Pleasant Pure Percale Sheets with Appealing Piping
When I was younger and carefree, I used to sew my own clothes; so I can sometimes be a persnickity critic of sewn goods. Needing a spare set of sheets, I ordered the Puralens Beige Floral Percale Sheets, King Size hoping for the best. Well, much to my surprise, the sheets exceeded my expectations. The first clue that the sheets would be of good quality was the packaging. The sheets arrived in an attractive zippered, reusable storage case that was clear on the top and quilted on the bottom. When I took the sheets out of the case for washing, I could tell they were 100% cotton percale from the clean pure scent of cotton and the crisp feel of the percale weave. Breathable percale sheets are especially good for hot, humid weather (which we have during the summer and sometimes even in the spring and fall), but I enjoy percale sheets all year round. They are not stretchy, silky or satiny; if you like that kind, you might prefer a cotton blend, polyester or silk-type sheet. I put the sheets in the washer and dryer on the delicate setting before I placed them on our king-size bed. They washed and dried well, although I probably left them in the dryer a bit too long. The sheets did not appear to shrink but were wrinkled as is characteristic of percale. Wrinkling is not a defect. The sheets can be hung outside to dry or ironed to avoid or remove wrinkles. The delicate pattern on the sheets also became softer and more natural looking after washing, which is normal for percale. Then came the ultimate test: I placed the sheets on our deep king-sized mattress. The sheets and pillow cases fit perfectly! And I could see that they had been designed and sewn with an eye to detail that is missing in many modern sheets. Due to a soft elastic band that went all the way around the edge of sheet, the bottom sheet went on with amazing ease--unlike my higher-priced sheets that I must struggle with to force the tight elastic band under our heavy mattress. And the thickness of the sheets was pleasantly surprising for the price It was not too thick or thin but just right. If too thick, percale sheets can feel like cardboard; if too thin, the sheets do not wear well over time. But what amazed me was the piping around the edges of the sheets and pocket pillow cases. Piping is a lovely, decorative detail that also reinforces the seams. It is time-consuming and therefore expensive to sew. Envelope-closure (pocket) pillow cases are also an upgrade and will keep your pillows more secure than open-end cases. Best of all, the suble floral pattern blended well with our bright boho bedspread. And the soft yet crisp sheets felt comfortably restful. They still need a few more washes, though, until they are as soft as my old organic percale sheets. I recommend the Puralens Beige Floral Percale Sheets. They are finely detailed, 300-thread-count, pure cotton percale sheets that are a good value for the money. If you are looking for percale with homemade-type touches, look no further. Read more
