b.zang - the old flannel sheet sounds very good. i think washing and then fluffing in the dryer would help it be grabby.
cathe -i agree with you re: stapling. don't want it sagging.
littlehud -
ninnie -
k3n - you all suggested white or offwhite. on thinking it over, i think you're right.
crh - warm & natural? i'm afraid of the dust it would collect in those little crevices. do you vacuum yours? since it will be stapled in place, i won't be able to shake it or air-fluff in the dryer. it does sound sticky, though.
thanks for the suggestions. there was a lot i didn't think of. i plan to hang up a used flannel pillowcase and test drive it today.