Linen Linens: Perfetto.

When all else goes wrong in a day, turn to the noble, the old, those things whose beauty and usefulness are intertwined.

Also, read about fabrics.

Why are bedclothes called "linens?" Because they originally were made from linen. You can still buy linen sheets. I was seduced by Cheryl Mendelson's description of them in her strangely beguiling book Home Comforts. The queen of fibers, she said. Great body. Crispness. The only thing for summer. (Prosecco for the bed?) The way they let air circulate around the sleeper, they way they don't cling. Prized through the ages for the way they come clean, cleaner than cotton...

Linen is made from the fibers of the flax plant. It is pretty much indestructible and does not lint or pill. Of course I had to have linen linens to know what sleeping in the 14th century was like, although I could only afford pillowcases. All the fine linen in the U.S. is imported, mainly from Belgium, Ireland, France, and Italy. It is apparently difficult and time consuming to make. (When I learned that, I was lost.)

Until they make phyllo pastry linens, then, or for the next twenty years, whichever comes first, I will enjoy these Italian cases.

Over a recent few hot nights here in New York, the fabric was a cool relief against our skin, even after just one washing. You can actually launder these sheets in the machine and even dry them on low in the dryer. But really I love them for how they look. Without ironing. Handsome, yes? Like the bed Juliet leapt out of.

Maybe someone will buy us the actual sheets. Mi piace molto l'idea.

Comments

[Sleeper]

Update: These are now the only pillowcases I want to sleep on. They are so much cooler and better-feeling than even crisp cotton, or soft cotton for you soft-sheeting fans, on summer nights.

I'm trying to account for why they're so good. They always feel clean; linen doesn't hold dirt. Also, flax fibers are much smoother than cotton fibers.

The feeling is a bit different than wearing linen clothing. The fabric always feels dry and soft against the face, yet breathes.

[Mary O'Grady]

I have been sleeping on Irish Linen for years. I got them from a comapny called Purple & Fine Linen. I love my real linen sheets and not only are they gorgeous to sleep in but they keep your skin soft. I wake up every morning feeling like I have had a facial. I can't wait to get back to my linen when I have been away. I am tempted to take my pillowcases with me next time, but that is probably going too far! Here is a link:
http://www.purpleandfinelinen.com/x696.html