A few months ago I read an article about insomnia. The author contended that something as simple as bedding and sheets could be the problem. Right then and there I decided to invest in some quality sheets, which I interpreted to be something with a higher than 400 thread count.
Big mistake. I wish the lesson hadn't been so expensive. I purchased something from ).(. P*enney's C*indy C*rawford line — awful things. Seems that those high count number sheets can be some of the most uncomfortable bedding one'll ever sleep on. It certainly has been our experience. If you're a fan of limp, overly soft sheets, the high count numbers are for you.
Then I began to hear echoes in Blogdom about crisp, white, cotton sheets available through the Vermont Country Store. Despite the fact that there's no free shipping, the sheets turned out to be about the same price as the ones I first purchased. They arrived yesterday and were washed and dryed (with a lavender sachet) and that bed was made up so fast... and easily, too. No wrestling with the fitted sheet because it was large enough to accomodate the high mattress. The packaging says it will fit a mattress up to 17 inches deep. (The C.C. fitted sheet was advertised for deep-pockets, but comes woefully short of its claim.)
The pillow cases (not part of the set) were embroidered this week. Apparently, the blog that offered the pattern has left Blogdom. Sigh. You can see the version I first saw
***
Having just wakened from a good night's rest, I am giving these sheets an "A." I think with a few more washings they'll be an "A+." I'm off to sip my morning coffee, eat a cookie or two, and read the nice catalog the company sent me. Don't you love a good catalog? And just to be clear, Vermont Country Store has/had no clue that I was going to say all these nice things. ☺
A happy weekend to you...
Happy to hear of finding *happy* sheets.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that you seem to suffer from insomnia.
Enjoy the weekend. It's looking over-cast, over my way. But it may not be the same, over your way. :-)
I hate it, when our beautiful old, old Race Track and city do not show up purrrrrrrrfectly on national tv on Aug. Saturdays. Did LAST Sat. Won't, this Sat. -pout-
Just more of my "Pride Of Place", talking. :-)
I love good sheets!
ReplyDeleteWe visited the Vermont Country Store two years ago...I am off to check out their website. I found my crisp white sheets at Target, Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic line. Beautiful lace too.
I love your pillowcases...I am beginning to think of making gifts for Christmas and I know who these would be perfect for...besides myself and Tim!
Thanks for your gift for Becky and I! We are excited to have our adventure Monday night...I am sure you will hear all about it!
Deanna
When we stayed at the B&B in Delaware they had the best crisp white sheets. I know what you mean...and I love your embroidered pillowcases! Sweet.
ReplyDeleteYes, Thanks for the heads up about the book signing and the sweet card/gift you sent our way. Deanna and I will definitely keep you up to date on our adventure!!
Well thank you...because right now I have the most horrible sheets and they are the high count...now I have been educated I am going to invest in some good sheets. The pillowcases look great, maybe I will attempt that in the winter months.
ReplyDeleteGood to know, thank you! I purchased my favorite sheets from QVC and I love them!
ReplyDeleteThose embroidered pillow cases are so cute!
Those sheets sound divine. There's nothing like crisp, cool cotton. Good sheets are really hard to find for a fair price. I love the embroidery on the pillow slips. It's turning into a beautiful hot day here. I hope you get the same. Pamela
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are happy with your new sheets. Being that they are cotton, do they require ironing?
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I noticed was the adorable sayings on your pillowcases. I'm so impressed that you made them.
Ironing? What's that? I do not iron sheets. Yes, I confess that sometimes I iron pillowcases. I can't imagine anyone wishing to iron sheets since these do have a rumpled quality, which I have decided to adore. ;>
ReplyDeleteIt's been a long time since I've shopped from Vermont Country Store. Thank you for the reminder. I love your pillowcases. I'm off to shop...
ReplyDeleteI need some new sheets and these might be just the ones I'll buy. : )
ReplyDeleteThanks for this! I cannot find good sheets anymore. I stay completely away from anything with the word polyester in them and haven't seen a good cotton sheet since 1958. Course then I didn't buy them. Anyway - something happened to quality along the years. I'll be looking into this.
ReplyDeleteI came over from Jenette's blog and so glad I did...I love this post about crisp sheets; anything to make sleep easier, uh? Must give these a try.......
ReplyDeleteThis is a timely post for me. I I was awake last night until 4:45AM. Maybe it was the concert and a late night cup of coffee, but cool crips sheets sound divine right about now!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Penny
Too many folks have been sucked into thinking high thread count equals good sheets. Not so! The best kept secret is linen sheets. They cost an eye crossing fortune but endure so well that such sheets get passed down for generations and just keep getting better. Wish I had known that three decades ago...we've spent that same fortune on cotton sheets of various thread counts that haven't aged well at all.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of embroidering a set of pillowcases with those words...New sheets are a wonderful treat. I have noticed how so many sheets seem to be wrinkled these days. That's annoying too!
ReplyDeleteI have two sets of sheets for our bed that are nice and soft. When I try to buy something new, they are stiff and yucky. Fresh sheets on the bed are always a good feeling. I'm sure a nice lavender sachet in the dryer would be a nice touch too. Will have to give that a try! Hope your day is great! Best wishes, Tammy
ReplyDeleteVee, I went through the same thing with high thread count sheets and was very disappointed. These sound wonderful, and I love that you embroidered the pillows. Fabulous idea for a wedding shower or anniversary gift. You are gifted with needlework. xo,
ReplyDeleteI bought my 800 Egyptian count sheets from Tuesday Morning. Don't rightly remember who the manufactor is, but they are the most softest sheet ever.I will never go back to the cheap percale. They were every pricey-$80something. We have a California queen with deep pockets,our bedroom set is old, antique & is about 4 feet off the floor.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Hi Vee, I agree with you totally. I'll take a crisp cotton sheet over the fancy high thread count any day!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info on your source.
Oh my, how I do love a good mattress, pillows and sheets that are just right.
ReplyDeleteMy sweet mother in law embroidered so many pillow cases for us over the years..... she's gone and so are the pillow cases....maybe I'll start some embroidery work/play.
Your bed looks wonderful...I love the quilt behind the bed!
Vee,
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes! Nothing better on a bed than crisp white cotton sheets. On our bed that's all we use (except in the cold of winter when the flannels come out).
And I agree with the thread count theory, too.
Every time I pull down the covers to get in bed, the sight of those beautiful white sheets makes me smile. And mine were NOT expensive.
I've really noticed a change in the feel, and wear of sheets in the last 5 years or so. Maybe these are the ones I'm looking for.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the pillowcases, and I may absolutely copy them...wouldn't they make nice Christmas gifts for my kids 'n their spouses...hmmmm...
have a blessed Lord's Day, Vee.
Niki
Oh, it is such a treat when you find something good and it all works out. Love the embroidery pillows too!!
ReplyDeleteWe are looking for a fridge now and all the monster fridges are too tall for our available slot.
xo Terri
I think sheets do make a difference but I can't tell you why. Maybe crisp sheets are like comfort food for the weary soul. Love the embroidery!
ReplyDeleteHave you noticed how some sheets get big creases in them and/or stretch out and how "you" stick to them? So glad you found nice ones. The pillowcases are great. Love the Vermont Country Store catalog.
ReplyDeleteOh, I should have never read this post! You are flinging a craving on me, LOL! I remember our visit to the Vermont Country Store many years ago on a trip. We spent hours in there, just exploring! Yes, we spend a lot of money too! I've not slept well in about a year now and willing to try to some nice sheets. The ones I have are all about 20-25 years old and percale. They do get tiresome after a while! Thank you so much for the information. And I love the little embroidery touch for whimsy...
ReplyDeleteOH I love nice sheets. I have lately begun to iron my pillowcases ..and it is worth the few moments to crisp them up.
ReplyDeleteYour pillowcases are darling. .love them.
I am really happy with 200 thread count percale, and I notice that this is what the Vermont Country Store sells.....I love that moment of getting into my cozy bed with a good book. Thanks for this interesting post, Vee!
ReplyDeleteYou can't beat quality bed linen - I love the patchwork behind the bed too, is that yours?
ReplyDeleteThe patchwork behind the bed, Cait, was a gift from my mother. Yes, she made it.
ReplyDeleteHi Vee,
ReplyDeleteI love how you embroidered these pillow cases. You are amazing. You should sit down sometime and read your old posts and travel the journey we all have the pleasure of reading. You have no idea how your words are so wonderful. Your posts are like reading a great book and wanting more.
I love the Vermont Country Store. And I can't tell you how many times my husband or I have purchased lovely sheets only to toss and turn. Thread count fooey, it's all about soft to me.
I love how comfy your bed looks, and lavender should make for a good night's sleep.
Have a lovely evening.
Karen
I bought a few really nice sets of cotton sheets at Coscto a few months ago and I've been very happy with them as they are smooth and durable and their price was wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI am familiar with the Vermont Country Store as I get their catalog and I've purchsed a few items from them over the years with wonderful service. Thye carry so many "hard to find" goodies :)
I love the embroidery you did on the sheets.. so sweet!
Hi sweet girl...the sheets are beautiful!!! The embroidery is what I love ~ so precious. I love the Vermont Country Store ~ I've bought a few sock monkey kits from them :) It's so good to find sheets you love, isn't it?? I'm a big fan of Ralph Lauren (or course at the discount stores) sheets. Wishing you a wonderful week my friend, hugs and love, Dawn
ReplyDeleteOh, that embroidery. How darling!
ReplyDeleteAnd I know what you mean about sheets. I love them crisp and smooth. There's something luxurious about stretching out in a freshly made bed before going to sleep.
I love it when fellow bloggers give "real" reviews of "real" products!
ReplyDeleteI love white cotton sheets, I buy mine at Costco, high thread count heaven :)
And yes, I do love catalogs, I like having something tangible in my hands :)
I saw that embroidery too, it turned out great!
I haven't been able to find sheets that i like. Thanks for the tip and I love your pillow cases!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Cathie