Lisa Linen Lady

Music to Dream By - My Tribute to Etta James, "At Last"

2012-01-20T19:59:00.000-08:00

Put Your Head On My Pillow.

Discover the beauty that was Arrelle

Visit our on-line shop at http://stores.ebay.com/Luxury-Linen-Liquidations

Feel the Beauty. Enjoy the Comfort while listening to this outstanding rendition by Etta James' most famous song, "At Last." Arrelle Fine Linens is closed but I can still share this tour of beautiful beds with you which I shot at our store in downtown Chicago. Discover a landscape brimming with irresistibly soft,high thread count Egyptian cotton sheets and duvet covers. Fabulous Bed Ensembles featuring elegant coverlets, blankets, pillows, embroideries with items of cashmere, silk and merino wool.

The Truth About Thread Count - Tips for selecting sheets.

2011-11-07T21:22:00.000-08:00

Is thread count all you need to know

when buying sheets? Not necessarily.

It’s just one of several factors that

contribute to the overall quality.

Good quality cotton percale sheets usually start in the 200TC range. Excellent quality sateen sheets may be found in the 300TC range or higher and are usually made of Egyptian cotton. However, a higher thread count is not always an indicator of better quality. In fact Egyptian cotton sheets in the 300 thread count range are frequently superior to the 1000TC bed linens that are now appearing in the mass market. Many of the best luxury linen companies refuse to state their thread count except to say that they are high.

The truth is that thread count calculations can be misleading. There are a few other things to consider.

The starting quality of the cotton actually has greater impact on the final fabric. The best cottons have long fibers (or staple) which are needed in the creation of soft, durable yarns. Better quality sheeting is made of Egyptian cotton because of these properties. The raw materials must be cleaned and processed in the making of the yarn which also contributes to the hand. Better cottons also wear longer and feel more comfortable.

A high thread count sheet woven from and inferior cotton lacks physical integrity and can literally fall apart. A long-staple fiber is the best starting material because it can be spun into a thinner, stronger thread. (Note that as thread count increases, the individual threads must get skinnier in order to fit into an inch, and therefore need to be stronger.) Thread count calculations increase if the yarn is double twisted or a multi-ply construction is used. The type of weave (percale, sateen, jacquard, twill, etc.) will also influence the texture and the feel of the sheeting.

Finally, the sewing and finishes should be examined. As with quality apparel, the sewing should be top notch with tight stitching.

The above image shows a variety high quality sheeting. Aside form color and design, what YOU like is more of a personal choice. Different sheets and manufacturers have there unique qualities. Durability and care issues should also be a factor in your selection.

So don’t look at thread count alone when you purchase sheeting. The vendor's reputation and history in the marketplace is worth knowing before you buy. Go to a store with expertise in fine linens, purchase the best quality you can afford and work with experienced salespeople who will guide your selection. They will be able to give you the additional insight you need.

or Contact me. I'd be happy to be your guide.

Lisa Rosenberg at lisa@arrelle.com or 312-320-5527

LuxuryLinenLiquidations my new eBay store (Discounts of 50% or more on select linens)

Creating A Personal Style in Your Home Decor

2011-11-06T22:16:00.000-08:00

Comments below are in response to blog post

Bare Witness:Trimming the Fat

at TheWhole9 (Artist Blog)

In my Home Decor Business, when clients are starting a project, I frequently ask them about their personal style. Are they looking for something traditional, contemporary, transitional or eclectic? Do they want a formal tone or prefer things more casual. Are they a "Less is More" kind of person, or do they prefer a "More is Not Enough" sort of approach?

I understand the “Less is More” idea, having worked in advertising. I remember KISS: (Keep it Simple, Stupid.) We are forced to sift through an avalanche of information daily and the public has less than two seconds to react to your message.

"Less is More" is a trend

in Home Decor.

Its a way of eliminating

the unnecessary,

making our visual

environment uncluttered.

I see the value in that.

There is also something

to be said about the

concept of LAYERING:

Implementing variations of

a theme, texture, color or

arranging our favorite objects.

I like to mix relics,souvenirs

from the past with recent acquisitions;

textiles with curio items and china. I try to tell a story.

When decorating

consider all your ideas

(even the silly ones.)

Distill them to the most

essential components

necessary to address

your lifestyle.

"Less is More" is a way to simplify your life.

On the other hand,

I embrace my

Insane Collections:

Fine Linens, China, Glassware, Antiques, Toys, Dolls . . .

Honestly, I'm not sure I trust people

who don't have "stuff".

I also don't like wasting

potentially useful things.

I enjoy re-purposing the discarded & broken.

I use these treasures for my garden, home decor

and future art projects. My brain is a beehive of activity and my home is my canvas. Its where I live - so I want to enjoy it. So should you.

You should LOVE your home.

I believe in having a joy of living and applying that to my life.

Design is ever evolving.

I think both approaches can be valid depending on your personal decorating style and the circumstances of the moment. You can go both ways. It's your decision.

La Vita e` Bella!

Decorating your home and need advice?

Whether making improvements in the Garden or the Home - You don't have to do it all at once.

BUT YOU STILL NEED A GAME PLAN.

Just call me at 312-320-5527. Take advantage of my In-Home Decor Service or visit me at my home, conveniently located just blocks from the Kennedy at the Irving Park exit.

Also make sure to check out our new eBay store at LuxuryLinenLiquidations. We are updating the site daily (50% OFF or more)

Lisa's House of Dreams

2011-07-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

These dog days of Summer really take me back to 2005. That Summer we participated in the annual River North sidewalk tour of designer dog homes on behalf of the Anti-Cruelty "PAWS" Auction. About 20 retail stores specializing in Home Decor competed, all belonging to the now defunct Chicago Furniture District. I spent 4 solid days making this in my garage at home in unbearably humid 95+ degree heat.

On the day of the Auction I had a sign out next to the Dog House in front of the store: Tin Dog on a Warm Quilt Roof
ENTRY by ARRELLE FINE LINENS, created by Lisa Terracina
(AKA Lisabeth Rosenberg) description follows:Creature Comforts: This little bit of doggie heaven was crafted using remnant couture fabrics from Arrelle Fine Linens. Every surface, inside and out, is lined with softness to create a comfy retreat for a special canine friend.
Materials: A fantasy of color decorates the exterior of this pet shelter with unique Swiss Prints made of Egyptian cotton or solid silk chenille fabrics. The square-tiled roof was created using a rich navy-quilted cotton sateen coverlet. The floor is lined with a 100% wool fleece mattress pad, which also protects the inhabitants of the house from the screws used in the construction of the shelter. The interior walls are lined with a combination of wool mohair, silk taffeta and silk cotton chenille and silk charmuse diamond-shaped quilting. The ceiling finished with the original wood for a rustic outdoorsy ambiance. Furnishings include a soft boudoir flannel jacquard pillow with a faux fur Himalayan Alpaca throw. Inside on the wall is a small hand-made doggie painting (by me). Poseable metallic finished dog included.

Unfortunately, the day of the event the streets were blocked off by vans for the filming of the "Dark Knight" Batman Movie. I do like to dream though, being the eternal optimist that I am. I imagined that maybe one of the movie stars appearing in the movie would see it and place a bid. My house was definitely designed with the intention of being a visual fantasy (yet totally functional) than the dog houses submitted by the more corporate retailers who participated. (What do you expect from an artsy type like me?) I thought it would highlight the range of interesting couture fabrics and colorful European bed linens that we carried at our showroom. I did think that some Hollywood type would HAVE TO HAVE IT. Wrong. Unfortunately, because of the filming and the vans blocking the sidewalks few people saw it.The opening bid was $350 with a "Buy It Now" price of $1850. Several of the more conservative dog homes by various corporate entities sold immediately in the $2000 range. On the day of the walk my house had a bid of $600 which was later withdrawn two days later. In the end no one bought this house so it was donated to Katrina Victims after it languished at the PAWS office for 6 months.

I have no idea if dogs or people are living there now.

Objects of Beauty -The Design of Everyday Things

2010-12-02T20:10:00.000-08:00

Today I was reading a review about a book titled, "The Design of Everyday Things"

As a designer I was intrigued as this very idea had become a burning question for me during the process of renovating a historic 1880 home. The house was a wreck which I purchased in 1982, a year after living in one of the apartments. This 3-flat, like many of its day, had undergone numerous incarnations evidenced by the illogical hacking of rooms and mysterious stairways that led to nowhere. I imagined that it probably had been turned into a boarding house during the depression.

But I loved it - and now it was mine - providing a place for me to live, a shelter, a studio in the basement, cash flow with 3 additional apartments and a big yard near downtown Chicago. Made of red brick and on two city lots, this was my castle, even if it was in the middle of one of the worst neighborhoods in the city, Wicker Park; inhabited by wild dogs. It was a place I could finally sink my teeth into, knowing that if I replaced a curtain or painted a room, I wouldn’t be subjected to moving anytime soon. My improvements would be part of a continuum and if I wanted to play my flute or blow on my sax as loud as I could, I could do it to my heart’s content.

After living there for nearly eight years my husband (who courageously moved there two years after I bought it) & I decided to renovate it with central air & modern finishes. The bonus was that because it was on a historic block, we could capture one-third of our expenditures in the form of a tax credit.

My mission was of the utmost importance: addressing the structure and retaining its Victorian charms; modernizing the kitchen and bathrooms but, without ripping it guts out, along with its soul; like so many wayward attempts to modernize Chicago’s architectural gems into to ill-conceived condominiums and vacuous lofts.

Much research went into my project. I poured over numerous books on Victorian buildings. What types of designs and dimensions were appropriate, wallpapers, floor in-lay and attention to detail with the intent of preserving and enhancing the graceful bones of the original architecture? My vision was to re-fashion this Italianate outcast and create a precious jewel with the care and thoughtfulness it deserved, erasing years of neglect.

I was looking for everything beautiful –especially knowing that we’d be rewarded with a hefty tax credit, receiving a dollar back for every three that we spent.

As I paged through catalogs and architectural magazines I came across the Kohler Pillow Talk sink and toilet. The very word “toilet” seems so beneath the essence of this iconic sculpture and its regal deco lines. Never could I have imagined a more beautiful sink. I chose the perfect adornment: The Kallista’s Waterfall faucet which emits a picturesque curved slice of water just like Niagara Falls –although much less turbulent.

As for the master bathroom upstairs, I was a bit dismayed by the size. It was way too big. I would rather have seen the extra space dedicated to our bedroom, but due to historical considerations, the outer face of the house had to conform to the original elevation, determining the placement of the walls. OK, I could live with that. The bedroom would be a bit snug with an absolutely sybaritic sized bathroom and I chose my décor accordingly.

I was giddy at the thought, remembering the bathroom we were replacing: a 3 by 5 foot structure whose minuscule sink overhung the profile of the bathtub. Next to it was a crusty vertical heating pipe which had been painted many times. I once scorched my ass on it when I bent down to pick up a towel. In a way I was going to miss it as it was a great source of humor for entertaining guests during dinner conversations.

On my many travels to the Merchandise Mart, I happened to find the Hastings Showroom where I found the tile and medicine cabinet of my dreams. There was really no need to look any further except perhaps for the faucets (which were in an adjoining room) for what would be a stellar bathroom. The tile was quite exquisite. I loved the beige and gray slats intermingled, replicating the weave of a basket. For the back drop of the tub I would stick to a tone on tone beige weave, a visual retreat of serenity.

Although our contractor had quoted a three month time frame from start to finish, that didn’t seem realistic. Projects take longer than what are originally intended and in anticipation of possible delays, we signed a 9 month lease at Presidential Towers with the ability to extend our lease for as many months as required. I never lived in a high-rise before and was excited at the prospect when I heard that the top floor was available. It was a snug 950 foot apartment for us and our two cats but it would be just fine since we were simultaneously building-out our new store near-by, within walking distance. This allowed us the luxury of escaping the asbestos dust of our Wicker Park digs & relying on a single car. But eighteen months later, we were bursting at the seams and felt the urgency to leave our not so temporary apartment and move back into our mostly finished home. The appliances were not yet installed but, the toilets were functioning and we had hot water in the shower. I had no problem cooking on a hot plate. I was looking forward to finally stretching my legs and getting back to my many boxes of stuff; things that would take months, no years, no decades to locate.

The whole renovation was a story in itself but what astonished me most was the total lack of integrity that existed among respected design firms. Surely the function of the toilet and water faucets had been mastered years ago? But to my surprise they were not. I was in utter shock. Oh well, these were just small details, in the grand scope of things.

We had a beautiful home and it was time to celebrate and share our bounty. We filled our house with food, family and friends –me acting as hostess & capable French maid serving hot appetizers. Yes, the powder room? It’s right over there, to the right.

Forty seconds later: THE TOILET IS FLOODING, THE TOILET IS FLOODING!! - So inappropriate when serving crudités. Sorry folks, you’ll just have to step around the mess while I get my mop and clean up.

As it turned out, it was just a small problem, one that could be simply solved by proper jiggling of the toilet handle. Gently jiggle four times up & down, and then a once to the right, just so, and the toilet will flush beautifully every time – that is until you are juggling a houseful of guests.

Being trained in the traditions of the humble potter, I remembered my studio days learning the art of crafting a handle for a cup, the idea of Form and Function. Be sure to design an object with appropriate dimensions, a cup should be held up to the lips and feel good, the handle on a knife should be designed for its grip, to be comfortable to the hand when being used. And my husband and I were just embarking on a new venture: an exclusive European linen boutique, whose whole premise was based on the notion that a sheet should both look and feel beautiful. My entire fortune and future was based on the hand of the cloth.

So why it is that beautiful bathroom faucets and modern toilets (whose technology was mastered well over a century ago) are not also designed to function? The problem with the toilet of our luxurious apartment could be solved with a written explanation to each party guest upon entering the door if you wanted to have a proper gathering. And the waterfall faucet - it cut a beautiful curve, but upon reaching the interior of the sink, it would splash out its full volume right onto your shirt. Tisk, tisk.

I never had these problems in my former days growing up in a middle-class home or as a student in the many dwelling I inhabited during college. Sears & Kenmore were the standard. I had never heard of Sub-Zero or Gaggenau, the producer of designer German ovens. The Subzero refrigerator engineers obviously never tested their product with the elderly or the infirmed. You needed the strength of Samson to open the door of the freezer once you closed it and my ice maker died at least two dozen times during its first year.

As for the breath-takingly beautiful sybaritic master bath, at least one of the five light fixtures that came with the medicine cabinets would burn-out constantly and we could never find the bulbs at any lighting store. We had to resort to exotic channels that required mail delivery by the caseload. The Kallista faucets handles would never stay put because the valve stems didn’t fit the handles -and I had that marble handles cut specifically to match the tile which I so loved at the Hastings showroom. Was it possible that a company famous for making the most beautiful kitchen and bathroom hardware didn’t know how to match the gearing or use a metal that was up to the task? Apparently not. And don’t even mention customer service of which there was none from either showroom or the manufacturers.

This story can go on and on and on. We created a modern Victorian fantasy and a beautiful home but it came at the cost of my sanity and calm - and fifteen years to iron out all the kinks.

The moral of the story is that if at all possible, try to stick with items that have a track record. Marvel at what you see at the showrooms but be skeptical when you purchase unless you have guarantees because in the end you will want things that actually work and do more than just look pretty. The End.BTW, my double oven died and I am now looking for a replacement. Product endorsements are among my specialties but please be prepared to get an honest evaluation. I am a voracious cook.

Lisa Rosenberg's Home Design Service

2010-11-02T23:41:00.000-07:00

You may already know me as the “L” of Arrelle Fine Linens, with my husband Robert serving as the” R”. (Alright, the secret is finally out.) Regretfully, we closed our River North Showroom, this last August 4, 2010 after 30 years of continuous service.

During that time we were able to provide our customers with extraordinary collections of European couture and fine textiles in a beautiful environment for experiencing these private luxuries. As a business, we were instrumental in setting the tone in the field of luxury linens and recognized by the textile industry.

Being Italian, and a connoisseur of comfort and beauty; I have to admit that I feel a bit lost without our beautiful boutique. Besides working on the sales floor and in the back office, I have been the buyer, creative director, merchandiser, public relations person and the marketing arm of our business for the last 23 years.

Times have changed. My son is now 16 and we have closed our doors. When the housing market collapsed, business became unsustainable. My husband would like to do something else now. Business is not what it once was for the independent retailer and regretfully, most people are not decorating their homes in the same fashion as before.

Still, I am hopeful that there are some you who can appreciate my creativity and the extra degree of attention and hospitality which I can provide. Here are some fabulous home accents which you can purchase from us direct at our eBay Store, LuxuryLinenLiquidations . Check it out - New listing daily! Follow our tweets at @LuxuryDiscounts .

Discover that essential estate piece needed to accent your Living Room. I can help you locate furniture & artistic accents. I will advise you on paint color, household textiles and work with you to create an overall design plan to match your lifestyle. Let me be your “Go-To” person or personal shopper. I have no problem staying within a budget and will guide you appropriately. It is my pleasure to serve you.

Please call me to set up an appointment. Our Chicago residence is a lovely setting and conveniently located just a few blocks west of the Kennedy Expressway from the Irving Park exit. I have knowledge and access to extraordinary resources which I can make available to individuals, as well as, corporations and the hospitality industry.

Yours Truly,

Contact me by phone at

312-320-5527 (and leave a message)
or email at: lisa@arrelle.com

Lisa Rosenberg (aka @Lisa1LinenLady, on twitter)

Lisa Flowers Comfort Shop

2010-08-14T21:45:00.000-07:00

Technology has evolved to create a myriad of opportunities for efficiency. Yet, there is a point where simplicity is golden – the ability to absorb our surroundings in a natural way.
I would still like to believe that there is something to be said for discovering wonderful destinations and indulging in comforting places. My goal is making that place your home. To touch and feel the beauty of your personal environment; to experience the cordial expertise and warmth of the human hand. Despite having to close our River North Showroom (Arrelle Fine Linens) and working there for 25 years ; it's something I want to continue to provide.

Somehow, something is lost looking through the lens of a video camera or computer screen. Give me a call to set up an appointment; take advantage of my creativity and my personal touch. Try my new In-Home Design Service.

P.S. The photo above is a Girl Scout Reinventing The Wheel Badge (Trying to get another one).

Interior Design Consultant
Fine European Linen Expert: Bed & Bath, Table
Contract Sales - Hospitality, Logos, Private Label
Couture Fabrics,Fabric Customizations
Monogramming, Embroideries, Lace, Woven Designs
Lisa's Oven: Eclectic Cuisine, Food Science,
Italian Cooking, Kosher-Style,Meat,Vegetarian, Vegan
In-Home Parties & Events, Demonstrations
Party Planning, Catering, Floral, Table Decor
Product Research, Testing & Endorsements
Life Style Consultant
How to be Green: Reuse & Repurpose
Gardens, Flowers, Arranging w Imagination
Gift & Bridal Registry Assistance
Business/High-End Retail Consultant
Lisa's Vintage Finds: Home Decor Trash to Treasure,
Estate Furniture, Antiques & Fine Art
Artist: Painter, Sculpture, Ceramics
Real Estate Staging
Corporate Gifts
Personal Shopper
Speaker,
Fluent in Italian

Service with a smile. I'll hold your hand.

Call me anytime:

Lisa Rosenberg
Former Buyer & Creative Director,
of Arrelle Fine Linens
Contact me at:
lisa@arrelle.com
or call my cell at 312-320-5527
www.arrelle.com
OK for viewing, under revision (Shopping cart is currently disabled)

Getting Inspiration - In All The Right Places

2010-05-20T12:31:00.001-07:00

I am compelled to view ALL retail venues whether they pertain directly to my business or not.

As the Buyer and creative arm for Arrelle Fine Linens' I get inspiration by looking at displays, colors, fashion - and gain knowledge by knowing what we are not. Pottery Barn, Restoration Harware, Z Gallery, Norstroms, Anthropology, Target, Kmart, Sears, Ace Hardware, Home Depot, Menard's, Jewel, Dominick's, Whole Foods, Brookstone,Crate & Barrel,CB2, Trader Joe's, Bed, Bath and Beyond; LNT, Elm Street, William Sonoma, Best Buy, Junk Shops, Antique Stores, High-end, Low-end, Design Within Reach, Marshal Field's(Macy's), Neiman Markus, The Gap, Neidermans, Bloomingdales, Saks, Patesi, Frette, Bergdorf Goodman, ABC Carpet, Garden Centers are just a few of these. I enjoy the view.

Have questions? Come see me Lisabeth Rosenberg at
Arrelle Fine Linens Chicago 60641
or call: 312-320-5527
For more inspiration for the Bed, Bath, Table and Home
click here at Arrelle Fine Linens

Tips for Great Dinner Presentations at Home Without Cooking:

2010-04-27T05:08:00.000-07:00

Prefer dinners at home but don't feel like cooking?

Don’t worry. Beautiful celebrations shouldn’t be limited to just special occasions. The act of sharing with friends is occasion enough. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Even casual home dining can be energized into a gourmet presentation. This about the Art and Science of Entertaining.

1) Choose a favorite restaurant that does take out.
It doesn’t have to be expensive; I like Thai food or Chinese. For a worry-free and delicious desert I personally love going to Trader Joe’s or Costco, both which have an outstanding selection of desserts. Most of these just need to be heated or defrosted. If that’s not an option, go with some gourmet ice cream, cookies, chocolates or fresh berries. I like spray whip, made with real cream, to top off dessert. It’s fun. (Remember, we're trying to keep things stress-free so keep it simple).

Now for some Mood Enhancing Tips:

2) Set the Table in advanced and use a tablecloth or fabric napkins. Even if they aren't fancy, this adds a thoughtful and tactile element to the presentation of the meal and always feels special.

3) Use your Nice China. Don't neglect your cherished treasures in the cupboard. Use and enjoy them. Life is for living. You don't live in a museum, do you?

4) Add Candles and Fresh Flowers.
Cut flowers are inexpensive and as convenient as your local grocery store. Candles, whether colorful or just plain white, impart a warm glow. The dance of the flame and shadows are rt of the smoke and mirrors of the evening.

Fashion a table centerpiece keeping it low-profile so it doesn't obscure the view across the table.

One technique is to use several squat cocktail glass(three is good number) stuffed with short cut flowers alternating with candles. Get creative with your tablescape. Liberate some knickknacks from your curio and integrate them into table presentation with a little humor and fun. Often it helps to stick to theme or color story when arranging the table.

5) Make things tidy. Cleanliness is next to Godliness, so freshen things up and open a window. Even if your house is under construction, concentrate cleaning on the areas where you will be welcoming guest. The sense of smell is a visceral sense that creates the first impression so if necessary get a fragrance infuser to help purify the air.

6) Finally, before your guests arrive put on some soft music which will allow for conversation. Light your candles and dim the room lights but keep things illuminated enough to see the food and each other. When the food arrives transfer to some nice showy platters and present in grand fashion for a little theater. Add some champagne (or wine) and pleasant conversation - and Viola! You have transformed the mundane act of calorie consumption into an adventure.Share your bounty. Laugh. It will nourish the spirit.
La Vita e` Bella!!

Lisa Rosenberg
(crazy Jewish-Italian Martha Stewart Type

The Truth about Threadcount and Sheets - How to Shop for Luxury Bed Linens

2010-04-20T04:40:00.000-07:00

Thread count (TC) is defined as the number of threads per inch in a fabric. For example, if a vendor claims they are selling you a 600 TC sheet, you should be able to count 600 threads in every inch of fabric.

It is a way for you to determine if the sheet is coarse or soft to the touch. Lower thread count means that the sheet is coarser. Higher thread count usually means the sheet is softer (and lighter).The fabric will have its own unique feel which is referred to as "the hand" of the fabric.

Is thread count all you need to know when buying sheets?
Not necessarily; it’s just one of several factors that contribute to the overall quality.

Good quality cotton percale sheets usually start in the 200TC range. Excellent quality sateen sheets may be found in the 300TC range or higher and are usually made of Egyptian cotton. However, a higher thread count is not always an indicator of better quality. In fact Egyptian cotton sheets in the 300 thread count range are frequently superior to the 1000TC bed linens that are now appearing in the market. Many of the best luxury linen companies refuse to state their thread count except to say that they are high.

The truth is that thread count calculations can be misleading. There are a few other things to consider.

The starting quality of the cotton actually has greater impact on the final fabric. The best cottons have long fibers (or staple) which are needed in the creation of soft, durable yarns. Better quality sheeting is made of Egyptian cotton because of these properties. The raw materials must be cleaned and processed in the making of the yarn which also contributes to the hand. Better cottons also wear longer and feel more comfortable.

A high thread count sheet woven from and inferior cotton lacks physical integrity and can literally fall apart. A long-staple fiber is the best starting material because it can be spun into a thinner, stronger thread. (Note that as thread count increases, the individual threads must get skinnier in order to fit into an inch, and therefore need to be stronger.) Thread count calculations increase if the yarn is double twisted or a multi-ply construction is used. The type of weave (percale, sateen, jacquard, twill, etc.) will also influence the texture and the feel of the sheeting.

Finally, the sewing and finishes should be examined. As with quality apparel, the sewing should be top notch with tight stitching.

Click her to see an example of some different types of good quality sheets

So don’t look at thread count alone when you purchase sheeting. The vendor's reputation and history in the marketplace is worth knowing before you buy. Go to a store with expertise in fine linens, purchase the best quality you can afford and work with experienced salespeople who will guide your selection. They will be able to give you the additional insight you need.

Contact me. I'd be happy to be your guide.
Lisa Rosenberg at lisa@arrelle.com
Owner and Buyer for Arrelle Fine Linens.
For more information sign up for my newsletters at www.arrelle.com

The Truth about Luxury Linens Revealed

2010-03-01T19:52:00.000-08:00

Not sure where luxury linens fits in with the ferocious pace of change: Guess it doesn't matter any more.

In the old days before the internet, an expert was the best in their chosen field. But today, whether you're a car mechanic or an oral surgeon, business has apparently become all about Search Engine Optimization, Social Networking and becoming an Internet Maven -or having the financial resources and wherewithal to hire one. Maybe that's not such an odd thing. Many of yesterday's success stories hinged on business savvy and original marketing techniques that stayed in step with the times. But how exactly this relates to the field of Fine European Linens is yet to be seen.

As recently as Feb 25, 2010 a group of internet engineers gathered together to discuss the 550 or more improvements that will be introduced to Google’s Algorithm Rules. I tweeted about that (because after all I have nothing better to do especially after businesss fell off a cliff starting from about August of 2007) and noted that my tweet generated a lot of clicks using bit.ly, an analytical tool.

You see, for the two years I have been engaged in a demented journey to absorb all things internet - and this investigation has literally driven me mad - mad as in crazy; and mad as in angry because, after 30 years of being part of multi-generation business & 25 years as a husband and wife team , it seems that a lifetime of dedication has been reduced to key word searches and hitting upon the right ones. (Retailer of the year be damned.)

All this just made me wonder about what kind of sheets that Mike Siwek (Lawyer from Michigan) sleeps on and if by some chance they might come from our store.(Just kidding.)
Here is a smattering of the rare treasures we offered at our store. Most of it I shot at our store.

Unfortunately August 4, 2010 we decided to close our Chicago Showroom at 445 N. Wells. This economy is weird and we're still scratching our heads.

If you would like me to assist you with your design needs contact me at lisa@arrelle.com or via cell phone at 312-320-5527. I'm working from home in Chicago. You may also browse our e-commerce site although the shopping cart is currently disabled.

Meanwhile, I'll be happy to be your guide if you are looking for beautiful textiles.
Lisa Rosenberg at lisa@arrelle.com
Former owner and buyer for Arrelle Fine Linens.

For more About Arrelle Fine Linens and what I have been trying to convey to the public at large, please click here:
Private Luxuries fr Gracious Living.

You also might enjoy this article which reveals the secrets to quality sheeting and The mysteries of Thread Count when purchasing. :

Technology vs.The Value of Beautiful Destinations

2010-02-09T21:39:00.000-08:00

Technology has evolved to create a myriad of opportunities for efficiency. Surprisingly, along with this it seems that we have also created longer paper trails and our responsibilities continue to grow.

Yet, there is a point where simplicity is golden – the ability to absorb our surroundings in a natural way.

I would still like to believe that there is something to be said for discovering wonderful destinations, comforting places; to touch, to feel the beauty of an environment, to experience the cordiality, expertise and warmth of the human hand. I still believe in that and want to continue to offer that despite our no longer having a retail location to display our wares. Somehow, something is lost just looking through the lens of a video camera or computer screen. So call me. I will be happy to work with you in person, at your home or mine.

Lisa Rosenberg - owner, creative director and buyer
formerly of Arrelle Fine Linens at 445 N. Wells, Chicago
http://www.arrelle.com (to browse product, e-shop disabled)
Chicago. Find us now at our eBay Store: http://stores.ebay.com/Luxury-Linen-Liquidations

My Cell at 312-320-5527

Passion in the Privacy of your Home (Part 2)

2010-02-08T20:10:00.001-08:00

After Dinner: Private Luxuries
Now that you've shared a romantic meal it’s time to switch gears. Move to the living room where you can recline and put your feet up. It's best not to appear too eager for romance -so relax, get comfortable and enjoy a movie or listen to music, maybe while you both indulge in a delicious dessert. A decorative throw casually placed on the couch and some comfortable pillows is sensuous and a nice addition for snuggling.

Good things are worth waiting for. The idea is to Invite Romance. Make your guest feel intrigued. This is a time for discovery and will make the journey to your final destination more memorable.

As for a fabulous gift, delicious chocolates and beautiful flowers are traditional favorites –as well as, fragrant soaps, bath oils and perfume. Silky lingerie or a monogrammed robe is thoughtful and special. The important thing is to keep it personal. A set of wonderful Egyptian cotton bedlinens sends a romantic message of enduring love which can be shared together. Unveil a little European couture and success will surely follow.

When it comes to the bedroom, transform your most private dwelling place into an oasis of comfort. Nothing is more seductive than a voluptuous bed with butter-soft sheets and a fluffy Siberian goosedown comforter. Your time together should be embraced by beauty. Then dream the night away enveloped in luxury. What could be better?

Follow just a few of these tips and romance will surely blossom.

Contact me if you’re having trouble locating the unique treasures mentioned in this article. My business, Arrelle Fine Linens was the ultimate destination for discriminating lovers. Sorry that our store is closed now but, I can still assist you. I have a passion for gracious living. I’ll even create a beautiful gift wrap for that special present. Celebrate Romance!

Lisabeth L. Rosenberg

Lisa and Robert Rosenberg, co-owners of Arrelle Fine Linens, were the recipients of the lifetime Retailer of the Year Award sponsored by the Home Fashions Products Association and New York Home Textiles Show. Arrelle has been featured in important trade and shelter publications; such as Departures Magazine, Robb Report, the Chicago Tribune, Midwest Magazine, Home Fashion Magazine, LDB and Home Textiles

Tips for Creating Passion in the Privacy of your Home

2010-02-03T20:01:00.000-08:00

Romantic Encounters

The need for
intimacy in our life
is nourishing & soothes the
human spirit.
Let me help you
with some mood enhancing tips for an intimate encounter at with the one you love.

Romantic dinners are frequently played out in a public setting, but you might prefer the idea of home dining. You’ll avoid the crowds.

It doesn’t have to be hard. Success is achieved by being thoughtful. Make it personal and engage the senses.

First, a few commonsense rules to make you dwelling more comfortable and enticing: Cleanliness is next to Godliness, so get rid of the dust bunnies, vacuum and make things tidy. Make your personal environment shine.

The sense of smell is a visceral sense that creates that first impression. It can instantly evoke deep emotions, so freshen things, open a window or get a fragrance infuser to help purify the air. Then sprinkle a little bit of magic fairy dust with some scented candles, fresh flowers, potpourri in the powder room, or the comforting fragrance of a home cooked meal.

You don’t want to cook? Don’t worry. Even casual home dining can be energized into a gourmet presentation.

Set the table in advanced and dress the table with a tablecloth or fabric napkins. They don’t have to be fancy, but this adds a wonderfully tactile element to the presentation of the meal. Add a bit of excitement with some colorful candles and fresh flowers (keeping them below eye level so they don’t obscure the view). These small details add to the experience, are inexpensive and are as convenient as your local grocery store. Use these to fashion your table’s centerpiece. For a low-profile table setting use a squat cocktail glass (or several -three is good number) stuffed with your flowers cut short and alternate with the candles. If you are inclined to get creative with your tablescape, liberate items from your curio or around the house and casually arrange them on the table with a little humor and fun. It often helps to stick to a theme or color story here. Dim the room lights but keep things illuminated enough to see the food and each other.

Now choose your favorite restaurant or establishment that does take out. It doesn’t have to be expensive. When the food arrives present the food on nice platters and with your finest china. Add soft music, some champagne (or wine) and pleasant conversation. For a worry-free and delicious desert I personally love going to Trader Joe’s which has an outstanding selection of individualized desserts. Most of these just need to be heated or defrosted, and served. If that’s not an option just go with some gourmet ice cream, cookies, chocolates or fresh berries. I like spray whipping cream to top off dessert. It’s fun. (Remember, we're trying to keep things stress-free so keep it simple).

Viola! You have transformed the mundane act of calorie consumption into a romantic experience. If things progress beyond this point you will probably want to think about the after-hour entertainment and the most private areas of your home, namely your bedroom.

Click here to read more about how to make your private dwelling areas more inviting after dinner.

Yours truly,

Lisabeth L. Rosenberg
Owner of Arrelle Fine Linens
(Closed store in 2010)

Lisa and Robert Rosenberg, co-owners of Arrelle Fine Linens, were the proud recipients of the lifetime Retailer of the Year Award sponsored by the Home Fashions Products Association and New York Home Textiles Show, Arrelle has been featured in important trade and shelter publications; such as Departures Magazine, Robb Report, the Chicago Tribune, Midwest Magazine, Home Fashion Magazine, LDB and Home Textiles Today.
For further information contact:
Lisa Rosenberg at lisa@arrelle.com

RECESSION PROOFING: A Retailer’s Perspective: Conveying The Value Of Luxury Treasures

2010-01-05T11:55:00.000-08:00

This was one of the lead articles on the economy with regard to the home textile trade. Annotated from an interview with Wanda Jankowski, Editor-in-Chief of LDB INTERIOR TEXTILES Magazine

LDB Interior Textiles is responding to these extraordinary economic times with an extraordinary preview of the New York Home Fashions Market, which runs March 9 to 13, 2009. In addition to our usual showcasing of new product, we offer information and insights from experts inside and outside of the industry to help you in recession proofing your business.

One factor that makes this recession different from others in recent history is that the long-unaffected luxury consumer is also feeling the economic crunch. For insights into the state of the luxury market, LDB Interior Textiles interviewed Lisa Rosenberg, co-owner with her husband, Robert, of Arrelle Fine Linens in Chicago, IL.

Q: Have your luxury clientele’s buying habits changed?

A: “They have been delaying decisions, but we will always have core customers who will be there despite external conditions. These are the people who will allow us to survive and it’s a clientele that has been cultivated over our store’s 30-year history.

“I wonder if the holding back which we’ve noticed will create pent-up demand. In this economic recession, if we were to suddenly have fewer competitors that would be good for us, but we may also find ourselves in a situation where there are fewer customers as well. Hopefully, we understand our customers’ needs, run our business more competently, and offer a better selection and customer service.

“But if the whole world is in turmoil, statistically, the bell curve may be shifted towards fewer people with qualifying incomes.”

Q: Some surveys indicate that for the affluent, spending money on jewelry and travel is “out”; spending more time with the family at home is “in.” Have you sensed a mindset change?

A: “Even during the Great Depression, there were people living the good life. It’s the same now, except some of them are demanding a deal. I personally feel like responding to that by not flinching.

“I sell rare treasures—maybe getting rarer by the minute. We are a unique store specializing in rare treasures that are beautiful, give comfort and happen to be linens.

“My husband and the sales people see it from another perspective; the accounting/depreciating inventory perspective and the easy sale. Our business is a synthesis of these various viewpoints and everyone has to be willing to sense the weather and react accordingly.”

Q: Will your customers spend more if designs are fresh and innovative?

A: “As a high-end store we need to be aware of trends, but in Chicago we are behind the fashion curve with regard to color and understanding of fine European linens. The wealthy customers usually hire designers to tell them what to do or trust Arrelle Fine Linens enough to follow our guidance.

“What we do is promote layering. There are several positives with this:

1. You are creating a wardrobe.
2. You can blend things more easily, changing it from summer to winter or the reverse.
3. When it comes to merchandising, you display more things out of the bag. It’s much more interesting. Customers love our beds because the closer you look, the more you will see.

“Meanwhile, to designers and the general public alike, our message remains: Trust us —we are Arrelle Fine Linens, we will guide you, we will hold your hand, our linens are beautiful. We only sell great quality.

“Listen to the customer. Create a cordial atmosphere. Be nice. Nice is good. Always.”

FOR THE COMPLETE ARTICLE see the March 2009 Issue of LDB Interior Design Magazine

Is This The Death Of Runway?

2009-10-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

High-End Fashion is in the tank. If you're rich maybe inconspicuous consumption is more becoming. The bottom has fallen out for the grand productions. No celebrity wants to be seen in the general public's eyes as being rich -even if they are. Maybe charities will make a come back but even that sector is suffering now. The uber rich want to protect their image; the merely rich are spooked & reckless spending is unseemly. I think we're all in a " Deer in the Headlights" mode.

The Secret to a Happy Marriage: Get a Bigger Bed

2009-10-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

Just Taking a Look at the Furniture Today site, checking out a friends blog and saw this. I didn't really examine all of the links in this article but the upshot is that we want and need intimacy in our life. It's a good thing for humans. The article explores the values of separate beds (and even the new trend of separate master bedrooms) versus sharing the same bed. If your partner is keeping you up at night due to thrashing about or snoring, try to find a sleeping accommodation that will allow for both of you to continue sleeping together comfortably.

Of course you do know that I do sell nice sheets. That can help too: www.arrelle.com

How Important is Thread Count with Regard to Sheeting?

2009-08-13T13:10:00.001-07:00

Thread count (TC) is defined as the number of threads per inch in a fabric. For example, if a vendor claims they are selling you a 600 TC sheet, you should be able to count 600 threads in every inch of fabric.

It is a way for you to determine if the sheet is coarse or soft to the touch. Lower thread count means that the sheet is coarser. Higher thread count usually means the sheet is softer (and lighter).The fabric will have its own unique feel which is referred to as "the hand" of the fabric.

Is thread count all you need to know when buying sheets?
Not necessarily; it’s just one of several factors that contribute to the overall quality.

Good quality cotton percale sheets usually start in the 200TC range. Excellent quality sateen sheets may be found in the 300TC range or higher and are usually made of Egyptian cotton. However, a higher thread count is not always an indicator of better quality. In fact Egyptian cotton sheets in the 300 thread count range are frequently superior to the 1000TC bed linens that are now appearing in the market. Many of the best luxury linen companies refuse to state their thread count except to say that they are high.

The truth is that thread count calculations can be misleading. There are a few other things to consider.

The starting quality of the cotton actually has greater impact on the final fabric. The best cottons have long fibers (or staple) which are needed in the creation of soft, durable yarns. Better quality sheeting is made of Egyptian cotton because of these properties. The raw materials must be cleaned and processed in the making of the yarn which also contributes to the hand. Better cottons also wear longer and feel more comfortable.

A high thread count sheet woven from and inferior cotton lacks physical integrity and can literally fall apart. A long-staple fiber is the best starting material because it can be spun into a thinner, stronger thread. (Note that as thread count increases, the individual threads must get skinnier in order to fit into an inch, and therefore need to be stronger.) Thread count calculations increase if the yarn is double twisted or a multi-ply construction is used. The type of weave (percale, sateen, jacquard, twill, etc.) will also influence the texture and the feel of the sheeting.

Finally, the sewing and finishes should be examined. As with quality apparel, the sewing should be top notch with tight stitching.

So don’t look at thread count alone when you purchase sheeting. The vendor's reputation and history in the marketplace is worth knowing before you buy. Go to a store with expertise in fine linens, purchase the best quality you can afford and work with experienced salespeople who will guide your selection. They will be able to give you the additional insight you need.

Contact me. I'd be happy to be your guide.
Lisa Rosenberg at lisa@arrelle.com
Owner and Buyer for Arrelle Fine Linens.
For more information sign up for my newsletters at www.arrelle.com

Delicious Eggplant Appetizer Recipe

2009-06-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the flavor of pure eggplant with this, easy delicious appetizer. This recipe requires minimal preparation and adapts easy to individual taste with the addition spices. Spoon on crackers, veggies or crusty bread.

Take a large eggplant put on a plate and bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour and 15-20 minutes. It will collapse easily. Let stand until cool enough to open and scoop out pulp. The juice

s of the Eggplant will get caramelized, imparting a sweet flavor to the mash.

Mix and Chop pulp in bowl together with vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Add a large pinch of grated carrot, two leaves of fresh chopped basil (or parsley) and a sprinkle of dill weed.
Optional: a small amount of crushed garlic and /or finely chopped onion. Place in large plate and pour more olive oil on top if desired. For color sprinkle a bit of the grated carrotand parsley, basil or dill weed.

WASHING INSTRUCTIONS AND STAIN GUIDE FOR FINE HOUSEHOLD LINENS

2009-06-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

(How to enjoy & Keep Your Fine Table Linens)

Instructions

suitable for

100% Cotton,

100% Linen

Linen/Cotton

Damasks,

Embroideries

Cutwork

Tablecloths

& Bed Linens

FIRST THINGS FIRST: Soaking, and rinsing with copious water, is usually necessary for good washing. Washing by machine with a large capacity home washer is fine for most damask and solid woven fabrics once you have removed the bad stains yourself. Fragile items should not be subjected to vigorous agitation and rubbing. Machine drying is safe on sturdier table linens. Again, use only a large capacity machine on a delicate cycle and with a low heat setting. Immediately remove fabric from machine upon drying or while linens are even still slightly damp. If your washer or drier is not designed for big loads you will be better off hand washing your fine linens and line drying. Gently shake out the major wrinkles and fold prior to ironing.

DO NOT USE CHLORINE BLEACH. DO NOT SOAK COLORED EMBROIDERIES BEFORE TESTING.

IF IN DOUBT HAVE YOUR LINENS CLEANED PROFESSIONALLY BY A REPUTABLE CLEANER.

PRILIMINARY STAIN REMOVAL FOR HANDWASHING
and MACHINE WASHING:
https://www.arrelle.com/Details.cfm?prodID=167
1) AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER ENTERTAINING, remove linens from the table. Isolate and washout the most obvious spots and problem areas before soaking. Gently rub these areas with a little Ivory soap then rinse the area under running water. If you can not attend to your linens immediately just allow everything to soak. ADD a little (1-5teaspoons) of mild washing detergent such as Ivory or the Lablanc Linen wash. Things can soak overnight or for up to 24 hours. Even just soaking your linens in plain lukewarm water will help make stains come out more easily.

New colored linens should be soaked separately for about twelve hours in slightly soapy cold water. If color appears to be lifting, wash these items alone. Other items can be permanently stained if they are washed with together.

CAUTION: DO NOT SOAK COLORED EMBROIDERIES
unless you are certain that the thread is colorfast. Embroidered threads will bleed onto fabric unless sewn with a colorfast thread. If in doubt have your linens professionally cleaned.

FOR MORE STUBBORN CASES, treat as recommended under “Difficult Cases” or continue to let the linens soak with an enzyme reactive such as Axion or Biz (these work especially well with protien stains, such as egg or gravy). White and pastel linens can soak safely in this manner for days without damage to the fibers, however you may have a slight lifting of colors with longer soaking. White linens can also safely soak in Clorox II used according to box instructions.

Periodically examine the problem spots. Rub gently with a little LeBlanc linen wash or mild dishwashing detergent applied directly to the spots. Rinse out while the basin fills with water. Repeat soaking and add a little more soap to water and mildly agitate linens by hand to create some slight sudsiness. Peroiodically reamine tough spots repeating the above cleaning procedure followed by rinsing .Replace the water and soap mixture liquid water at least twice or until stains are gone. When handwashing, begin with luke warm water and gradually heat it up to 45C or 112F. Cotton can be boiled, but for no longer than 15 minutes. Naturally, you will have some shrinkage, but most high quality sheets and tablecloths should shrink only 2% to 3%.

2) GENTLY WRING OUT TABLECLOTH AND MACHINE WASH OR HANDWASH ENTIRE FABRIC ONE MORE TIME, following with thorough rinsing.

3) THOROUGHLY RINSE OUT SOAP WITH COPIOUS WATER (Four to five times the volume of the linen). Gently wring out excess water and hang to dry.

4) HANG WET LINENS IMMEDIATELY. Do not leave wet linens in a pile.

CAUTION: Care should be given to laces and fragile fabrics being lifted wet. If possible try to squeeze out the excess water prior to transporting. When the fabric is heavy from being saturated with water, try to support the cloth from underneath rather than subjecting a small portion of the fabric to the entire weight.

5) SMOOTH OUT ANY CREASES BY HAND AND ALLOW TO LINE DRY. Fabrics will iron more easily if the creases have already been removed while drying. Fabrics that shrink, such as 100% linen or cutwork laces, need extra attention and should be periodically blocked while drying to retain their shape and for more successful ironing.

Do not leave freshly dried items in a wrinkled pile; they will be much harder to iron later. Fold your linens when they are died prior to ironing.

Machine drying is safe on sturdier table linens such as solid weaves and damask. Again, use only a large capacity machine on a delicate cycle and with a low heat setting. Immediately remove fabric from machine upon drying or while even linens are still slightly damp. Gently shake out the major wrinkles smoothing out creases with your hand and fold items for easier ironing.

IRONING
Iron at the appropriate fabric setting or slightly below temperature. A steam setting on your iron is helpful for wrinkles. If the deep wrinkling has occurred and linens are completely dried, sprinkle the fabric with some water until slightly damp and press with the steam setting on. Linen and linen blend items should be pressed while damp or slightly wet.

CAUTION: Never iron or machine dry a badly washed cloth. The heat will "bake in" most stains, setting them permanently into the fabric.

MACHINE WASHING INSTRUCTIONS:
After removong the worse stains machine wash your tablelinens using a large capacity home washer, using the delicate cycle or the synthetic setting for studier fabrics. Use La Blanc Linen wash, a mild detergent or one that contains a non-chlorine bleach. Lace or antique tablecloths should not be agitated by machine unless protected in a large lingerie bag while washing. Do not machine wash fragile items.

IMPORTANT: Powder detergent must be completely dissolved in water before adding linens. Liquid detergent is highly recommended, but remember not to pour it directly on any fabrics, as this could ruin them.

CAUTION: Test highly colored items first for colorfastness in a non-noticeable area.

STAIN REMOVAL/ Difficult cases:

Grease: Wet the spot with a liquid detergent and/or spot remover (Zout). Let it sit for a while, then agitate linen in machine for a while. Turn machine off and let linen soak for a few hours. Then finish washing the linen in the machine or by hand.

Blood: Treat immediately. Blot with cold water and a little soap until stain is removed. Some people suggest blotting with water and ammonia or salt. If the spot has not been treated right away, you may have to soak the cloth in cool water with a non enzyme reactive stain remover(Biz or Axion). Soak until spot disappears.

Ballpoint pens: Place linen over a clean cloth and use acetone (nail polish remover with no scent or coloration). Saturate and pat the spot until the nail polish dissolves and goes through onto clean cloth. Then launder in cool water.

Singe burns: Pour hydrogen peroxide onto burn and let it sit until singe mark begins to lift. At that time, wash linen in the machine.

Wax spot: Benzene will soften and may completely dissolve wax, making it easier to lift off. Another alternative is to sandwich cloth between two brown paper bags and iron from back of cloth. The wax will melt and be absorbed by the bag.

Gravy: Follow grease spot instructions.

Red Wine: Blot stain with cool water. Then stretch cloth over a bowl and pour boiling water through the spot until water runs through clear.

Cranberry sauce: Follow instructions for wine stains.

Coffee: Soak linens immediately in lukewarm water and then transfer them to washing machine and launder in hot soapy water.(Expect slight shrinkage).

If you are uncomfortable with the idea of trying any of these procedures yourself, the best thing to do is to leave the stain alone Have them professionally cleaned as soon as possible so that stains don't set in.

What Makes a Sucessful Artist?

2009-06-25T19:29:00.000-07:00

Being an artist is the act of producing creatively whether you are painting, playing and a instrument, writing prose, cooking, arranging flowers, or any number of different disciplines. I feel that I have an artist soul because when I’m not able to flex my creative muscle, I suffer in the same way that a flower thirsts for water or a fish gasps for air when it’s out of it’s natural environment.
I suppose being a successful artist in the traditional sense could be working in one or more of the arts “full-time” and being able to sustain a comfortable lifestyle for yourself and perhaps for others, such as supporting a family. But even this situation can become a compromise of values where one does not necessarily achieve the personal satisfaction in the field for which one yearns.

Being happy, I feel, is part also of being successful in life. And living a successful life is an art in itself.

On the other hand you might not be a particularly talented artist or even a good one. But that would not make you no less the artist, inside. And perhaps you would be compelled to create no matter what others think, or the financial or personal consequences. Some might call that being reckless, foolish or selfish.
Others may view someone as “a successful artist” even though they are just selling out, producing something of little value, or producing with no heart just to create a income stream. And if you made a good income, by some measure you might be considered successful. But whether your art will have the enduring value like the works of the great masters might be another story.

Therefore, the answer to the question being posed is dependent on ones definition of “being successful” and ones definition of "What is an artist?".

I exist in a world where I’ve needed to produce an income, but I do try to live my life creatively. I have been a student of ceramics and painting, a chemist working in a research laboratory and a retailer selling luxury linens. Today, I spend my time painting with pillows and trying to create comfort and beauty for others. Someday, perhaps, I will be able to create without the constraints of making money. At that point, maybe, I will consider myself a true success. I will continue to work towards this goal and living as creatively as I can, as many of us do.

Private Luxuries for Gracious Living

2009-06-24T17:07:00.000-07:00

Whether ones decorating style is extravagant or minimal, fine linens have become one of the necessary essentials that soften hard edges to make a home inviting retreat.

Certainly, a good night’s sleep is part of living well; and, a hand-made mattress topped with a fluffy goosedown comforter enveloped in exquisitely soft sheeting will provide solace for the body, as well as the soul. Plush Egyptian cotton towels will transform your bathroom into a luxurious spa. And the tactile pleasures of an elegant damask table linen will enhance any dining experience, into a gourmet presentation.

It’s the details that set high fashion apart from the ordinary.

Current design is incorporating color and exotic texture inspired from nature, into common home accessories. Soap pumps and waste baskets are being fashioned from carved stone, cast bronze, onyx, floral crocodile and dyed shagreen. A table draped in a traditional jacquard is made more dramatic embellished with faux leather placemats, peacock feathers and jeweled encrusted napkin rings.

The details are important with better linens as well. Comfort is paramount and the best fabrics will be well-sewn and elegantly finished with hemstitched flanges or delicate lace trims. The same state-of-the art factories weaving since the Napoleonic era are the same mills producing the most sophisticated advancements in textile construction today.

Classic linens are meant to endure, providing quite pleasure season to season and through the years.

Discriminating shoppers appreciate the lasting beauty of heirloom quality linens and the comfort that they provide. Cashmere blankets and duvets are precious items to be enjoyed just like fine apparel. So invest wisely as you would with any important home acquisition. You'll sleep better for it.

By Lisa Rosenberg
Co-owner and Buyer for Arrelle Fine Linens
Contact me at lisa@arrelle.com or 312-320-5527

Bamboo Versus Beechwood Linens

2009-06-23T14:26:00.000-07:00

Bamboo has emerged as a prominent resource in the furniture, flooring and fabric industry with an influx of bamboo towels, blankets and sheeting being recently introduced to the mass market. These products are touting softness and superior performance while maintaining ecological correctness and sustainability.

For some time now our store, Arrelle Fine Linens, has carried a fabric made from beech wood pulp, also known as Lyocell. You may have heard of it referred to as modal or micromodal, which refers to its structure.

In our 28 year operation we have dealt with European mills that have been in the forefront of fabric innovation but, not one of these mills offers a bamboo product because bamboo is not as good a starting material for producing high-end linens as the beech wood.

It is true that Beech wood bedding and Bamboo bedding are both made from cellulose yarns, but the similarity stops there.

Bamboo yarns are far weaker than those made from Beechwood. This is why the bamboo must be woven together with cotton to improve its strength or it will simply break down with minimum usage. Wet bamboo yarns tend to break VERY easily. While wet Beech wood yarns are extremely strong.

Much of the softness of bamboo is given in finishing, versus coming from the natural characteristics of the yarn. This means that with washing bamboo tends to losses its softness and becomes harder with time.

Of course the cost of the two yarns is quite different. This is caused by the fact that the Lyocell product is usually manufactured in Europe following strict EU standards and procedures, which guarantees the quality of the product. Bamboo is generally manufactured outside Europe, and which generally means lower quality standards.

We carry a variety of Beech wood Products at Arrelle Fine Linens
https://www.arrelle.com/results.cfm?Category=11&Secondary=49

In 1998 Bonjour of Switzerland started making sheeting and towels created from beech trees. The fiber is made from the cellulose pulp of these trees and then woven into linens that have the sheen and soft feel of silk, but breathe, launder and are absorbent like cotton. They perform well and our customers love them. A couple of years later SDH also produced sheeting and towels made of beech trees which are harvested in environmentally managed sustainable forests, under the Legna label. Blankets became available from Matouk and SDH about three or four years ago. Lyocell products are offered by a number of our vendors now including Sferra, Anali and Home Treasures.

Lisa Rosenberg Co-owner, Buyer
Arrelle Fine Linens
lisa@arrelle.com

Giza Egyptian Cotton Sheeting

2009-06-23T13:35:00.000-07:00

ARRELLE FINE LINENS “Best of the Best” Sheeting

*There is an extremely fertile region along the Nile River in Egypt called Kafir S’Ad. The soil is special, but acreage is limited. This is where this extraordinary Giza cotton is grown. This expensive, super-long-staple cotton represents just 0.4% of Egypt’s total annual cotton production and to date has not been used for commercially available sheets. Due to its small yield, it has primarily only been used for fine men’s shirting; however, by a small percentage of their production has been reserved to create these exquisite bed linens. After over two years of research by the world’s top textile engineers these sheets and duvet covers are created from the finest Giza 45® Egyptian cotton and were voted "Best of the Best" by The Robb Report in its June 2008 edition.

Simply put, this is the finest cotton in the world, normally available only for the finest men’s shirts. It is the softest, smoothest and most luxurious cotton that you will ever find. From the longest staple cotton grown in the fertile valley of the river Nile* to the master craftsmen in Italy who have woven it, to its stunningly smooth finish --cotton this beautiful defies thread count.

Three spectacular offerings have been woven from this special yarn, undoubtedly creating some of the world’s finest sheeting available. The quality of the cotton, the special weave and finish given to these extraordinary bed linens transcends luxury.

For pricing information on THE SFERRA GIZA 45® COLLECTION please check this link:
https://www.arrelle.com/Details.cfm?prodID=209

All available in sheeting and duvet covers with an elegant hemstitch finish,
in White and Ivory only for a pure, dazzling statement

1)The Percale makes for pristine, crisp sheets; undoubtedly the lightest, softest percale available.
2)The Plain Sateen is silky-soft and similar to our other 1026 threadcount Egyptian Cotton but with a much lighter feel.
3)The Jacquard is a subtle floral design woven from silky-soft sateen. This divine jacquard is dyed to coordinate sublimely with the plain GIZA 45® percale and plain sateen.

*Giza yarns are sold by the number –the lower the number, the better. SFERRA uses Giza 70 yarns in the production of the core line of Italian-woven sheets. Giza 45, even finer than Giza 70, is considered the world’s finest super-long-staple cotton yarn.

Care Instructions:
Machines wash using cold water
and a non-chlorine bleach detergent.
Wash dark colors separately.
Tumble dry low setting.

How Important is Thread Count with Regard to Sheeting?

2009-05-21T15:47:00.000-07:00

It is one way for you to determine if the sheet is coarse or soft to the touch. Lower thread count means that the sheet is coarser. Higher thread count usually means the sheet is softer (and lighter).The fabric will have its own unique feel which is referred to as "the hand" of the fabric.

Is thread count all you need to know when buying sheets? Not necessarily. Iit’s just one of several factors that contribute to the overall quality.

Good quality cotton percale sheets usually start in the 200TC range. Excellent quality sateen sheets may be found in the 300TC range or higher and are usually made of Egyptian cotton. However, a higher thread count is not always an indicator of better quality. In fact Egyptian cotton sheets in the 300 thread count range are frequently superior to the 1000TC bed linens that are now appearing in the mass market. Many of the best luxury linen companies refuse to state their thread count except to say that they are high.

The truth is that thread count calculations can be misleading. There are a few other things to consider.

The starting quality of the cotton actually has greater impact on the final fabric. The best cottons have long fibers (or staple) which are needed in the creation of soft, durable yarns. Better quality sheeting is made of Egyptian cotton because of these properties. The raw materials must be cleaned and processed in the making of the yarn which also contributes to the hand. Better cottons also wear longer and feel more comfortable.

A high thread count sheet woven from and inferior cotton lacks physical integrity and can literally fall apart. A long-staple fiber is the best starting material because it can be spun into a thinner, stronger thread. (Note that as thread count increases, the individual threads must get skinnier in order to fit into an inch, and therefore need to be stronger.) Thread count calculations increase if the yarn is double twisted or a multi-ply construction is used. The type of weave (percale, sateen, jacquard, twill, etc.) will also influence the texture and the feel of the sheeting.

Finally, the sewing and finishes should be examined. As with quality apparel, the sewing should be top notch with tight stitching.

The photo shown here would represent a variety of high quality sheeting. Aside form color and design, what YOU will like is more of a personal choice. Different sheets and manufacturers have there unique qualities. Durability and care issues should also be a factor in your selection.

So don’t look at thread count alone when you purchase sheeting. The vendor's reputation and history in the marketplace is worth knowing before you buy. Go to a store with expertise in fine linens, purchase the best quality you can afford and work with experienced salespeople who will guide your selection. They will be able to give you the additional insight you need.

or Contact me. I'd be happy to be your guide.
Lisa Rosenberg at lisa@arrelle.com or 312-320-5527

LuxuryLinenLiquidations my new eBay store (Discounts of 50% or more on select linens)