A Linoto Wedding Story

Linoto has officially entered the wedding canopy business…Well, perhaps the business remains unofficial, but earlier this month our very first stunning linen and lace wedding canopy (called a Chuppah in Jewish tradition) served as the centerpiece at the Linder/Fannin wedding in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.

A Chuppah serves as a symbolic representation of the home a bride and groom will make together as they stand beneath it to recite their vows. The significance of the four open sides represents an extended invitation into it to family and friends.

We are admittedly proud that the sun did its glorious part to alight the fabric and gently illuminate the faces of the happy bride and groom.

Wedding goers expressed their great approval with the white pompom trim and the floral motif eyelet. We at Linoto relished the praise and agreed that our handmade canopy looked exquisite set on four of nature’s finest white birch poles. 

We wish the couple a lifetime of beauty and happiness.

For more information about Linoto's wedding canopies please contact support@linoto.com.

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.

how to extend the life of your linens- oxygen bleach and air drying

Use oxygen bleach and line-drying to greatly extend the life of your sheets. At linoto we sell 100% flax linen sheets, curtains, napkins, and bath towels, but this information is useful for cotton items as well. Any reference to "linens" in this post refers to flax linen or cotton.


Everyone loves crisp, clean white linens. But if you've ever used chlorine bleach regularly, eventually your linens become yellow, brittle, and begin to tear or fray. That's because chlorine bleach is caustic and weakens the fabric. Chlorine bleach is also a very strong irritant to the skin.

How to use oxygen bleach:
The best way to safely whiten your linen sheets or cotton sheets is oxygen bleach, an environmentally safe alternative to chlorine bleach. Oxygen bleach works very well and doesn't damage the fabric with repeated uses. Oxygen bleach is only recommended for white linens. Use rubber gloves. Direct skin contact with oxygen bleach isn't recommended and it will dry out your hands! First, fill a tub with just enough warm water to cover the sheets, pour in a generous amount of oxygen bleach (approximately 1 cup for a large load of whites). The oxygen will create a foamy bath. Be sure the crystals are fully dissolved before you put the sheets in. Submerge the sheets completely, stirring occasionally. The trick here is patience. Soak your sheets for 12-24 hours for best results. The longer they soak, the better. One of the great benefits of oxygen bleach is that it's very difficult to damage your white sheets because it doesn't destroy the fibers as chlorine bleach does. Rinse and wash in the washing machine as usual. This process also works in the washing machine and is especially easy if you're able to pause the wash cycle.


Where to buy oxygen bleach:
You can find oxygen bleach in most grocery stores. You'll save time and money when you buy bulk quantities online. I prefer Oxy-Boost brand. You can purchase Oxy-Boost online at http://www.ecogeeks.com/

How to air dry your linens:
The drying machine drastically shortens the life of your bedding. The combination of hot, dry air and tumbling will quickly destroy even the most durable and beautiful fabrics. Traditional dryers also consume large amounts of gas and/or electricity. If you must use the dryer, set the heat to low heat or no heat. The worst thing you can do is leave your linens in the dryer until they are bone dry.

The trick to air-drying is to let gravity do the work. After the final spin cycle is complete, neatly hang the wet linens over a railing, shower curtain rod, or clothes line (folding them in half if necessary). Gravity will remove the big wrinkles. Remember to hang the linens neatly as they will dry in whatever state you hang them.

In some cases it may be useful to first dry the sheets in the dryer for 3-5 minutes on the lowest heat setting to re-orient the fibers and remove excess lint before you begin the air-drying process.

I hope this info helps you. If you have additional tips please share them with us.
If you're skeptical about the environmental soundness of oxygen cleaning products do your own research. I found an interesting post from someone trying to learn more about oxygen bleach.

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!