Luxurious Egyptian linen. Image courtesy of Milford House Linens. When I went to Egypt to live in 1974 I knew the country produced the finest cotton in the world. But, as a newly-wed I was, perhaps, more interested in what was happening between the sheets than the quality and thread-count of the material.
It was also the ’70s, that heady time of great swirling geometric patterns, huge florals and lots of orange and brown. Although the Egyptian cotton was like a balm to the skin after a hot and dusty Cairo day, I found the crisp white and pastels a bit mundane in comparison to the non-iron polyester jobs we had back home.
But, of course it didn’t take long for me to appreciate the beauty of the fabric and today my linen cupboard is crammed with white Egyptian cotton bed linen. Whenever I return to Egypt with my husband (who as a local has superior bargaining power), we always head to the old fashioned government stores in Cairo where we can buy sheets and damask tablecloths at a fraction of our Kiwi prices.
But, arguably the most beautiful Egyptian cotton sheets I have seen are actually handmade and embroidered by Milford House Linen, based in Matakana Road near Warkworth.
For many years owner, Vonnie Kennedy has been importing top quality Egyptian cotton to make bed linen and nightwear here.
“I have always nurtured an avid interest in beautiful hand embroidery, good cotton and bed linen and because we spend so much of our lives in bed it makes sense to buy the very best bed linen we can afford,” Vonnie says.
“Egyptian cotton is the best cotton in the world. It is traditionally grown in the Nile delta region and is still picked by hand. It is sought after because it is particularly soft and the unusually long fibre length, which can be over five centimetres, ensures the exceptional fineness of thread needed for weaving.”
While others have tried to duplicate the quality Vonnie says they have not been successful as it seems to be the delta soil that makes Egyptian cotton the best you can buy.
Vonnie’s real Egyptian imported cotton is 650 count (threads per 10 square cm) which is woven with two threads over one giving the best comfort while not being too heavy. This, combined with the long fibre, gives the most luxurious feel possible.
Although she has made bed linen in many colours, the most popular colour is still pure white with soft vanilla crème second. Only small quantities of greens and browns are sold. Towels made from the same Egyptian cotton have also become increasingly sought after, the long staple having excellent absorption. These too come in a range of colours but, once again, white is the most popular.
Although imports are now available from most parts of the world, Egyptian goods are still relatively scarce. However, for those seeking something exotic to grace the home there are dainty perfume bottles in gorgeous shapes and various sizes, pharoanic paintings on papyrus, leather cushions and intriguing statues from the Sphinx (through to Nefertiti and Anubis).
All are beautiful but, there is something particularly sinful about slipping between a pair of the finest Egyptian cotton sheets …pure luxury.
Caring for your Egyptian Cotton
It is strongly recommended to use soap powders without brighteners or bleaches.
Egyptian cotton washes well – on a good day sheets will dry on the line in less than 30 minutes.
Using a dryer is not recommended as this makes ironing difficult. A good tight-fitted sheet can be put straight back on the bed.
For the best results (and ultimate luxury!) iron the top sheet and pillowslips using a good steam iron.
