Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Company's coming....
It's getting to be close to that time of year again.... the time of year where guests outnumber available beds. Are you prepared? Where is everyone sleeping this year? Us quails have found the perfect solution, CabinetBeds! Made in Canada, CabinetBeds give you additional comfortable sleeping space for your guests. It's sleek, doesn't take up much space and is super easy to use. We have tested this product in the Cottage and have had rave reviews. If you would like more information, or would like to order one for your own nest, please give us a call 250.467.3738!
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Sheets... what you need to know about selecting the dreamiest of sheets.
Choosing the perfect bedding can be intimidating... thread counts, different weaves, cotton, bamboo, polyester, organic... so many choices. So how do you choose?
Popular belief leads us to choose our sheets based solely on thread count... the higher the thread count-the better, right? Wrong. While thread count does tell us the number of threads per square inch, it does not tell us quality, feel, or composition. There are actually 4 factors that we recommend you to consider when selecting the dreamiest bed linens for your needs.
#1. Type & and Quality of Fiber
Of all the sheets out there today, most are made from cotton. The three types of cotton commonly used for bed linens are American Upland, Pima, and our favorite, Egyptian. American Upland Cotton is probably the most commonly used cotton today. Unlike the Upland Cotton, Pima is a finer, longer staple cotton (Upland is mostly short to medium long staple). The longer the staple of the cotton, the greater the fineness and the overall strength of the fibre. And the longer the fibre, the softer the weave. Egyptian cotton, grown in the Nile River Valley in Egypt, is renowned for its long staple length soft and lusturious yarn it produces. Because of the Egyptian Cotton's fine yarn, more threads can fit per square inch, giving it a tauter weave that will last significantly longer than a regular cotton weave sheet will.
Organic? If you suffer from sensitive skin or allergies, or prefer green products in your home, organic cottons are grown, harvested, manufactured, and packaged according to strict guidelines. Our Cuddle Down Organic Bed Linens have been GOTS certified... from the soil-seed-weaving-finishing are chemical and pesticide free.
Bamboo? Bamboo fibers have millions of micro-sized gaps which enable it to "breathe" better than cotton. The fibres expand when warm to allow skin to breathe and contract when cool to create more warmth. By doing so they adjust to your unique perfect sleeping temperature. They are also extremely soft and have incredible moisture wicking capabilities. See our 300TC Bamboo bedding sets.
Polyester? Polyester is a synthetic (man-made) fiber widely used in bed linens. It is easier to produce (than cotton), durable, and extremely cost effective. Used alone, it makes a crunchy sheet that often makes for a sweaty sleep. However, when combined with cotton, the polyester yarn gives the cotton a greater degree of elasticity. This is what makes a poly-cotton blend sheet less likely to crease after washing. It also helps hold the linen's shape and prevents shrinkage. Poly-cotton blends are most commonly found in motels/hotels/lodges who need a cost-effective product that can withstand heavy usage. Our Hospitality line of polyester-cotton blends have been tried and tested in large-scale hotels...they can withstand heavy laundering and continue to feel smooth and look fabulous.
#2. Were it is Woven
The best weavers in the world tend to come from Italy, Portugal, Germany, Israel and other European Countries. These weavers tend to have the loveliest end products: a softer and more durable sheet.
#4. Type of Weave
The two most common weaves are Percale and Sateen. No one is better than the other, it really is a matter of personal preference as to which one you like better.
Percale is a plain fabric weave where the warp and the weft ends cross over and under each other one at a time. The result? A tightly woven fabric with a fine texture and finish. See our lovely Cuddle Down 220TC Luxury Percale line of bed linens.
Sateen is a weave that produces a more luxurious look and feel as its warp ends interlace with the filling threads. Sateen weave fabrics have smooth, silkier feel. See our 500TC Egyptian Cotton Sateen bed linens from Cuddle Down if this is the type of weave you love.
#4. Thread Count
The most common mistake made when choosing bedding is that a higher thread count makes a better sheet... this is FALSE. Thread Count tells us the number of threads per square inch. And whether or not a 1000 TC is "better" than a 250TC pretty much boils down to personal preference. A lower thread count sheet (like a 220TC), produces a crisp cool sheet that will actually become plusher over time. While a higher thread count (like a 500TC), produces a lighter and smoother sheet due to the tighter packed finer threads.
At the end of the day, we spend a lot of time in our beds. Aside from looking fabulous, they need to feel fabulous. And if we are making beds for guests in our suites and bed & breakfasts, they need to be able to keep on being fabulous while enduring heavy laundering. Quail Cottage Amenities has so many fabulous types of bed linens to choose from...please contact us if you have any questions, or wish to see samples... we are here to help!
Popular belief leads us to choose our sheets based solely on thread count... the higher the thread count-the better, right? Wrong. While thread count does tell us the number of threads per square inch, it does not tell us quality, feel, or composition. There are actually 4 factors that we recommend you to consider when selecting the dreamiest bed linens for your needs.
#1. Type & and Quality of Fiber
Of all the sheets out there today, most are made from cotton. The three types of cotton commonly used for bed linens are American Upland, Pima, and our favorite, Egyptian. American Upland Cotton is probably the most commonly used cotton today. Unlike the Upland Cotton, Pima is a finer, longer staple cotton (Upland is mostly short to medium long staple). The longer the staple of the cotton, the greater the fineness and the overall strength of the fibre. And the longer the fibre, the softer the weave. Egyptian cotton, grown in the Nile River Valley in Egypt, is renowned for its long staple length soft and lusturious yarn it produces. Because of the Egyptian Cotton's fine yarn, more threads can fit per square inch, giving it a tauter weave that will last significantly longer than a regular cotton weave sheet will.
Bamboo? Bamboo fibers have millions of micro-sized gaps which enable it to "breathe" better than cotton. The fibres expand when warm to allow skin to breathe and contract when cool to create more warmth. By doing so they adjust to your unique perfect sleeping temperature. They are also extremely soft and have incredible moisture wicking capabilities. See our 300TC Bamboo bedding sets.
Polyester? Polyester is a synthetic (man-made) fiber widely used in bed linens. It is easier to produce (than cotton), durable, and extremely cost effective. Used alone, it makes a crunchy sheet that often makes for a sweaty sleep. However, when combined with cotton, the polyester yarn gives the cotton a greater degree of elasticity. This is what makes a poly-cotton blend sheet less likely to crease after washing. It also helps hold the linen's shape and prevents shrinkage. Poly-cotton blends are most commonly found in motels/hotels/lodges who need a cost-effective product that can withstand heavy usage. Our Hospitality line of polyester-cotton blends have been tried and tested in large-scale hotels...they can withstand heavy laundering and continue to feel smooth and look fabulous.
#2. Were it is Woven
The best weavers in the world tend to come from Italy, Portugal, Germany, Israel and other European Countries. These weavers tend to have the loveliest end products: a softer and more durable sheet.
#4. Type of Weave
The two most common weaves are Percale and Sateen. No one is better than the other, it really is a matter of personal preference as to which one you like better.
Percale is a plain fabric weave where the warp and the weft ends cross over and under each other one at a time. The result? A tightly woven fabric with a fine texture and finish. See our lovely Cuddle Down 220TC Luxury Percale line of bed linens.
Sateen is a weave that produces a more luxurious look and feel as its warp ends interlace with the filling threads. Sateen weave fabrics have smooth, silkier feel. See our 500TC Egyptian Cotton Sateen bed linens from Cuddle Down if this is the type of weave you love.
#4. Thread Count
The most common mistake made when choosing bedding is that a higher thread count makes a better sheet... this is FALSE. Thread Count tells us the number of threads per square inch. And whether or not a 1000 TC is "better" than a 250TC pretty much boils down to personal preference. A lower thread count sheet (like a 220TC), produces a crisp cool sheet that will actually become plusher over time. While a higher thread count (like a 500TC), produces a lighter and smoother sheet due to the tighter packed finer threads.
At the end of the day, we spend a lot of time in our beds. Aside from looking fabulous, they need to feel fabulous. And if we are making beds for guests in our suites and bed & breakfasts, they need to be able to keep on being fabulous while enduring heavy laundering. Quail Cottage Amenities has so many fabulous types of bed linens to choose from...please contact us if you have any questions, or wish to see samples... we are here to help!
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Introducing our newest line of incredible linens, towels, duvets and pillows... CUDDLE DOWN!
We are so excited to announce that Quail Cottage Amenities is officially offering Cuddle Down Ltd. products for sale on our website www.qcamenities.ca. So, why are we so excited? Well, there are really so many reasons....
#1. Top of our list... they are Canadian and manufacture their products in Canada!
#2. The Cuddle Down Label stands for quality. Their linens are impeccable, the down in their duvets
is the finest, and their towels are divine.
#3 We know that many of you have an affinity for stripes, swirls, colours, textures and patterns and
Cuddle Down products offer us so many lovely choices.
So come on over to our website www.qcamenities.com and check out our newest additions.... we don't want to keep these products just for ourselves (well, maybe some of them).
So come on over to our website www.qcamenities.com and check out our newest additions.... we don't want to keep these products just for ourselves (well, maybe some of them).
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Wrap up in all things WAFFLE!
Fall is in the air for most of us Canadians and for some of us, it really feels more like winter (there are already snowflakes falling out the window). Which is why this chilly little quail is ready to hibernate and curl up with good books, mugs of steaming tea, and everything waffle.
To compliment our waffle robes, Quail Cottage Amenities is excited to announce that we have sourced a new supplier for waffle bed linens and the softest waffle/terry towels.
Made from 100% cotton woven in Portugal, and fabricated in Canada, our new waffle bedding is beautiful and classy. Available in white, cream or slate, our duvet covers, shams, bed skirts and blankets will give your guestrooms a tranquil and inviting atmosphere.
Also woven in Portugal, our new 100% cotton Waffle Weave towels are luxuriously soft and provide a classic spa, clean look.
So wrap and keep warm little quails... by the looks of it, it is going to be long winter!
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Have guests but lack space? We have the solution... Cabinet Beds!
We have found the most perfect space saving sleep solution (at least we think so)! Unlike a wall bed, that you either have to have custom built or order a pre-made one that takes up an entire wall, Cabinet Beds are freestanding, compact, good looking, and super comfortable. They are the perfect solution for those of us who need guest beds and do not have a lot of space. Why else do we like them:
-No installation required. Freestanding.
-Transforms in 30 seconds.
-6" Trifold gel infused memory foam mattress for excellent sleeping comfort.
-All wood construction. NO MDF or particle board.
-High grade finishes with multiple stain and hardware options
-Large drawer for plenty of storage space.
-Supports up to 500 lbs.
-Queen and Double sizes available.
-Cabinet dimensions (closed)
Queen 42.5" high x 66.5" wide x 25" deep.
DBL 42.5"high x 60" wide x 25" deep.
-Made in Canada
-No installation required. Freestanding.
-Transforms in 30 seconds.
-6" Trifold gel infused memory foam mattress for excellent sleeping comfort.
-All wood construction. NO MDF or particle board.
-High grade finishes with multiple stain and hardware options
-Large drawer for plenty of storage space.
-Supports up to 500 lbs.
-Queen and Double sizes available.
-Cabinet dimensions (closed)
Queen 42.5" high x 66.5" wide x 25" deep.
DBL 42.5"high x 60" wide x 25" deep.
-Made in Canada
If you would like more information or would like to order one of these sweet little units, please contact us.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
The last little while....
We've been so busy at Quail Cottage that somehow four years have passed since our last blog (gasp)! Well, we've since ruffled up our feathers and are ready to devote more time to keeping our clients better up-to-date with the happenings around the cottage....some exciting tidbits we'd like to share include:
~Look for our new line of Canadian made, 100% cotton, and 100% lovely towels. While we really love our current assortment of white towels, we know that some of you will prefer shades such as "granite," "rattan," "indigo," and "twilight."
~We are stepping up our line of spa accessories with black salon towels and adjustable terry hair wraps.
~Luggage racks and Canadian made cabinet beds are also on the way.
~Lastly, the Dawson Creek quails are excited to provide local residents with custom window treatment consultations, sales and installation services! Call us @ 250.467.3738 if you live in the area and are in need of window coverings!
~Look for our new line of Canadian made, 100% cotton, and 100% lovely towels. While we really love our current assortment of white towels, we know that some of you will prefer shades such as "granite," "rattan," "indigo," and "twilight."
~We are stepping up our line of spa accessories with black salon towels and adjustable terry hair wraps.
~Luggage racks and Canadian made cabinet beds are also on the way.
~Lastly, the Dawson Creek quails are excited to provide local residents with custom window treatment consultations, sales and installation services! Call us @ 250.467.3738 if you live in the area and are in need of window coverings!
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