many people assume that "percale" means a polyester-cotton blend, this is untrue. A percale can be made of 100% cotton, 100% polyester, or any combination in between. Percale fabric begins its life as two sets of undyed, interwoven threads, known as a "greycloth" that will later have its color and pattern "sprayed" on. The "thread count" of a percale fabric is found by counting the threads going in both directions inside one square inch of the fabric.

QUESTION: Does a higher Thread Count mean the fabric is better and/or softer?

ANSWER: The thread count of the fabric determines its density, and that generally gives you a good gauge of its softness, although there are other factors that impact the softness of the fabric even more than its thread count. One such factor is "content." The content of percale can vary widely. Even a high thread count 60/40 percale blend won't be as soft or luxuriant as a lower thread count 100% cotton. Also, a dark colored cotton percale will feel stiffer than a lighter colored percale with the same thread count (due to dye saturation). Even within cotton itself, there are many differences in grade. Just as grapes grown in certain regions are favored by wine connoisseurs over grapes grown in others, the quality of cotton can be estimated by its origin.

Our own domestic cotton is an excellent breed called "pima" cotton. This is a long-staple cotton, and is relatively inexpensive, considering its high quality. The fertile Nile valley which also produces the same breed of Pima Cotton as the United States, calls their more luxuriant textile "Egyptian Cotton." With its longer, silkier, and thicker fibers, this cotton is woven into the absolute best percales. Unfortunately, since it must be imported from Egypt, and usually through Eastern European distributorships and plantation owners, it carries with it a heavy price tag. At the other end of the spectrum, some imported percales are very inexpensive, and for good reasons.

A combination of low thread count and high ratios of polyester to cotton causes these percales to rip easily, feel rough to the touch, and worst of all, pill. Pilling is that sand-paper feel that sheets can get after washing. If you find your sheets doing this, and are bothered by it, consider upgrading to a higher thread count, and better content. Though this may mean more expense, you really do get what you pay for. Often, you'll see percale fabrics with a "sateen finish," which gives one side of the fabric a different satin-like texture and luster. This is achieved through a special elaborate process at the mill, where the fabric is woven. First, the fabric is woven in such a way that the threads are twisted on the front side of the fabric. Then, the fabric is "calendered" or passed under a steam-roller-like apparatus that applies 2000 lbs of pressure per square inch.

QUESTION: What is the difference between a comforter, duvet, coverlet and bedspread?

ANSWER: A comforter is a bed covering that is quilted, and reversible. Traditionally, it drops 15" over the edge of the bed at the foot and sides, and covers the top of the bed completely. Most are filled with bonded polyester fill. A Duvet cover is, quite simply, a cover that goes over your comforter. Some people who don't know any better, will simply call this item a "duvet" instead of a "duvet cover." The duvet cover is basically a hollow comforter that opens at one end and has a Velcro closure. A comforter is placed inside of it, and removed whenever laundering is required. It is useful to achieve a loose, unquilted and "frumpy" look to the bed, or to protect a non-washable comforter. The reverse is also true, when a person wants to display a non-washable designer fabric during the day, but actually sleep under a washable comforter at night, the duvet cover is the perfect solution.

A duvet cover also helps protect against the sometimes spiny protrusions that work themselves through a down comforter from time to time. People also use several duvet covers... with one comforter to alter the look of the room without the cost and space required for several comforters. In the case of conventional beds (without a waterbed frame), a bedspread covers the entire bed: from the pillows, to the floor (the "drop" is usually about 21").

In the case of waterbeds, the bedspread covers the pillows, just as a conventional bedspread, but is designed to be tucked into the sides of the waterbed frame. Unlike a comforter, a bedspread is not reversible and is much larger. A coverlet is similar to a bedspread in that it has a cotton backing and is not reversible. The "drop" for a coverlet is about the same as comforter (15") and like a comforter, most times a bedskirt and shams are used with it. A coverlet, unlike a bedspread, does NOT have a 19" "pillow tuck".

Hopefully, that will answer some of your questions!




Reader234
Member

08-13-2000

Monday, February 23, 2004 - 9:57 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
very informative... but as an owner for over 20 years of a waterbed, just know I buy comforters and tuck them into sides, and I do buy reversable comforters, as well as duvets too, to help change up the decor... but I will say the explanation is informative, and I can buy smaller comforters to fit the waterbed, but then dh and I would have "tug of wars" witht he covers!! THat would be a whole new thread of discussion!! :-)

Jan
Member

08-01-2000

Monday, February 23, 2004 - 10:32 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Meridian, what a wealth of info! It answered all my questions:-):-) Thank you so much for finding this site for us.

TVCH..what a world of people who can always find the expert answers. I love this place.

Ohiomobprincess
Member

11-07-2003

Monday, February 23, 2004 - 11:28 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Great advice about the percale sheets. I recently upgraded to a Queen size bed and I had to replace everything. My favorite sheets so far are Martex's 275 thread count. No ironing and no piling.

Landi
Member

07-29-2002

Monday, February 23, 2004 - 12:01 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
i've been reading this site, and my big wonder is "why would anyone iron sheets"? i mean, the minute you sleep on them the first night, they're wrinkled. so do you then iron them everyday by taking them off the bed? Also sheets are underneath the comforter so noone sees 'em when the bed is made. i guess it must be an older thing. i dunno

Jan
Member

08-01-2000

Monday, February 23, 2004 - 12:31 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
well Landi, there is wrinkled and there is wrinkled..think permapress blouse versus cotton or linen blouse.

I certainly would never iron permapress (ie blend) sheets even though they are wrinkly bUT 100% cotton sheets I am imagining are in a different world of wrinkly if that makes any sense???

PS I have a girlfriend who not only irons sheets and towels but jeans and t shirts too! I IRON NOTHING well except the odd cotton shirt which can't otherwise be worn :-)

Jagger
Member

08-07-2002

Monday, February 23, 2004 - 12:43 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
My question is, what's an iron?

Jan
Member

08-01-2000

Monday, February 23, 2004 - 12:47 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
mmmm yes Jagger. I hear you. Well I actually have one so I know what it looks like. I just never use it.

Tabbyking
Member

03-11-2002

Monday, February 23, 2004 - 12:50 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
iron is in your flintstone vitamin, jag :-)

Jagger
Member

08-07-2002

Monday, February 23, 2004 - 1:27 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
That must be why I have a ya ba da ba do good time after I take my vitamins.

Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Monday, February 23, 2004 - 4:05 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Oh, and I read that methamphetamine manufacturers prefer K-Mart Martha Stewart brand cotton sheets (to strain their product) for their high thread count and low cost.

Landi, I wouldn't dream of ironing sheets either, but if you saw the Egyptian cotton ones, you might consider it. They sort of wrinkle up and stay that way even though you try to smooth them out to slap the blankets on top of them. Hard to explain.

Lori, if you come to stay, I will make sure you get the top of the line used sheets from the thrift store so you don't have to feel guilty about me ironing the Egyptian cotton ones.

Bandit
Member

07-29-2001

Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 9:23 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
No offense to anyone, but I don't understand who the heck would iron sheets! If the bed is made, you can't see them, and then you get in bed and go to sleep! Please, sheet ironers-I beg you to reconsider! LOL

Definitely, the higher the thread count, the better. I don't buy anything less than 360 minimum. You can usually get good deals on sheets at Ross and TJ Maxx. Tuesday Morning is also good, but sometimes they have some and sometimes they don't.

I recently bought some wonderful 360 tc sheets at Target for $59, and they are super nice! Well worth the money.

Also, as tempting as it might be, don't buy the cotton sateen sheets. They are very soft at first, but they wear real easily and get worn through. They also pill.

Sweet Dreams!

Wargod
Member

07-16-2001

Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 10:28 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Yeseterday I changed the sheets on my bed (which I do once or twice a week depending on how cleany I feel like being, lol.) Anyways, last night I climb in bed, roll over on my stomach, and just lay there for a minute thinking how great the sheets are feeling. And then it hits me that these are the sheets we bought 8 and 1/2 years ago when we first moved in together. After 8+ years, they still feel awesome! If I could read the tag to see what count and brand of sheets they are, I'd go buy more but that was washed off years ago, LOL.

Juju2bigdog
Member

10-27-2000

Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 2:05 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Yes, but did you iron them, Wargod? just kidding

Wargod
Member

07-16-2001

Tuesday, February 24, 2004 - 2:16 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Heck no! I refuse to even fold them, LOL. When I take a dirty set off it goes to the laundry basket. The day I'm changing sheets, I grab a dirty set, wash and dry them, take off the dirty sheets, they go in the basket, and clean ones go on the bed, LOL. I can't fold sheets to save my life.

Meridian
Member

09-23-2000

Wednesday, February 25, 2004 - 7:12 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
I'm glad that I can provide you with some helpful information.

For Wargod:
Here are some tips on folding bed sheets.

Slip your hand into 2 top corners of the sheet.
With one hand inside each of the top 2 corners, fold the sheet (right sides together). Slip each of the top corners into one of the bottom corners.
Lay sheet on bed or table. Arrange and fold the corners neatly. Turn in selvage edges enough to make 4 straight sides.
Fold in half, then in half again. (All four corners will be stacked together, and sheet will be in a long strip.
Then fold the long strip in half, then in half (or thirds, depending on the size of the sheet) again to make a square.
Sheet should be a compact, neat square.
Smooth and place on shelf.

Tips:

Learn how to fold sheets consistently so that they remain neat each time.
Store sheets in sets (flat, fitted, and cases) if that is how you use them.
Mark shelves with sheet sizes, or use different shelves for different size sheets.
For patterned sheets, by folding the bottom sheet inside out and the top sheet right side out, you'll be able to easily tell the difference.

I store my sets of sheets in plastic sweater bags as they fit nicely on shelves. You can find them at the dollar store!






Rupertbear
Member

09-19-2003

Thursday, April 01, 2004 - 2:42 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post    
Um....I think it was mentioned that the sheets had to be ironed as they were going on the guest bed.

I agree...I would also iron sheets for the guest bed, if needs be.

I always iron pillowcases. They just feel so good with that 'crisp' ironed feeling :-)

Oh and....lol...I also find ironing 'theraputic'. I hace a tiny tv in the laundry room, that I turn on & watch the home decorating shows as I iron but sometimes I'll leave the tv off, as 'ironing time' gives me a chance to just relax & think ;)