The second big development, after much discussion and planning, Soaring Heart now has its own organic fabric line for making decorative futon and pillow covers. There has been a lot of talking around here about the covers we use on our pillows and sofas. We always wanted to widen our selection of in-house covers, upgrading from the basic colors, but hadn't had the time to do so. Well, this week we finally sat down and did it.
Joey, our Production Manager, just got in bolts and bolts of sample fabrics and our seamstresses have been hard at work making up new designs and patterns. John, one of our top bedding consultants and showroom design guru, has looked them over and given his stamp of approval. As a result we are almost ready to introduce our brand new selection and we are very excited! The fabric is 100% organic cotton twill and it is super comfy and incredibly soft. Look for them soon in our store and online.
Don't worry, we know there are a few fan favorites out there; all the current fabric swatches will still be available. I have no doubt you will be able to find the perfect pattern or color to meet your design needs. However, we have all these pillows and zabutons in the store featuring covers not made by Soaring Heart. We want to highlight our new colors and need the room, so, as a result, all decorative pillows and zabutons with non Soaring Heart covers are now discounted! That's right, every pillow and zabuton not featuring a Soaring Heart cover is now 25% off! So come check 'em out in the store or take a peek online in the discount section. Have fun and sleep well!
Sorting through all the choices posed to us every day can be a bit challenging... It helps to have a system. That’s why we’ve just created five Collections of our most popular bedding to clarify how to combine our products best. We chose The Linden, Tamarack, Aspen, Madrona, and Willow to describe five of the six types of bedding we offer. Since many of our products are made from plant fibers, and trees are the elders of the plant kingdom, trees felt like a natural choice for the collections. It was also easy to pick out a few favorites, everyone on the team has a tree they dig... After all they are beings of elephantine proportions, out lasting many of us in life span, recording much of our history in their growth rings, times of famine as well as flourishing. They are kinda the essence of place.
In fact, come to think of it, when I fall in love with a
place it's usually because of a particular tree there.
Here in the Northwest we have the Tamarack Larch up near the Enchantment Lakes and Pacific Madrona down near the coastal seashores. In Germany the Linden tree is an icon, where it grows to be thousands of years old. Known for its heart shaped leaves, flowers used for tea and perfume, wood for making musical instruments, and bark for cloth, it was the center of much of the life of the community in that place. In fact people would gather there to dance and celebrate, as well as restore justice and peace. At one time it was even said that “the tree would help unearth the truth”. It wasn't until later, during medieval times, that the myth of the man Siegfried arose, who became invulnerable after bathing in the blood of the dragon. Yet while doing so a single Linden leaf floated down and stuck to him leaving a spot untouched by the blood. This one spot was where he became vulnerable. Much has changed since this time, but the Linden is still used for shade arching over boulevards to create a canopy where lovers amble hand in hand.
A touching image really since the Linden had always been known as the “tree of lovers”.
So much history is connected to
trees and the places they come from. The Linden is no exception. Words like
“willowy” help to describe the lithe spirit, a Willow embodies. While the
Aspen which grows from a small seedling into a large clonal colony through its
many roots is known for the sound its many leaves make in the wind. These
colonies grow up to a meter a year to eventually cover whole mountains, reaching as much as 80,000 thousand of year they protect complex ecosystems and allow them to evolve. Even an occational fire will only take down the
tops of the trees and the expansive network of roots give rise to new saplings
quickly. There is so much to explore and learn about the world. Great design solutions abound if you have an instinct to explore, think outside of the
box, and to solve problems. Here at Soaring Heart we like to think we sleep a little better knowing that we do business that makes more sense.
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We are approaching the season of lights! Star light, Arora Borealis, friendly fires, and candle light... Oooo it’s time to pull out the candles and some matches! Many of us are also preparing for guests visiting this time of year or wanting to give the gift of better sleep to a loved one. How do we keep the pursuit of the “perfect” Holiday from destroying the spirit of the Holidays?
There are a few stress busters I’ve deployed over the past few years. Buying small items months ahead and storing them in a large trunk. When the time came there were very few extra expenses for December, and I had the ease of mind to decorate the packages for pleasure. What I find ahead of time is also much more likely to be in my budget and the right gift for someone than a purchase squeezed in over a weekend of frenzied shopping. Gift cards also hit the mark. It allows your loved ones to pick out what they want, allows you to worry less about finding the “perfect” gift, and they get to do the shopping and walking around after the Holidays ;)!
I was enjoying chatting with a friend of mine who has had Soaring Heart bedding for years. And he mentioned that he had always wanted to buy a latex mattress but was anxious about the impact on his monthly budget this winter. When he took the price and divided it over a few months it felt equivalent to a telephone bill, but temporary. He just needed to think long range and spread it out over a few months. Many of our clients have enjoyed a lay away system in the past so we are reintroducing layaway to help everyone plan ahead without the hassle and added expense of a credit card. If you want a guest bed that you feel good about sharing with loved ones this might be a great option.
If you’re at all like me, a discerning shopper that always likes the best, the hand made products with natural and organic fibers that don't out-gas or cause health issues. Try giving yourself what you really want, but with a twist... Make a date with yourself to do some planning, then sleep on it. When you wake for your Holiday planning day, warm drink, pen, and paper in hand you will have had time to muse over ideas that you can add to the list. Then get the list on a calendar! It’s a relief to have a plan as well as to be able to focus on the people you love while they are with you. Enjoy yourself this season!
And light some candles on the road to a more peaceful Holiday.
I’m standing in front of a table with Dave our builder. We’ve pulled a large sheet of cotton from the storage and laid it on a Shikibuton cover. Like an open sandwich, three sides have a zipper and we are going to fill it with the sheets of soft heavy cotton. Zip it up, and sew it together with long cotton thread tufts.
Buying a new bed can be a challenge, even for the most formidable shopper. There are many factors to consider before purchasing a bed, including affordability, comfort, and potential back and joint concerns. There is one other serious consideration to mull over before purchasing your bed, however: The question of what it is made out of.
The material your bed is made from may have a more powerful effect on your health and sleep than you had previously thought, which is why you should consider the differences between a regular bed and a natural bed.
The Materials
This may seem like the most obvious difference, but have you ever actually considered what a conventional mattress is made up of? Conventional mattresses are composed of man-made, synthetic materials that may lead to offgassing. Chemicals are often used to make the bed flame retardant. Natural bedding, on the other hand, achieves federal fire safety regulation using materials that come straight from the natural world around us, such as wool.
Breathability
In addition to the general holistic qualities associated with sleeping on natural fibers, natural fibers also have the ability to regulate the sleeping body’s temperature in a much more effective way. Because polyester and other synthetic materials trap body heat, our sleep cycle is often disrupted during its deepest periods because we simply cannot get comfortable. Natural fibers maximize evaporation of body moisture to allow you to get the peaceful sleep you need.
Spirituality
A natural bed promotes a better night’s sleep, simply by allowing you to sleep on something you know is closer to nature than a regular bed. When you lay your head down on a natural bed after a long day, you know you are sleeping free from chemicals and non-natural materials.
If natural bedding sounds like the right choice for you,check out our products page or contact us at 206-282-1717 or 877-288-1717 today.
The function of a mattress pad is to protect your mattress and keep you comfortable and dry. It is very important to use one that is made from natural fibers - such as cotton or wool - because these are very breathable and absorbent. Conventional pads made from polyester or poly-cotton blends are not as breathable or absorbent.
The mattress pad is generally the only washable component of a natural mattress (futon or otherwise) so you want it to be super durable and hold up to the frequent washing & drying that it should get. Our simple yet very comfortable and durable cotton pad was designed by Soaring Heart Natural Bed Company over 20 years ago and has really stood the test of time. We regularly talk to customers who are still using the mattress pad they bought 20 years ago. The zigzag stitching provides superior durability and the no-nonsense flat design allows it to be easily held in place by the sheets.
At Soaring Heart Natural Bed Company, we have the best 100% Cotton Mattress Pads for you to choose from. Visit our product page or call us today at 202-282-1717 or 877-288-1717!
Watch this video to learn more about our organic wool matress pads at Soaring Heart Natural Bed Company. Visit our product page or call 202-282-1717 or 877-288-1717 today for more information about a healthy and natural sleep environment.
The perfect way to top off any organic bed is with an organic cotton mattress pad!
Made with 100% organic cotton fill, these mattress pads are a little more plush than others you will find. Coupled with an organic sateen top and percale bottom, and quilted into two inch squares, they make quite a luxurious feel. With a 15” corner and elastic running all the way around the bottom, they are easy to take on and off and don’t move around. Care instructions are simple, just wash in cool water with a low phosphate detergent and tumble dry to keep your bed clean and fresh for years to come.
Read more about organic cotton mattress pads at our website, or call us at 202-282-1717 or 877-288-1717 for more information. At Soaring Heart Natural Bed Company, we've been building natural beds in Washington for over 29 years and have everything you need to build your very own sleep sanctuary, including the tools to keep your bed clean, comfortable, and long-lasting. Call us today!
Buckwheat is a pillow fill that has certainly stood the test of time. The origin of the buckwheat hull pillow stems back thousands of years to the Orient, possibly to ancient Egypt. The buckwheat pillow has gained popularity across the globe, for many good reasons!
The buckwheat pillow allows your neck to align with your spine very easily due its malleable firmness. We make our buckwheat pillow in 4 different sizes, one of which can conform to anyone’s needs. Buckwheat will also sleep cool in warmer times as it breathes easily and won’t hold moisture; this quality reduces the risk of dust mite infestations as well. A buckwheat pillow can easily be used for 5 to 10 years. As long as the hull is intact and not crumbled, it’s usable. Just put the pillow in the sun from time to time to evaporate any moisture accumulation.
Our buckwheat hull is grown and roasted - the ideal way to cleanse the buckwheat - in the Midwest. Each pillow comes with a zippered organic cotton case which allows you to take some out if it’s too lofty for you. We love our buckwheat pillows and think you will too!
At Soaring Heart Natural Bed Company in Seattle, we strive to give you the healthiest products to ensure your best sleep. Visit our Learn More section to read more about our organic bedding and to see what other Types of Pillows we have for your bed or contact us at 202-282-1717 for more information.
The Japanese have been sleeping on traditional firm bedding for centuries, because they realize the benefits that bedding can have for your neck, back, and overall health. Here at Soaring Heart Natural Bed Company, we offer the complete traditional Japanese set for you to improve your body’s alignment in sleep.
The traditional Japanese bedding set includes the buckwheat pillow, which is firm and supports the curvature of the spine. This set also incorporates a cotton mattress pad, which is used to protect the thin and firm shikibuton. The traditional tatami mat is made from compressed rice straw. It has a little give but is still firm and supportive. All of these products rest on the tatami frame, which completes the set! If you are experiencing neck or back problems, a firm Japanese bed may be the perfect solution to ease your aches and pains.
Japanese bedding and other natural bedding is very easy to take care of in order to maintain its quality. Traditionally the Japanese fold up their tatami every day, which allows it to air out and hold its shape. Just fold lengthwise into thirds, and set your pillow on top to hold it down. This will also let you show off your tatami during the day.
Soaring Heart Natural Bed Company supplies the entire traditional Japanese bedding set made from eco-friendly and all natural products. Our experts in Seattle will help you choose the best products for you so that you have the best sleep possible. explore our website to view all of our natural bedding products, or contact us at 202-282-1717 or 877-288-1717 for more information today! Sleep well.
This year, as part of our participation in our local United Way campaign's "Day of Caring" on September 16, we're closing down our shop early to focus on building pillows for donation to those in need. Our team has already committed to build more than 100 pillows on the 16th, with the primary recipient being the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center's "Pete Gross House," which provides long-term comfortable and supportive living accommodations for cancer patients and families who are not from the Seattle area.
At Soaring Heart we take the time to build in love and care in all our products. We are grateful for almost 30 years of customer support - and welcome you to stop by anytime to shop, say hello, or just share hugs!
