Linoto- at home in the Garment Center!

I am pleased to announce that Linoto has moved our workshop and offices into to a fantastic, sun-drenched new space in the heart of New York City’s garment district. We're minutes from Times Square and The High Line park. In the morning, I commute on my bike through Central Park.  Arriving each morning to a space with plenty of windows and high ceilings is such a joy. I'm very excited about hanging plants to add a bit more joy to the space.

With added machines and a larger cutting table, we will operate more efficiently. This is also a perfect space for photo shoots.  The addition of special drying racks allows us to conserve on electricity by cutting out nearly all of the mechanical drying. The linen sheets are fluffed for only a few minutes then hung over tall racks to finish air drying. This air drying method is the secret to soft, luxurious, linen sheets. 

Here, Edina, works on the same machine she's used for years, but moved in front of a large sunny window on 39th Street. Making large items like linen coverlets and linen duvet covers requires space for cutting, sewing, washing, packing, and storage. Making high-quality, hand-made linens requires a talented and dedicated staff of very skilled artisans who can notice every detail and finish each item with care and precision.

As we move into autumn, I hope you'll celebrate the exciting move for Linoto. I am eternally grateful for all of the wonderful customers who have purchased Linoto linen sheets,  tablecloths, and other beautiful home accessories. Look for our upcoming Linoto blog posts about the fantastic new short film, Be Linen Movie by Benoit Millot. , New linen qualities in pale blue, warm gray, and graphite, as well as a linen coverlet and shams with luscious silk filling!

Sweet Summer Naps!

Spring has finally arrived to those parts of the world that have been starved for that sun-on-skin sensation. Mother Nature has finally bestowed the kind of weather that begs for short sleeves and outdoor cocktails.

Most people prepare for the warmth of summer by moving coats into the cedar closet and replacing them with light jackets and galoshes. In kitchens from coast-to-coast, hot teas are placed in lemon filled glass pitchers and set to chill. But in the bedroom, while a blanket or two might be folded up and hidden away for the season, cotton sheets somehow remain the status quo 365 days a year.

No one can deny the sweetness of that satisfying moment when hot skin rolls over to land on a cool piece of fabric. Its only downside is in the brutal fact that it ends too soon. But what if it could last longer than a few pleasant seconds? What if that moment could last all night long?

It can. Linen sheets are the answer to enjoying an entire night spent with the thrill of the cold-side-of-the-pillow. Linen, on top of being supremely ecologically sound (no part of a flax plant – from which the fabric is made – goes unused) also boasts a natural ability to regulate and maintain a comfortable body temperature.

The ability for linen sheets to breathe is truly unparalleled. For anyone who likes to be covered to sleep, no matter the temperature, linen never grows uncomfortably heavy or warm – perfect for summer slumber. The texture of Linoto linen is soft, silky and breezy, and our colors are as bright, bold and exciting as those of any synthetic fiber.

It's finally time to change your bed sheets and get ready for summer!

Linen Sheets: online comparison shopping

I founded linoto because I love linen sheets. As a designer I enjoy creating beautiful things that feel special to me and to others. Also, I was unable to find colorful, affordable linen sheets in modern styles. Occasionally I like to see what's available from other lines. I searched online for queen size real flax linen sheet sets (flat sheet, fitted sheet, 2 pillowcases) shipped to New York, NY. My results are listed below.

I did not find tremendous innovation in styling or customization from most manufacturers. The biggest surprise is the lack of information on fitted sheet depth. It's great that Williams-Sonoma offers monogramming, although that makes the items non-returnable. The Linoto Belgian Eco-linen is certainly of the same quality (and likely from the same mill) as that sold at Frette for more than three times the price. I love the colors at Belgianhuis. Bed skirts are also an excellent offering. But Linoto remains the most affordable option for 100% linen sheet sets in a wide range of colors and styles. Linoto also allows you to choose from two mattress depths and 2 pillowcase styles. I'm sure I did not include every linen sheet line in my survey, but I'd love to hear from others searching for linen sheets. I hope this is helpful.

linoto
$299.00-$312.00
price includes shipping
fitted sheet is offered in 10-13" standard depth or 14-19" deep pocket
you choose pillowcases or shams
available in 19 colors
made in USA
arrive washed with biodegradable laundry soap

Frette
$1,735.00 if you live in a state with a retail location or $1600 if not
fitted sheet depth not provided
1 pillowcase type to choose from
white, ivory, natural available

goodnightnaturals (AreaSimone)
$698.94
price includes $8.72 shipping
fitted sheet depth not provided
1 pillowcase type to choose from
white, midnight, charcoal available

goodnightnaturals (Matteo bedding)
$603.72
price includes $8.72 shipping
fitted sheet depth not provided
1 pillowcase type to choose from
white, greige, earth available

Belgianhuis
$502.00
fitted sheet depth not provided
1 pillowcase type to choose from
many colors available

Rawganique
$452.75
price includes $15.75 shipping
fitted sheet depth not provided
1 pillowcase type to choose from
ivory, natural available

Williams-Sonoma
$386.88
price includes $32 shipping and handling + $25 in taxes if you are in a state with a retail location.
fitted sheet depth not provided
1 pillowcase type to choose from
(monogramming available)
white, ivory, natural available

Cuddledown
$362.95
price includes $22.95 shipping and handling fee
available in white, ivory, natural
fitted sheet depth 14"
1 pillowcase type
made in USA

GarnetHill
$353.95
price includes $18.95 shipping and handling fee
available in plum or bark only (as of 5/19/09) no white
fitted sheet depth not provided
1 pillowcase type to choose from

In the last 2 years, little change has occurred in the affordability of linen sheets. Only 1 company, Linoto, offers 2 fitted sheet depths (10-13" standard depth or 14-19" deep pocket). This is important because mattresses come in many depths. Only 3 companies, Linoto, Belgianhuis, and GarnetHill, offer linen sheets in colors beyond white, ivory, and natural. The most affordable company to purchase a queen size set of linen sheets is Linoto.

welcome to the linoto.com blog!

Thanks for visiting the linoto blog. Our site launched on Monday, June 25th 2007. We're really excited to offer beautiful, high quality 100% linen sheets.

The choice to design and sell linen came from my own desire for affordable and stylish linen sheets. When I began shopping around it seemed that every set of linen sheets was $1,000 dollars or more and only available in styles that seemed fussy and rather old-fashioned.

I decided to have a set of linen sheets made for my king size bed. I searched for the perfect weight, sophisticated colors, and the softest hand-feel I could find. There are so many beautiful colors and patterns in linen fabrics because linen accepts and holds dyes in an amazing way. It actually becomes more luminous and beautiful when it's washed! When the sheets were finished I replaced my 800 thread count sateen sheets with my new linen sheets. The linen sheets were so soft and cool. The linen sheets just felt so natural and organic. And the weight of the linen was so much more luxurious than the cotton sheets. With every wash the linen sheets became softer and cozier.

I reached a point about 2 months in where I only wanted the linen sheets on my bed! My evening ritual of showering just before bed and climbing in between the cool layers of linen was so calming and luxurious that I decided to create linoto and share the linen sheet experience with everyone who appreciates beautiful, special things in their home.

So linoto was born from my desire for 100% linen sheets in colorful, modern styles at affordable prices. I hope you enjoy sharing your experiences with me!