Cotton Sheeting

How long should my bed sheets last?

Cotton Sheets from InnStyle — 310 Cotton Sateen Sheets

This is a question asked frequently by both our innkeepers and by our customers for home use.

For home use & hospitality use, with proper care, fine bed linens (depending on the sheets you purchase-this is why I state “fine linens”) can last for many years. It is best to alternate the use of each set on a weekly basis for home use. For innkeepers, of course, sheets need to be changed each time a guest checks out and a new guest arrives. Innkeepers will find that most sheets will need to be replaced sooner (than a homeowner) depending on how often their turnover is of guest occupancy in their properties. Three sets of sheets for each bed is a good guideline to follow for hospitality and for your home: one on the bed, one in the wash, one in the closet. In between each use, launder and store your linens in a well-ventilated space. For best results when laundering, use a non-chlorine bleach and a gentle liquid detergent. Wash on a gentle cycle with warm water. Tumble dry until slightly damp. Over drying or drying on too hot a setting is the single biggest factor in reducing the life of your sheets.

Continue reading Cotton Sheeting →

Wrinkle Free Sheets Everyone Loves

There is something luxurious when you slip in between cotton sheets. We think it is because nature designed the perfect fiber for softness and comfort. The finer characteristics of cotton have been praised for thousands of years, and today cotton is synonymous with quality, comfort and beauty.

Softness
The unique shape and dimensions of cotton fibers naturally result in softness.
Year Round Comfort
Cotton bed linens keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Launders Beautifully
Cotton releases soil easily so bed linens was clean and smell fresh throughout their wear life, and cotton sheets become even softer through washings and use.

Our most popular sheet is one that we manufacture and have been offering for over eight years, a 600 Pima Cotton Wrinkle-Free Sheet that innkeepers and their guests both love! There have been many articles written praising this sheet. Guests will come to the innkeeper asking if she/he has been ironing the sheet when they, the guest, are out for the day. That is how nice the sheet looks and feels on the bed! There is nothing better than sleeping on a 100% pima cotton sheet and being wrinkle-free certainly adds to the attractiveness to both the innkeeper and to the guest!

Here is what our Innkeepers say about these sheets:

Fig Street Inn ~ We have missed the 600TC wrinkle free sheets.

Boathouse Bed & Breakfast ~ These are the best sheets. Our guests love them and glad that they are back.

The Inn Style Wrinkle Free Sheets always had a nice sturdy weight, never puckered, and kept their sheen. That weight contributes to the quality, wrinkle resistance, and makes these sheets unique among all I have tried.

I was very happy to see the return of this item (wrinkle free sheets). We received a sample pillowcase last week, washed it, then washed it again, ran it through the dryer each time. Each time it came out beautifully. Finally we have our sheets back!!

~Dennis Ynclan – Owner Daytona Ocean Front Rentals & Sales, LLC

Thank you . . .we love the sheets at a fraction of what we had paid. . .I greatly appreciate having you to talk with about our needs and then being able to to focus our purchases in a “one stop shopping” manner. Your personal attention to our requests is outstanding.

~Dan and Robbi Boone, Owners – Alamo Street Victorian Inn

To order these 600 thread count wrinkle free sheets, or any fine linens you see on our website, give us a call at 1-800-977-4667.
Customer attention and satisfaction is our hallmark.

The Beauty of Wrinkle-Free Sheets

Excerpts from Online Shopper
The New York Times
By MICHELLE SLATALLA
Published: March 22, 2007

“To get to the bottom of the mystery of wrinkle-free fabric that stays wrinkle-free, I phoned Cotton Inc., a trade organization, which researches fiber as part of promoting the interests of cotton growers.”

“To get wrinkle-free sheets, the fabric should be finished the same way as for wrinkle-free khakis or wrinkle-free cotton shirts,” said Lee Snyder, the associate director of technology implementation, who has been working on specialized wrinkle-free finishes for Cotton Inc. since 1974.

Continue reading The Beauty of Wrinkle-Free Sheets →

The Beauty and Durability of Microfiber

Microfibers are used in a variety of fabrics, but most commonly in dress and blouse weight garments. They are very fine fibers, compared to more conventional forms − half the diameter of a fine silk fiber, one-third the diameter of cotton, one-quarter the diameter of fine wool, and one hundred times finer than human hair!

Although fine and lightweight, microfiber is anything but flimsy.

What is Microfiber?

In order to be classified “microfiber”, the fiber must be less than one denier. A denier is the weight, in grams, of a 9000-meter length of fiber or yarn. The higher the number − the thicker the fiber.

The many tiny fibers of microfiber are able to slide back and forth and maneuver around within the yarns of the fabric, allowing the fabric to flow and drape freely, yet still possess body and shape. Microfiber fabrics are generally lightweight, resilient or resistant to wrinkling and have a luxurious drape and body, retain shape and resist pilling. They are also relatively strong and durable in relation to other fabrics of similar weight.

How Microfibers are Manufactured

Man-made fibers are formed by forcing a liquid through tiny holes in a device, called a spinneret. In microfiber, the holes are finer than with conventional fibers. Potentially any man-made fiber can be made into a microfiber, but are most commonly found in polyester and nylon. Micros can be used alone, blended with conventional denier man-made fibers, or natural fibers such as cotton, wool and silk.

Benefits of Microfiber

Since these fine yarns can be packed tightly together, microfibers are especially useful in garments that require water repellency and wind resistance. Yet, the spaces between the yarns are porous enough to breathe and wick moisture away from the body. Microfibers seem less “clammy” to wear, and is the perfect choice for warm weather and athletic clothing.

Caring For Microfibers

Garments made of microfiber can usually be cared for similar to garments made of conventional fabrics. Fabrics made from regular polyester and nylon fibers can be machine-washed and tumble dried. Use of paper dryer sheets is not recommended because temporary spotting from the heat of the dryer may occur. Liquid fabric softener use is not a problem.

Viscose rayons perform best when dry-cleaned, however. As a general rule, fiber properties, not the fineness of the fiber, usually dictate recommended care. It is important that one follow the care instructions on a particular garment.

A few precautions should be observed when caring for microfibers. Because the fibers are so fine, heat penetrates the fabric more quickly than conventional fabric. As a result, glazing, melting or scorching can occur quickly. If pressing is necessary, use only a cool iron and do not leave the iron on the fabric too long.

As with any fine garments, avoid use of jagged jewelry that may cause pulls, snags or creates general abrasion.

The Future of Microfiber Garments

The strength of microfibers make them particularly adaptable to suede or sandwashed finishes, such as polyester and nylon, because of their extensive fiber surfaces and use of strong fibers. As such, suit jackets and bottom weights are becoming increasingly available in microfiber. Micros are becoming increasingly the fabric of choice in clothing such as lingerie, rainwear, outdoor fleeces, wind-resistant sportswear, track and jogging suits. Many microfibers simulate the appearance of sandwashed silk and are excellent for use in utility fabrics for use in tents and sleeping bags.

Microfiber garments are generally durable and provide long-lasting wear, despite their fine silk-like feel. Enjoy microfiber garments in your wardrobe!

SFERRA’s Easy-Care Table Linens: the Advantages of Ring-Spun Polyester Yarn

SFERRA, the preeminent supplier of fine Italian table linens, traces its roots back to the late 1800’s and the grand seaside resorts of the East Coast of the United States. Catering to the sophisticated tastes of a wealthy and discerning clientele, the very name SFERRA became synonymous with exquisite bedding, bath and table linens that reflect refinement and luxury– a deserving reputation which lasts to this day.

Sferra Orchard Tablecloth-Wholesale Fine Linens — Orchard Tablecloth

SFERRA continues its century-old tradition of excellence, capturing the elegance and beauty it is famous for in two styles of easy-care table linens, Orchard and Juliet. These styles grace table cloths, dinner and cocktail napkins, placemats and table runners.
Both styles are constructed of yarn-dyed woven jacquards using ring-spun polyester yarns (as opposed to open-end spun which is constructed more quickly and less expensively but yields a lesser-quality yarn). The ring-spun polyester yarns used to create both the Orchard and Juliet styles take five times longer to manufacture, and results in significantly stronger and softer fabric. Other benefits of ring-spun yarns over lesser quality open end yarns include:

Superior soil release properties
Greater resistance to fading and discoloration
Twice the tensile (i.e. capability of stretching) strength
Higher abrasion resistance and durability
Lower pilling propensity
Improved wrinkle resistance
Enhanced color retention
Lighter weight fabric with a more luxurious and natural drape

Sferra Fine Linens for the Hospitality Industry — Juliet Tablecloth

Ostensibly, the only difference between the Orchard and Juliet styles is aesthetics. The Juliet is comprised of elegant lattice pattern that comes in Fern, Ocean, Persimmon, Taupe and White.

The Orchard boasts graceful scroll work and comes in Butter, Cinnabar, Ivory and White.

Unlike the debonair sophisticates that first enjoyed the luxury of SFERRA linens over a century ago, today’s discriminating consumer has the capability to research for themselves, and make an informed decision, about the investment in quality that SFERRA represents.

View our large selection of fine table linens – many styles, fabrics, sizes and colors available. Or call us Toll Free: 1-800-877-INNS (4667).

Pinterest and the Innkeeper

Pinterest is the current “it” social media site. It empowers users to organize and share images that they find compelling and/or beautiful by posting them onto virtual “boards” that they create. It also enables users to browse images posted on the boards created by other users.

Saying that Pinterest is hot is an understatement. It’s downright nuclear. According to Experian, Pinterest has become the third most popular social network site in the US in terms of traffic, and became the fastest standalone website to exceed the 10 million visitors per month mark – ever. 80% of Pinterest users are females between the ages of 25 and 45. Daily Pinterest users have increased 145% alone since the beginning of 2012, according to Mashable.

The most impressive aspect of Pinterest is its capacity to enthrall its participants. On average, Pinterest users spend 89 minutes per session browsing, engaging, pinning and repinning. In comparison: YouTube visitors stay on average of 16.4 minutes, Facebook users stay 12.1 minutes and Twitter users stay a paltry 3.3 seconds per session.

It is projected that the site will account for 40% of all social media driven purchases in 2012. This statistic alone (if the other statistics weren’t inspiring enough) should be reason for innkeepers to take a dive off the vision board and take a swim in the Pinterest pool.

A quick search of “bed and breakfasts” on Pinterest.com yields hundreds of boards and thousands of inviting pictures of properties from around the world. Shouldn’t your property be represented on this popular, engaging, interactive, free website?

Are you ready to get started? Here’s how:

Apply for an account—although the site is “invitation only”, securing an invitation couldn’t be easier. Simply go to the site, submit your request and wait a day or two for your request to be granted. There is no benefit to log on using your Facebook or Twitter account since Pinterest doesn’t integrate with Facebook business pages (yet).
Create and name your multiple boards– consider what your guests and potential guests may search for and/or enjoy. Use descriptive, keyword-rich words to help users of the site to find you (and your Inn!!)
Feature stunning pictures of your property, and mouthwatering images of your breakfast food and inviting table arrangements. Capture the fun/relaxation/sight-seeing opportunities that await your guests.
Pin photos from your website or blog — By pinning new posts, you add links back to your blog—which creates traffic. Adding links from your Pinterest profile from your website and other social media sites adds further increases opportunities to be found by an interested targeted audience. It’s a two-fer bang for your marketing efforts! Don’t forget to add a pin to your website so web visitors can share your content on Pinterest as well. Ask customers to share photos of them enjoying their stay with you.
Spread the love—engage with other Pinterest users by visiting their boards and commenting on their pins. It’s amazing how quickly these positive vibes come back to you and spread virally (in a good way!). The more you participate, the better your results will be, as fellow users return the favor.
Most importantly: avoid making your Pinterest participation all about selling your business. Pinterest, like all other social media platforms, is intended to be a sharing devise, not a sales devise. As quickly as positive vibes spread, negative vibes can damper spirits as followers get the sneaking suspicion that they are being “sold” (no one likes to be sold).

Pinterest is a fun, appealing, practically addictive (you’ll see…) way to emphasize your brand, showcase the benefits of your establishment and make new friends from anywhere in the world…one picture at a time.

Care Tips for Fine SFERRA Bed Linens

Since 1891 SFERRA has been the purveyor of the world’s finest luxury sheets, distributing beautifully refined linen to the hospitality, private label, retail, and wholesale industries. Serving more than 1,000 of the finest luxury and home lifestyle stores worldwide who carry their premium Italian-woven sheeting and top-of-bed supplies, SFERRA is proud to count Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Horchow, and Bloomingdale’s among its stable of discerning customers. SFERRA fine linens are also sold internationally in Canada, Europe, South America and Asia.

As an educational service to its luxury boutique market, SFERRA provides SFERRA UNIVERSITY. “SU” readers are encourages to ask questions about the products and product care. Below is a question posed by a SU reader:

Q: What is the best way to care for your bed linens?

A: Caring for your bed linens can be easy if you follow some simple suggestions. In return, you will prolong the life of your bed linens and preserve their beautiful appearance. While SFERRA bed linens are made from natural fibers that generally can be machine-washed at home, please be sure to read the care label on each item for best results.
Washing – Pre-wash your linens before first use. Separate your linens from other items in the wash, especially those containing polyester, which tends to create pilling, and items with heavy zippers, which can damage the fabric. Separate light and dark colors. Avoid overloading the washing machine, which can cause fibers to break down from excessive abrasion and agitation. You can wash most linens in warm water on a gentle cycle with a cold-water rinse, but be sure to check the care label.
Detergent – Use a mild detergent without added bleach, whiteners, or fabric softeners. Do not pour detergent directly on textiles; rather, add it to the water as the wash tub fills or dilute detergent with water, then add linens. Unless linens are very soiled, you only need to use half the recommended amount of detergent.
Bleaching – Chlorine bleach will weaken fibers and cause the fabric to yellow. If white fabrics need bleaching, use only an oxygen-based bleach.
Drying – While line drying outdoors is gentle, safe, and imbues linens with the fresh scent of the outdoors and natural bleaching of the sun, it is not always practical. You can machine dry most linens on low heat, but be sure to check the care label. Shake out damp linens before placing in the dryer. Never use a high heat setting, which will weaken the fibers, damage the fabric, increase shrinkage, and shorten the life of your linens. Remove items from dryer promptly, while still damp, to minimize wrinkles. Smooth and fold, or press with an iron, if desired.
Ironing – Check to make sure your steam iron is clean – mineral deposits could cause brown spotting. Iron linens while still damp. To restore the lustrous face of sateen fabrics, iron on the reverse side. For embroidered linens, iron them on the reverse side atop a towel to preserve the three-dimensional effect of the embroidery. Use a press cloth to protect delicate lace and cutwork.
Shrinkage – All natural fibers will shrink to some extent, but in most instances we generously overcut our products to allow for shrinkage. Do not wash or, especially, dry linens on a hot setting, which is most likely to damage the fabric and intensify shrinkage. Always follow instructions on care label.
Storing Linens – Store bed linens in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Linens stored long-term should be wrapped in white cotton, muslin (old pillow cases work well) or acid-free paper. Avoid storing linens in plastic bags or boxes, which can cause permanent yellowing; natural fibers need to breathe. Cedar chests can also yellow or streak fabrics.

For more information on wholesale fine linens by Sferra call us at 1-800-877-4667 or visit our website. At InnStyle we will provide you with the correct product for your particular property – all at wholesale pricing—with the personal service that you deserve.

Wrinkle Free Sheets Our Customers Love

We always like to share comments our customers make, but our Wrinkle Free Sheets have created quite a ‘buzz’.

About our Wrinkle Free Sheets

We have been using these sheets since 2008. They have been fantastic, our laundry service, housekeeping, and of course our guests have commented on how nice the sheets are, and where they could buy them. We were very distressed in 2010 when they were discontinued and bought up whatever inventory you had back then.

At that time I thought there are a lot of “Sateen Sheets” that said they were wrinkle resistant I had seen from retailers. The problem with retailers is getting the quantity needed, with each store only carrying a few sets of sheets, but I had to try. I started buying sets of these sheets and taking them home to wash. None of the so called “wrinkle resistant” sheets where in fact wrinkle resistant. If the fabric didn’t show wrinkles the stitching all puckered up in one washing! The quality of every set I tried was very poor. It didn’t matter where I bought them, what the thread count was (400, 500, 600, or 1000!), the stitching puckered or the sheets wrinkled on one washing. The other noticeable difference was how thin all the other sheets were, and again the thread count did not matter, all were very thin.

The Inn Style Wrinkle Free Sheets always had a nice sturdy weight, never puckered, and kept their sheen. That weight contributes to the quality, wrinkle resistance, and makes these sheets unique among all I have tried.

I was very happy to see the return of this item. We received a sample pillowcase last week, washed it, then washed it again, ran it through the dryer each time. Each time it came out beautifully. Finally we have our sheets back!! ~
Dennis Ynclan – Owner Daytona Ocean Front Rentals & Sales, LLC

The Boathouse Bed & Breakfast ~ can not tell you how happy we are that the Wrinkle Free sheets are coming back!

Fig Street Inn ~ Can’t wait to see them! We have missed the 600TC wrinkle free sheets.

Boathouse Bed & Breakfast ~ These are the best sheets. Our guests love them and glad that they are back.

Pre-order the only Truly Wrinkle Free Sheets. !00% Cotton – 600 Thread Count Sheets save time & Money. Manufactured by InnStyle. Delivery Scheduled for July 2012.
Phone 800-877-4667 To Place your Wrinkle Free Sheet Order!

Sleeping on Wrinkle Free Sheets

Excerpts from Online Shopper
The New York Times
By MICHELLE SLATALLA
Published: March 22, 2007
E-mail: Slatalla@nytimes.com

“To get wrinkle-free sheets, the fabric should be finished the same way as for wrinkle-free khakis or wrinkle-free cotton shirts,” said Lee Snyder, the associate director of technology implementation, who has been working on specialized wrinkle-free finishes for Cotton Inc. since 1974.

He said you treat the cotton with resins so that the hydrogen bonds in the fabric stay flat, instead of getting all wrinkled up.

“Does the chemical treatment wear off?” I asked.

“No,” he said. “It should last as long as you’re using the sheet.”

That’s all I needed to hear. Eagerly I rushed to my computer, typed Innstyle.com into the keyword search box and prepared to elevate my bedding to the next level.

“The source for innkeeper supplies and linens since 1952,” the site announced, and the rest of the text on the site — phrases like “innkeepers only” and “wholesale supplier” — made it clear that retail orders weren’t encouraged.

I decided to investigate anyway. That’s how I stumbled upon a product description of 300-thread-count wrinkle-resistant sheet sets, 100 percent combed cotton with a sateen weave, available in four colors (sage, white, blue and cream).

I phoned Susan Sternthal, the site’s co-owner, and told her my story.

“This happens to people all the time,” she said. “I had my own nephew just stay in a hotel. He said, ‘I want those sheets.’ I said, ‘If you don’t tell me the name of the hotel, I won’t know what sheets they used.’ ”

“If I tell you the name of the inn where I stayed, will you sell me the same sheets?” I asked.

Ms. Sternthal said: “We had a retail linen store for 53 years in Pennsylvania, but we closed it last year, and now we’re not looking to sell to the general consumer. I will tell you that now.”

She paused.

I felt a glimmer of hope.

“But we will still take retail phone orders,” she said.

Then she added: “No returns. That’s because my manufacturers aren’t going to take it back unless it’s really damaged.”

Before she could change her mind, I said, “The inn where I stayed was called Cornucopia at Oldfield.”

Ms. Sternthal said, “Let me see what she buys.” She looked up the information. “She buys the 300-count sheets for the twin beds and the 600-count sheets in king size.”

“I slept in a king-size bed,” I said.

“Then the 600,” she said.

“I don’t see them on the site,” I said.

Ms. Sternthal said: “There was a change of who was manufacturing them, and for some of our customers, if the color didn’t match, they had issues. So we still stock some of the 600-count sheets for people who ask. But they aren’t shown on the site.”

I said, “While I have you on the phone, can you tell me what blanket they had on the bed at Cornucopia?”

“She bought the waffle blanket cover, the 60-40 cotton blend,” Ms. Sternthal said.

“I’ll take that, too,” I said.

“I’ll have one of my sales reps call you with retail prices,” she said.”

Our best selling 600 thread count ‘wrinkle free’ sheets are available in limited quantities, but more are on the way. Get your orders in now to be assured of shipment on “innkeepers’ most popular wrinkle free sheet style”. To order , please contact us at 267-354-6020 or toll-free at 1-800-877-INNS (4667).

Wrinkle Free Sheets

The InnStyle 600 Thread Count – 100% combed cotton Wrinkle Free Sheets are back. Limited quantities currently available, but we are taking pre-orders for the next shipment.

Here’s what our Innkeepers are saying about these sheets:
We have been using these sheets since 2008. They have been fantastic, our laundry service, housekeeping, and of course our guests have commented on how nice the sheets are, and where they could buy them. We were very distressed in 2010 when they were discontinued and bought up whatever inventory you had back then.

The Inn Style Wrinkle Resistant sheets always had a nice sturdy weight, never puckered, and kept there sheen. That weight contributes to the quality, wrinkle resistance, and makes these sheets unique among all I have tried. .

I was very happy to see the return of this item. We received a sample pillowcase last week, washed it, then washed it again, ran it through the dryer each time. Each time it came out beautifully. Finally we have our sheets back!!
~Dennis Ynclan
Owner Daytona Ocean Front Rentals & Sales, LLC

Our best selling 600 thread count ‘wrinkle free’ sheets are on the way. Get your orders in now to be assured of shipment on innkeepers’ most popular wrinkle free sheet style. To order , please contact us at 267-354-6020 or toll-free at 1-800-877-INNS (4667).