Last December I was interviewed by Julia Hatmaker of Pennlive, the online version of The Patriot News Paper about blankets. We had donated many blankets to the Bethesda Mission and Christian Life Assembly however Julia wasn't aware of for the article. It was just a fun interview to do so I thought I'd share being we're coming into winter. Barbara Tabak did a wonderful explanation of the different types and uses.
Baby, it’s cold outside.
So wrap up, cozy up and cuddle up with the perfect blanket.
But first, a few definitions from Tabak:
Blanket: Any kind of piece of cloth that is intended to keep the user warm.
Coverlet: A piece of fabric that’s a top covering on a bed. It covers the entirety of the bed, but does not hit the floor and is not large enough to cover pillows. The design is sewn onto the fabric so a coverlet lays smooth on the bed.
Bedspread: Similar to a coverlet, the main differences lies in size. A bedspread goes all the way to the floor and there is enough of it for a pillow tuck (when you cover the pillows and then fold a bit of the bedspread underneath of the pillows).
Duvet: Down feathers encased in a plain casing and then inserted into a decorative duvet cover. The duvet (the inner casing) is held in place using ties and buttons on the duvet cover. The duvet can move within the cover and sometimes looks rather lumpy.
Comforter: Filled with synthetic, artificial fibers, the comforter does not have interchangeable covers like the duvet.
Quilt: Any-size blanket made by stitching two layers of fabric together with a layer of batting (think stuffing) in between.
Throw: A small blanket that is not used as bedding and is often found in living rooms. They are also decorative and add texture and color to a room.
YOUR BLANKET BUYING GUIDE
If you want ...
Something easy to handle — Coverlets are the go-to for people who want a light material to make their bed. “I find my older clients like a coverlet, as opposed to a duvet or comforter, because they are not as heavy, and when making the bed it’s easier to handle,” Tabak said.
A modern chic style — Coverlets,
comforters and
duvets typically come in basic patterns, shades and textures. It’s all about the fabric, in this case. Dark colors in silk are a great choice for someone wanting to look ultra urban.
To be warm — Go with a duvet with natural fibers. Wool will give the most warmth.
Flexibility — Instead of going with one
big duvet, choose several smaller blankets together. Layers are your best friend —the same as if you were getting ready to go outside on a cold winter day.
Something super soft — Consider bamboo fiber blankets. They are incredibly soft. If bamboo isn’t your thing, your best bet is to choose a poly-cotton blend blanket or a
faux fur one.
THE BLANKET GENDER DIVIDE
In Reece’s experience, what blanket you buy depends on who you are — and what gender.
“If it’s a man buying [the blanket], he’ll buy
fur blankets — things with a lot of texture and kind of sexy,” she said.
WARM YOUR HEART
Have enough blankets for yourself this winter? Consider buying a few for those less fortunate.
Donations will be accepted at the church’s storage building in its west parking lot from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.
