"Lose Count"

(designed by Penelope Bianchi)

I attended a designer's seminar last week at the fabulous shop, Timothy Paul Bedding + Home, on 14th Street. Grace, and the ladies, hosted a rep. from SFERRA to come speak about sheets and share some bedding tips and tricks. I walked away thinking, "who knew!?," and I had a whole new outlook on sheets and bedding, which I look forward to sharing with my clients.

SFERRA is a leading manufacturer in luxury bedding and they know their stuff! They currently have a campaign called "Lose Count," which challenges the philosophy that the higher the thread count, the better the sheets. Yes, my dears, that is actually incorrect! The rep. explained that the thread count is only part of the equation to luxury bedding, but the part that is of utmost importance is the quality of the thread. Makes sense, right?

You could buy 500 thread count sheets at Target, but if the thread is crappy, the sheets will feel crappy. SFERRA's sheets are made from the highest quality cotton, which is found along the Nile River in Egypt. This cotton is considered the best because the cotton fiber is one of the longest in the world, and the longer fiber produces a smoother, stronger, finer yarn when it is spun.

(designed by Alessandra Branca)

The other interesting tid-bits I took away is how you should select sheets. Again, it's not about the thread count, but what type of feel you want. Some people love crisp, ironed sheets and others loves soft, silky sheets. Both can have the same thread count and be made from the same quality cotton, but the difference in feel comes from the way the yarn is spun. There are percale sheets which gives you that crisp feel, then there is sateen, which provides an extremely soft finish and jacquard that creates a fine, subtle weave pattern. Another option is linen woven sheets. This type is more popular in Europe, and because it's a breathable fabric, it will acclimate to your body temperature. How divine! But they do get wrinkled really easy.

(designed by Michael Smith)

Last, the way you care for sheets is extremely important in maintaining the feel and longevity of the sheets. I'm sure most of you throw them in the washer and then dry them regularly in the dryer. I do! Apparently, the best way to care for your sheets is to wash them in warm water on a gentle cycle with a cold water rinse. Then to dry, put them in the dryer on low for only 3-4 minutes. Take them out and hang them either over a door, a banister, etc. and let them finish drying. I actually tried this out with my cheap sheets, and I could tell a difference. Plus, it helps with them not getting extremely wrinkled. If you choose, you can iron them. The SFERRA rep actually said he puts the fitted sheet on the bed, and then runs an iron over the sheets while on the bed. Brilliant!

So, bottom line is - a little bit of elbow grease makes a difference!