A FREE bi-monthly home decorating ezine!
published by KatieDid Design
January 2002
brought to you by:
KatieDid Design
www.katiediddesign.com
mailto:contact@katiediddesign.com
Links for Subscribing and Unsubscribing
are at the bottom of this issue.
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December, 23rd 2001 ------ January 2002 Issue ------
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IN THIS ISSUE:
1. Editorial
2. SUBSCRIBER SPECIAL
- Scarves
3. TIPS & TRICKS
- Storage in the Bedroom
4. FEATURE ARTICLE
- Things to Know About Sheets
5. E-ZINE OF THE MONTH
- The Frugal Shopper
6. CHALLENGE OF THE MONTH
- New Year's Resolutions
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This free e-zine is published monthly for
9000+ subscribers. Thanks for joining us!
We do not spam, and keep a record each
subscription request.
Links for Subscribing and Unsubscribing, and
Advertising Information are at the bottom of
this issue.
Past issues are posted on-line:
http://www.katiediddesign.com/ezine.html
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Hello Dear Readers!
Merry Christmas! We're only 2 days off from
Christmas... are you ready? I'm not! It snuck
up on me this year. It'll be a wonderful
Christmas though... as I trust it will be for
you.
I've created an online version of my
Christmas card and newsletter that I'd like to
share with you all. No, this is not one of those
e-cards, this is my own creation on my own
website. If you'd like to see the latest
pictures of my family, or read my Christmas
newsletter, it's here:
I've got a new article for you this month.
It's the first in a collection called "Things to
Know About Bedding." It was a suggestion from my
mother. She was purchasing some bedding and
learned there was more to it than she thought.
When she told me, I wasn't surprised... getting a
proper fit and look is more complicated than just
knowing it's a full-size bed, for example. She
asked me to write an article for the rest of you
and share what I've learned. There is too much
information to pack into one article, so I'm
going to divide it up. This month is "Things to
Know About Sheets." I highly recommend that you
read this before you purchase your next set of
sheets.
Well, I won't chatter on anymore, but let
you all get on to the good stuff, and get back to
your Christmas preparations. (...continue
enjoying your gifts if you've waited 'till after
Christmas to read this!)
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Growing Business Needs Your Help!
I'm looking for 5 hard working and determined
individuals to expand my profit sharing team -
NO investment required! Find out more at
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contact Shannon at mailto:kjarvies@amigo.net
Visit
or email Shannon
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1. SUBSCRIBER'S SPECIAL
- Scarves
This month I'm offering 10% off all orders
for Scarf window treatments! Scarves are, of
course, one of the most versatile window
treatments available. They can be made from
almost any fabric, and hung to suit any style of
decorating! So think about your home's windows,
and let me know what you'd like to order!
Scarves:
http://www.katiediddesign.com/wt-scarves.html
AOL-ers:
Scarves
Or send me an e-mail:
mailto:katie@katiediddesign.com
AOL-ers:
Click
And don't forget that you've got a few
days left to take advantage of the December
Subscriber Special on Shams! You can
receive 15% off any pillow shams, in any size or
style! All flanged shams are corded and padded,
for optimum form and style, and all ruffled or
pleated shams have nice, full ruffles and pleats.
Or go for a more unique look, and order some
that use more than one fabric, or one with button
decorations! There are tons of possibilities!
What would you like?
Shams:
http://www.katiediddesign.com/bc-shams.html
AOL-ers:
Shams
These offers are available to anyone
who is already a subscriber, or who subscribes
when they place their order. Just tell me what
you'd like and mention that you're a subscriber.
If you have something in mind right now, drop me
a line and ask!
mailto:katie@katiediddesign.com
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2. Tips & Tricks
- Storage in the Bedroom
Do you need some more storage space in your
bedroom? Perhaps for out-of-season clothes, or
Christmas decorations? Just turn your bed on an
angle, and center it in a corner. In addition to
your under-the-bed storage, you now also have
behind-the-bed storage. And you'll be surprised
how much more wall space you now have in your
bedroom as well!
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Want an EASY DIET that really works?!!
All natural AND doctor approved!
SAFE for ALL AGES!
Go to: http://www.diet4u.net/default.asp?id=10376
AOL-ers:
click here
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3. FEATURE ARTICLE
- Things to Know About Sheets
Are you thinking of purchasing some new
sheets? There are some things that you need to
know before you go out shopping! These tips can
really save you the lost time, frustration, and
money, and help you choose the right bedding the
FIRST time.
Sheets are the basics, the foundation, of
your bedding. They're next to your skin and they
are what can help or harm your valuable night's
sleep! There are three things to consider when
you purchase sheets. The first is the fiber or
content and weave. The second is thread count,
and the third is size.
CONTENT & WEAVE
It is very important that
you know the fabric content of the sheets you are
considering. They are made from cotton,
cotton/polyester mixes, polyester satin, silk,
flannel, and probably more! Cotton and
cotton/polyester mixes are the most common.
Cotton gives comfort because it breathes - You
will be warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Polyester does NOT breathe, but it also doesn't
wrinkle as easily as cotton. This is why many
companies sell cotton polyester mixes. They are
attempting to find a good balance between the two
that will be comfortable, but not wrinkle. Satin
sheets are usually polyester satin, so they'll be
smooth and luxurious feeling. But remember that
they will not breathe, and you will have to deal
with static. Silk sheets are pretty rare, due to
their high prices. Silk is a natural fiber, so
it breathes and is comfortable just like cotton,
but it has an extra luxurious feel. Flannel
sheets are an either-you-like-them-or-you-don't
thing, I think. You just have to try them to
know if you like them.
If you've decided to go with cotton sheets,
you still have a lot of deciding to do. You'll
find that there are different types of cotton,
and different ways that it is woven. Egyptian
cotton is considered the softest, smoothest, and
finest cotton in the world. Pima (or supima)
cotton is also extra soft and smooth. And any
cotton, whether it's Egyptian, Pima, or just
regular cotton, can be woven several ways.
There's the regular weave... woven the same way
that linen is woven - one thread over, one thread
under, etc. Then there's Sateen (not to be
confused with Satin). Sateen sheets are woven
four threads over, one thread under. This makes
it feel softer but also makes it less durable.
Between the two is Pinpoint, which isn't too
common. Pinpoint is two threads over, one thread
under.
Your choices will often be (in order of
quality and price): - Egyptian cotton sheets
woven regularly (you get the very best cotton, in
the most durable weave) - Pima cotton sateen
sheets (you get a softer cotton, woven as a
sateen to make it feel as soft as Egyptian
cotton) - 100% cotton sheets (standard cotton
woven either regular or with the sateen weave) -
or what is often advertised as "cotton rich"
sheets (a cotton/polyester blend woven the
standard way).
And there's one more option that's becoming
popular lately; jersey knit. This is a different
type of weave. Any of the above cotton types can
be woven as a knit. It'll be just like a
T-shirt. Tthe main thing to remember with these,
is that they can stretch... especially on the
diagonal. You don't have to worry about
wrinkles, though!
THREAD COUNT
Thread count - the number of
threads per square inch - is also extremely
important. The higher the thread count, the
softer, smoother, and more durable your sheets
will be.
Anything under 200 threads per square inch
will NOT be very comfortable... it will pill
quickly after just a few washings, and feel rough
to the skin. These are usually made from a
cotton/polyester mix. Bed-in-a-bag sets often
include these low-quality sheets. If the item
description doesn't advertise the thread count,
then assume that the fabric's thread count is
under 200.
Sheets that are a 200-250 thread count are
in the standard economy range. They're going to
be pretty basic - not too bad, but nothing
special about them either. You will find some
that are 100% cotton, and others that are
cotton/polyester. It is rare to find the
higher-quality cottons in these thread counts.
Sheets with thread counts of 275-350 are
usually quite luxurious. Different manufacturers
combine these higher thread counts with
higher-quality cottons and sateen weaves. They
are trying to achieve maximum softness and
comfort at competitive prices. One will sell 275
thread count sheets made from 100% Egyptian
cotton. Another will downgrade the cotton to
Pima cotton, but will weave the cotton as a 350
thread count sateen. You'll need to check each
combination for yourself to see what you prefer.
If you want high-quality sheets like these, be
prepared to spend $100 to $200 for a complete
set.
Finally, you will sometimes see sheets that
are advertised as 400-thread count. Be
careful... many of these are a double-layered
weave. Although you will have 400 threads per
square inch, the weave will NOT be finer than a
300 thread count sheet. It will be heavier
instead. You may like the weight, or you may
not. Just read the package carefully to make
sure you know what you are buying.
SIZE
Contrary to how retailers make it seem,
choosing a sheet size is not as simple as knowing
whether your bed is twin, full, queen, or king.
Yes, thankfully mattress width and length
dimensions do adhere to standard measurements,
but their depth does not!
Before buying your sheets, you MUST measure
the depth or height of your mattress. Mattresses
are continually getting thicker every year, and
sheet manufacturers are struggling to keep up.
Often, they'll just change the 'fits up to'
description on their packaging, without really
making them any deeper. I recommend that you
take their recommendation with a grain of salt.
If they say that their fitted sheet fits
mattresses up to 15" thick, it will... but your
15" mattress might not have any sheet UNDER it at
all! It might just barely cover the sides.
Personally, I can't stand to see the bottom edge
of the sheet riding up the side of the mattress.
Because of this, I recommend making sure that
your fitted sheet fits says that it fits
mattresses at least two inches deeper than yours
is. So if you have a 15 inch thick mattress, get
a fitted sheet that says it fits mattresses up to
17 or 18 inches thick. If you can't find one
that deep, then check the store's return policy
before you buy the sheet.
Fitted Sheets also come in two extra sizes,
extra-long twin and California King. Both fitted
sheets are about 4" longer than the standard
fitted sheets. If sold in sets, the flat sheet
is usually the same as a standard.
Just remember that a sheet is more than just
a big square of fabric. Give yourself plenty of
time to shop around so you can get exactly what
you want. And take advantage of the Internet!
It is a fabulous tool for sheet shopping. Not
only can you find out what retailers carry, but
many manufacturers also have their products on
their websites with links to the retailers that
sell them. Here are some of my favorite sites
for shopping for sheets:
RETAIL STORES
JCPenney: http://www.jcpenney.com
Bed, Bath, & Beyond: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com
Bryland Home: http://www.brylanehome.com
Net Linens: http://www.netlinens.com
Strouds: http://www.strouds.com/
MANUFACTURERS
Springs/Wamsutta: http://www.springs.com/
Royal Velvet: http://www.royalvelvet.com/
Have fun!
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This article Copyright 1999-2003 - Kathleen Peters, KatieDid Design. Reproduced with permission.
Kathleen Peters - 'Katie' - is a custom window treatment and bedding designer, and owner of KatieDid Design, her online shop. She is also the editor-in-chief of Decor, Decorating, and Design, a free bi-monthly ezine filled with articles, tips, and guidelines to help with your home decorating.
http://www.katiediddesign.com
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Southern Living At HOME(TM). Bring the pages of
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friends and family! Be the first in your town
to be a part of this exciting Party Plan company.
E-mail mailto:Liveinthesouth@aol.com or call
256-685-2567.
AOL-ers click here to e-mail.
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4. E-ZINE OF THE MONTH
- The Frugal Shopper
Do you like sales and discounts? This ezine
is full of deals, online coupons, discount
offers, freebies, and anything conceivable that
can help you save money when you shop! Try it
out! Visit The frugal shopper or subscribe
through email
The Frugal Shopper:
http://www.thefrugalshopper.com
AOL-ers:
Visit
Subscribe through email:
mailto:webmaster@thefrugalshopper.com?subject=subscribe
AOL-ers:
Subscribe
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5. CHALLENGE OF THE MONTH
- New Years Resolutions
I'd like to encourage you to consider two
things this year, before you make any
resolutions. First, is it really important? And
if it seems so, why? Take home decorating, for
instance, since that's something we're all
interested in. Please don't put a decorating
project on your list, just to keep up with the
latest style, or with Ms. So-and-so. Only put it
on your list if it has a worthy reason behind
it... to make your home more welcoming to friends
and family... or to make it more relaxing for
your husband (and you!) to come home to.
And second, make sure that you can lay out a
plan to complete it. Otherwise, why make it?
God bless, everyone!
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Remember, if your decorating isn't fun, it isn't
worth it. So enjoy it!
-Katie <><
KatieDid Design
http://www.katiediddesign.com
e-mail:
mailto:design@katiediddesign.com
PO Box 381235
Murdock, FL 33938-1235
1-877-KATIEDID
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Your FREE subscription to this e-zine
is brought to you by:
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Don't hesitate to forward this newsletter to
friends and associates, but please ask for
permission before reproducing the content in any
form -- I would just like to know who you are,
that's all. Thanks!
Copyright 2001 KatieDid Design - All
rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced in whole, or in part, without the
express written consent of the publisher.
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