HANDBOOK WE
CHANGE THE WAY YOU SLEEP
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IMAGINE PULLING BACK A LIGHT, AIRY
DUVET AND SLIPPING INSIDE
A COCOON OF FRESHLY WASHED
COTTON .
YOUR HEAD TOUCHES THE PILLOW AND SINKS SLOWLY INTO ITS DOWN BODY. YOU ARE ENVELOPED BY THE SOFTNESS OF DOWN AND THE SUBLIMELY CRISP, COOL
THE
SHEETS AGAINST YOUR SKIN.
FEATHERBED HOLDS YOU THE WAY
YOU IMAGINE A CLOUD WOULD FEEL. YOUR EYES CLOSE, AND YOU SURRENDER TO
SLEEP .
NOT JUST AN ORDINARY SLEEP, BUT AN
EXPERIENCE OF LUXURY THAT WORDS ALONE CAN’ T CAPTURE.
WELCOME TO AU LIT FINE LINENS. WE
CHANGE THE WAY YOU SLEEP .
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS HOW IT ALL BEGAN pages 6-7
MADE IN CANADA pages 8-9
AUTHENTIC QUALITY SHEETS pages 10-15
OUR THREAD COUNT BAR pages 16-17
HOW TO CREATE YOUR DREAM BED pages 18-31
LINEN CARE pages 32-33
Q&A pages 34-35
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HOW IT ALL BEGAN In 1981, we opened Boutique Au Lit in Montreal, one of the first bed linen shops in Canada to offer pure cotton sheets instead of treated polyester. Soon we expanded the business to include a factory where we manufactured our own collection of linens, using the world’s finest cotton. Our philosophy has always been that luxurious linens don’t have to be exclusive, fussy or intimidating. Everyone should experience sleeping in authentic quality sheets. We spend about a third of our lives in bed, which is why we believe that an investment in quality linens is an investment in quality of life. At Au Lit Fine Linens, we are passionate about changing the way people sleep. We’ve created this handbook as a guide to help you create the ultimate sleeping experience.
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MADE IN CANADA
BY PEOPLE WHO TRULY CARE. We are proud to manufacture our linens at the same Montreal factory we opened in the early eighties. In an era when many companies have taken their operations overseas, Au Lit Fine Linens still makes everything in Canada. Having our own workshop allows us to do custom measurements, quick deliveries and to offer our customers the opportunity to help design their dream beds with personalized details. A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR SEWERS GIVES US BET TER QUALITY CONTROL .
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AUTHENTIC
QUALITY SHEETS There’s so much more to great sheets than thread count. It’s important to consider other factors which are often overlooked. THE 3 MOST CRITICAL COMPONENTS OF AN AUTHENTIC QUALITY SHEET:
1 2 3
THE TYPE OF COTTON: Long stem, Egyptian cotton is considered to be the best in the world.
WHERE THE FABRIC IS WOVEN: The weave is one of the most important components of a great cotton sheet. We prefer Italian mills because of their long-standing tradition of weaving, expertise and use of the latest technologies. Italy truly sets the standard.
THREAD COUNT: 200 thread count is as low as we recommend. An inferior thread count, called muslin, will be rougher to the hand and less durable.
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EGYPTIAN COTTON Egyptian cotton has prevailed as the finest cotton in the wo rl d . Wh i l e mo st co tto n i s m e ch a n i c a l ly collected, Egyptian cotton is still hand picked, which guarantees the highest levels of purity. Linens made of Egyptian cotton are softer, finer and last longer for the following reasons:
1
The length of the fibre allows for the finest of yarns without sacrificing the strength of the yarn.
Regular Cotton
2 3
Egyptian Cotton
The strength of the fibre makes fabrics more durable and resistant to stress. This leads to an increase in softness with every wash. Its ability to absorb liquids gives fabrics made of Eg yptian cotton deeper, brighter and more resistant colours.
TIP: PACKAGING SHOULD STATE 100% EGYPTIAN COTTON, OTHERWISE IT MAY ONLY CONTAIN A VERY SMALL AMOUNT OF EGYPTIAN COTTON.
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2
WOVEN IN ITALY We source most of our fabrics in Italy because their mills have a long, rich tradition of weaving cotton, and they use the finest Egyptian cotton in their quest for perfection. We have been working with the same suppliers in Italy for over thirty years, visiting them regularly to ensure quality and to build trusting relationships with the people whom we consider to be our partners.
There’s something uniquely exquisite about “Italian-made fabric the moment you touch it. You can actually feel the GENERATIONS OF PRIDE, PASSION, ARTISTRY AND ATTENTION TO QUALITY
that go into the weaving.
”
-JOANNA GOODMAN, CEO and Creative Director, Au Lit Fine Linens
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THREAD COUNT 101 Simply put, thread count is the number of threads woven into one square inch of fabric. It has become a buzz word in recent years and yet it is also one of the most misunderstood terms in the bedding industry. THERE ARE 2 TYPES OF WEAVES: PERCALE AN D COT TON SATI N. Percale is woven in a criss cross weave and has a thread count higher than 200. Cotton Satin uses finer threads and is woven in such a way as to give the fabric a sheen and a silky feel.
Percale Weave = Crisp
Cotton Satin Weave = Silky
Thread count and weave are personal preferences! The highest thread count in the world, which is somewhere around 1000, does not necessarily indicate the “ best� sheet. Some people prefer the crispness of a 200 thread count percale sheet; others might choose a finer, higher thread count cotton satin.
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OUR THREAD COUNT BAR If you invest in Egyptian cotton sheets with a superior weave, the thread count is truly a personal choice. Here is a descriptive overview of the different thread counts we offer: 220 PERCALE : It’s crisp and durable, much like your favourite cotton button-down shirt. Because of the superior quality of the cotton and the weave, our 220 TC sheets will soften over time, but never lose their crispness.
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410 PERCALE: Our 410 TC has the perfect balance of a soft, smooth hand combined with the durability and crispness of a percale weave. For those who love the silky feel of cotton satin but the crispness of percale, this is the sheet for you. 800 PERCALE: Our 800 TC percale is an exquisite blend of softness and density. It makes a cool, crisp sheet with an indescribably soft hand. This is a sheet that has to be experienced to be believed. 320 COTTON SATIN: Our 320 TC cotton satin (a.k.a. sateen) has a silky feel and, due to its unique weave, is also much finer than percale. Cotton satin eventually loses its sheen in the wash, but over time will start to feel as soft as marshmallows. 610 COTTON SATIN: Our 610 TC cotton satin has a silky, luminous hand. It is the lightest and finest of all our thread counts, and most resembles silk. 1030 COTTON SATIN: One touch tells you that this is the crème de la crème, a cotton satin sheet with a silky sheen as well as a heavier, more durable weight. Our 1030 TC is woven using extremely fine multi-ply yarns in both the warp and weft. All the yarns are counted in order to arrive at such a high thread count.
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HOW TO CREATE YOUR DREAM BED
THE ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS EUROPEAN DECORATIVE SHAM 25”X25”
DECORATIVE SHAM (Standard, Queen or King)
SLEEPING PILLOW PILLOW CASES (Standard/Queen or King)
THROW CUSHIONS
FLAT SHEET BLANKET COVER OR COVERLET DUVET COVER
FEATHER BED
DUVET (Inside Duvet Cover) BED SKIRT (Height: Top of boxspring to floor)
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MATTRESS PAD COVER FITTED SHEET (Height: Mattress + 4“)
TERMINOLOGY BEDSKIRT: Wraps around the frame of the bed to hide the b ox s p r i n g . If yo u r m a t t re s s s i t s o n a m e t a l f ra m e, a b e d skirt is essential. Bedskirts can be tailored with or without pleats, or gathered for a more feminine look. Always get an exact measurement for the height of your skirt so it’s not too short or dragging on the floor. Use a boxspring cover - similar to a fitted sheet - for a cleaner look. COVERLET: Also known as a blanket cover, blanket, or matelasse, it typically comes in cotton and is as versatile as a duvet. It can be folded at the foot of the bed to add texture to the decor, or pulled up over the bed and used as a lightweight blanket in the summer. The more layers of texture on the bed, the more finished and inviting it will look. DECORATIVE SHAM: A fancy word for a fancy pillow cover. We typically add two standard or queen decorative pillows in front of the “ Euro” pillows to fill out the bed. They can be stacked for a more contemporary look , or propped upright in a more traditional style. They are not usually used for sleeping. DUVET COVER: A zippered or buttoned decorative envelope for the duvet. The duvet cover can easily be removed and tossed into the wash without having to worry about laundering your duvet. You can pull the duvet up for a more traditional look, or roll it at the bottom. The duvet has a cozy, luxurious look and feel, in contrast to a stiff bedspread.
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EUROPEAN PILLOW: A 25”x 25” square pillow that is both decorative and versatile. Esthetically, “ Euro” pillows give the bed height and grounding, but are also wonderful for reading in bed, hiding rumpled pillow cases and even “posing” as a headboard if you don’t have one. Use two on a queen bed and three on a king. They are not typically used for sleeping. FEATHERBED: A feathe r f i l led m attre ss topp e r. Th i s Eu ropean luxury item is optional, but is truly like sleeping on a cloud. It will enhance the sleeping experience on any mattress, including a pillow top or on an inferior quality mattress, such as a Hide-a-bed. It sits on the mattress and beneath the mattress pad. It not only gives ultimate comfort, but also a more romantic, sumptuous look. MATTRESS PAD: A protective pad that wraps around the mattress. A mattress pad is non-negotiable for keeping the mattress clean. The same is true of pillow protectors, an absolute necessity for keeping your pillows clean and protecting against dust-mites. SHEETS: A complete sheet set includes pillow cases, flat and fitted sheet (with elastic). Make sure you know your mattress depth when purchasing your fitted sheet, as there are no longer any standardized measurements. The flat sheet is optional, but it’s nice to fold over if there is an embroidered header. THROW CUSHION: A small decorative cushion available in a variety of shapes and sizes. These are the best way to add bold colours and trendy patterns to your bed, or to match the walls and headboard while still keeping the foundation of the bed timeless. Add as many as you like!
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DUVET: Unlike a quilt or comforter, the duvet is usually filled with goose down (or clusters of synthetic filler that feel like down) and is covered by a duvet cover with a zipper or button enclosure. A good duvet will adapt to your body temperature and feel light in weight but perfectly warm while you sleep. PILLOW: The pillow you sleep on should be of a superior quality to your decorative pillow and often requires trial and error to get it right. A good pillow that suits your needs - soft, firm or somewhere in between - is the key to an extraordinary sleep.
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IN DEPTH
PI LLOWS One of the key components of a great sleep is the PILLOW . The best quality pillows are filled with white goose down or a blend of down and feather. Most quality down pillows are hypo-allergenic so everyone can enjoy them. HOW TO CHO OSE A PILLOW: SOFT: A good choice for stomach sleepers. Look for a pure white goose down pillow. MEDIUM: Preferred by back sleepers. Choose a pure white goose down pillow with more fill. FIRM: Ideal for side sleepers. Look for a feather and down blend. The more feathers, the firmer it will be. QUALITY WHITE GOOSE DOWN
A HIGH THREAD COUNT SHELL FOR SOFTNESS
DON’ T FORGET PILLOW PROTECTORS, THEY PROTECT AGAINST DUST MITES AND KEEP YOUR PILLOWS CLEAN.
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DUVETS Nothing compares to goose down! Down adapts to the body’s temperature so it’s not too hot in the summer, yet will keep you warm in the winter. A good duvet is an investment. You always get what you pay for. TIP: SYNTHETIC DUVETS ARE WASHABLE AND GREAT FOR KIDS OR UP AT THE COTTAGE WHERE IT CAN GET DAMP.
HERE’S WHAT YOU N EED TO KNOW WHEN CHO OSI NG A DUVET:
1
Make sure it’s white goose down, preferably Canadian or European. Trust the brand you’re buying. (Look for brands that are certified with Downmark, The Down Association of Canada).
2
The quality of down is measured in Loft (Fill Power). A lofting power of 500-550 is considered good, 550750 is considered very good, and 750+ is considered excellent. This doesn’t mean you can only buy 750+ and up, but understanding the difference will help you make an educated decision.
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3
Shell thread count should be above 300. The threadcount of the shell does affect how the entire duvet will feel. A silkier, higher thread count shell allows for the down to move around beautifully and does not “crunch” as some lower thread count shells do.
4
We recommend a baffle-box construction so the down remains evenly spread out. This eliminates clumping and cold spots.
DUVET CONSTRUCTION:
QUALITY WHITE GOOSE DOWN LOFT POWER: 500+
BAFFLE-BOX CONSTRUCTION
SHELL THREAD COUNT 300+
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STYLING THE BED The bed is the centerpiece of a bedroom and should be the launching point of your decor. We always recommend choosing the linens first. (It’s much easier to find a paint colour that matches your linens, rather than the other way around.) Select a palette you can live with long-term. Neutrals are popular in bedding because they are classic and timeless. If you want to be more daring, choose a neutral foundation and add pizzazz with decorative cushions or quilts in more vibrant colours. These bolder pieces can easily be replaced at far less expense than starting from scratch, and you’ve still got a beautiful bed that coordinates with virtually any colour. TIP: KNOW YOUR TASTE . TREN DS COME AN D GO, SO FOLLOW YOUR HEART. THE “ ULTI MATE” BED IS A LIFETI ME I NVEST ME NT. Q UALITY LI N E NS WILL CERTAI N LY OUTLAST THE CURRENT TREN DS. ( C H E C K YO U R WA R D R O B E T O D I S C OV E R YO U R FAVORITE COLOUR !)
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TRADITIONAL
au naturel
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MODERN
LINEN CARE Caring for quality bedding should not be intimidating. Here are some tips on how to care for your linens which will allow you to enjoy them for many years.
1
Machine wash your cotton sheets in lukewarm water, hot for whites, using a mild detergent. Avoid detergents that contain bleach or strong enzymes. Never use fabric softener on pure cotton.
2
Use a standard setting on your washing machine and ideally, hang to dry. A full hour cycle in the hot dryer destroys the cotton fibres and wrinkles the linens. If you do u s e the d r yer, remove l i nen s w ith i n te n m i nutes while still slightly damp, and finish drying them laid out on the bed, folded, or hanging.
3
Press, if necessary, while damp. (If they don’t stay in the dryer, you shouldn’t have to iron them.)
TIP: SKIN CREAMS AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS MAY STAIN OR DISCOLOUR YOUR LINENS. TIP: COTTON SATIN LINENS SHOULD BE WASHED IN COLD WATER BEFORE USE TO SET THE FIBRES AND PREVENT PILLING.
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Q &A I NEED A LADDER TO CLIMB INTO BED! HOW DEEP IS A MATTRESS SUPPOSED TO BE?
There is no longer a standard mattress depth. When you go shopping for linens, know the depth of your mattress (they vary from 8” − 20” in thickness). It doesn’t hurt to know the width and length as well. You should also know your bedskirt measurement which is from the top of the boxspring to the floor. A little preparation will go a long way to having each component fit perfectly. HOW LONG SHOULD MY LINENS LAST?
With proper care, Italian made, Egyptian cotton sheets can last many years. WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT MY FLAT PILLOWS?
Fluffing and shaking regularly will extend their life span. We generally recommend replacing down/ feather pillows every few years. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WASH MY SHEETS?
We recommend once a week. Not washing your sheets on a weekly basis may result in your natural oils setting into the fabric which causes yellowing.
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Q &A SHOULD I CHANGE MY BED LINENS EVERY SEASON?
There’s no need to change the entire bed, but you can freshen up the look by adding a brightly coloured cushion and white coverlet in the spring, or a dark cashmere blanket in the fall. You can also switch to crisp, cool linen sheets during the hot summer months. WHAT IS LINEN?
Linen is a natural fibre derived from the flax plant. It has a cool feel and a slightly textured hand which softens over time. The real beauty of linen is in its rumpled look and casual yet sophisticated style. IS THERE SUCH A THING AS “WRINKLE-FREE” SHEETS?
Yes. Polyester or chemically treated. ARE MONOGRAMS A TREND THAT WILL GO OUT OF STYLE? Monogramming is timeless. It’s a perfect way
to personalize your linens and makes a lovely gift for all occasions. DO I NEED TO USE A MATTRESS PAD?
Yes! It keeps your mattress clean and protects against dust mites.
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