Summer-weight duvets

The Brits have found a perfect solution to the “too-hot duvet” problem. You can buy two very light, summer-weight duvets which can be zipped or buttoned together to make a heavier, winter-weight one. Summer-weight duvets are sold all over Great Britain.

Most people in Great Britain and some other European countries tend not to use a top sheet with a duvet; they just use duvet covers made of the same material as a sheet and take them off to wash them. That cuts down on both the heaviness and the heat generated.

By the way, there’s a great firm in Seattle, All About Down (888/289-3696, www.allaboutdown.com), which makes duvets and duvet covers, pillows, etc., to order.

I ordered a very lightweight duvet from them, but it was still too hot, so I sent it back and they were able to remove some down from it. I’ve had it for many years now and it’s absolutely perfect for me. Their brochure has a lot of information and tips about duvets.

SUSAN JERRICK

Portland, OR