How Long to Cook Green Bean Casserole in Microwave. You probably cant get em. The Point Blanket Site Researcher and consultant Harold Tichenor provides ( 250) Fast Delivery. Thanks for contributing to The Canadian Encyclopedia. These blankets are warm and thick, and were originally used by Native Americans as blankets, clothing, and bedding. Hudson Bay Blankets are a popular choice for many people because they are very affordable and they offer a wide variety of designs to choose from. The Prorsum Poncho is sure to keep you warm and stylish all winter long. Blanket: An Illustrated History of the Hudsons Bay Blanket (2002). This means that your Hudson Bay blanket will look just as good as the day you bought it, even after years of use. Each line has a different purpose, and together they create a design that tells a story. Here are a few things to look for: -The blanket should be made of 100% wool. If youre looking for a top-of-the-line blanket that will last a lifetime (and then some), this is definitely the way to go. During the fur trade era, point blankets were often sold in 2.5, 3.5, or four points, and the size of a six-point HBC blanket corresponds to the size of a modern mattress. They feature iconic four stripes embedded in a white background. The production of Hudsons Bay Point Blankets is a true labor of love, and the result is a timeless product that is cherished by Canadians from coast to coast. They have since become popular and are available in different colors and styles. many are a wool blend with a certain percentage of other fibers woven in. Whether youre looking for a new blanket to keep you warm this winter or youre looking for something to take with you on your next camping trip, a Hudson Bay blanket is sure to fit the bill. Its manufacture dates back to the 1670s, when the Hudsons Bay Company was granted a charter by King Charles II of England. There is no set meaning behind the colors on the blanket, but they have a particular historical significance. What Grass Grows Best in Shade in Georgia? By 1929, the HBC expanded their variety of colours in order to make the blankets an essential part of home dcor. They are made of high-quality wool, usually sourced from New Zealand. The most expensive blanket in the world is made by Burberry. Do you ever cuddle up with a throw blanket when watching TV or reading books? Yup! The blankets first appeared in trading posts around the 1700s, and they served as a form of currency. Sylvia Olsen, Working Just be prepared to pay a bit more for the privilege. why are hudson bay blankets so expensive When a classmate in my doctoral program showed up wearing one of his grandfather's plaid wool shirts one day, I totally made him check the tag to see if it was a Pendleton. (See alsoFashion Design in Canada.). So if youre looking for a classic blanket that will keep you warm and stylish, look no further than Hudsons Bay. This wool is then spun into a thick yarn that is very durable. However, there are some claims that these blankets helped spread smallpox among the First Nations during the 1700s and 1800s. These colors are now considered Queen Annes colors, and are found on many HBC products. Today, several mills make different shades. These warm blankets are as iconic as Mariah Carey's lip-syncing, but some people believe they were used to spread smallpox and decimate entire Indigenous communities. Rinse the blanket three times to remove all the soap by swirling and squeezing it gently in the basin. During the reign of Queen Anne (1702-1704), red, indigo, green, and yellow were particularly popular. Learn more about the HBC Point While this is a very expensive blanket, they have been around a long time for a reason. The most iconic design is that which is white with green, red, yellow and indigo stripes; these colours are now used as an emblem for the HBC. We're on the lookout for one to make our sofa cozier this winter. 13 watching. Additionally, the long history of Hudson Bay blankets makes them highly sought-after by collectors. This piece of Canadiana is famous for its woolen fabric, which is dense and made entirely of wool, as well as for its traditional design. In addition, each blanket is hand-sewn by expert craftswomen, ensuring that each one is a work of art. The following are detailed reasons why are Hudson Bay Blankets so expensive: The blankets sold by Hudson Bay are among the most expensive blankets currently available on the market. So if youre in the market for a new blanket, be sure to check out the Hudson Bay line. Although they may be expensive, Hudson Bay Blankets are worth the investment because they will last for many years. They are dyed with natural dyes that can be expensive, and they are hand-woven. Among the factors that determine the price of a Hudson Bay blanket are its age and condition. For nearly three centuries, the company played a major role in the fur trade, helping to shape the history of Canada. Originally produced in British North America, Hudson Bay blankets are now shipped worldwide. The blanket is made of 100% wool and is machine washable for easy care. By the 1990s, that number was 1 death for every 1.3 million passengers. The first step in identifying a Hudson Bay blanket is to determine its color and design. Wool is typically used in the production of blankets, which contributes to their cuddly and comfortable nature. So its no surprise that people want to know: are they still being made? In the 1970s, there was 1 death for every 350,000 passengers who took a commercial flight anywhere in the world. That would make it a very, very expensive blanket - well travelled though. As a way of illustrating the importance of company fur traders to the 100-year-old HBC collection, curator Amelia Fay pulls out three items donated by Julian Camsell, HBC Chief Factor for the MacKenzie District in Canada's Arctic. D Let's talk alternatives. British weaver Thomas Kay laid the foundation when he arrived in Oregon in 1863. The Hudson's Bay Company, a fur-trading enterprise headquartered in London, began operations on the shores of Hudson Bay in 1670. This wool is then spun into a thick yarn that is very durable. Pendleton is another option still a bit too pricey ($200/twin-size), then again I've never seen one, I'm guessing its not as heavyweight/quality as a hudson? be careful with the foreign wool blankets. Eventually, it would become known simply as the Hudson's Bay Company. check out their construction materials before spending your money on them. The mill is located in Leeds, England, and it employs a team of skilled craftsmen who use traditional methods to produce the blankets. Theyve been around for centuries, and they remain popular to this day. These Canadian-made blankets are known for their quality craftsmanship and durability. The blankets were typically traded to First Nations in exchange for beaver pelts as an important part of the North American fur trade.The blankets continue to be sold by Canada's Hudson's Bay department stores and have . This means that each blanket is a one-of-a-kind work of art. On Friday, the Hudson's Bay Foundation announced a partnership with the. His expertise lives on in Pendleton's tweed, flannel and worsted wool apparel. 9. The wool used to make the blankets is sourced from New Zealand, and it undergoes a rigorous quality control process before it is shipped to England. Hudson Bay blankets were originally solid colors with a distinct indigo band. why are hudson bay blankets so expensive . Belmores, The Blanket (2011). Compared to wool blankets, Hudson Bay blankets tend to be warmer. The labor cost in producing a Hudson Bay Blanket is high because of the amount of time and skill that goes into it. In 1779, the first blanket was produced for the Hudsons Bay Company. They are warm and cosy and are perfect for winter use. Buying a Hudson Bay blanket is a great way to own a piece of Canadian history. According to the official company history, blankets had been taken to Hudson Bay as trade goods as far back as 1668. For more than two centuries, the blanket has been a staple of the Hudsons Bay Company, and it remains one of the most popular items in the companys inventory. The term point, in this case, originates from the French word empointer, which means to make threaded stitches on cloth. The points were simply a series of thin black lines on one of the corners of the blanket, which were used to identify the size of the blanket. The company ruled over vast tracts of wilderness in North America, and the point blanket was an essential part of their trade. Hudson Bay Blankets were originally created for use by the British Royal Navy. The blankets are made at the Hainsworth wool mill, which has been in operation for over 230 years. 8 Reasons Why, Why Are Harleys So Expensive? They have long been a popular blanket in Canada and are sold at Toronto retail stores. Hudson Bay and Pendleton are not the same. These blankets were originally produced by the Hudsons Bay Company in the early 1800s, and they quickly became a staple of life in the American West. The company is also responsible for introducing the now-famous Hudson Bay blanket to the world. What do the points on a Hudson Bay blanket mean? In 1922, the HBC introduced its first commercial blanket coats, which had the doubled-breasted lapels of the Mackinaw and the longer length and hood of the capote. But how good are Hudson Bay blankets, really? Amazon: Amazon also has a great selection of Hudson Bay Blankets, and they often have them at very reasonable prices. There are a lot of different aspects to think about, such as the color and pattern of the blanket, the fabric its made out of, and the size of the blanket. With these guidelines in mind, you should be able to easily identify your Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. Zelda Robb is someone you will always enjoy spending time with. Each blanket is crafted from one hundred percent wool and requires a significant amount of hand stitching. The blanket measures 90 inches by 100 inches, making it the perfect size for a queen bed. These blankets are also protected by a unique seal and point system to guarantee authenticity. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. The reason for this is that the Hudson Bay Blanket is produced in a limited quantity, which makes them more rare and sought-after. They are available in a wide variety of designs, so you should be able to find one that is aesthetically pleasing to you. Over the years of fur trading, the design of point blankets grew to accommodate the preferences of various Indigenous nations. Reason to Buy: The Army Medic blanket by Faribault Military was inspired by the design of wool blankets made for foot soldiers in the early 1900s and is both comfortable and durable. While the HBC was not the first to create the point blanket, the company did popularize it among Indigenous and settler communities in Canada. This iconic piece of Canadiana is known for its thick, 100% wool woolen fabric and classic design. Both brands are known for their high-quality woolen products, but they each have their own unique style. Zelda loves clothes and shoes and is always up on the latest trends. Hudson Bay is a historical company that was founded in 1670, while Pendleton is a modern company that was founded in 1909. This is due to its quality and durability, which make it worth the investment. Explore this page to learn more However, to the point, Pendleton has and still does make an excellent product, woven by skilled craftspeople at three different facilities in Oregon and Washington. Point blankets were bought by Indigenous and settler communities alike to use as bedding, clothing, room dividers and fabric for other items. Firstly, they are made with high quality materials like wool and cotton which makes them very durable. Since 1779, Hudson Bay blankets have become a staple in every high society Canadian home with a rich heritage of producing quality blankets. I used my non-toxic detergent mixture to wash and rinse the blanket in " COLD " water and GENTLE CYCLE. They are dry clean only, so keep that in mind. Because of this, Hudson Bay blankets take a long time to create. In other Indigenous communities, the preferred design of point blankets differed. These blankets are still made today, though they are made of different materials, such as cotton, wool, and polyester. Belmores. Similarly, a rare or limited edition blanket will be worth more than a mass-produced one. First, theyre made with high-quality materials. Signing up enhances your TCE experience with the ability to save items to your personal reading list, and access the interactive map. When it comes to cozy blankets, there are two brands that stand out above the rest: Hudson Bay and Pendleton. I washed my Pendleton wool blankets in cold water a month of ago and they came out perfect! Vintage Hudson Bay blankets are highly sought after by collectors and history buffs alike. Just be sure to read the reviews before purchasing anything, as not all sellers on Amazon are created equal! Capotes became so popular that, in 1706, the HBC hired a tailor to construct the blankets into these coats. Hudson's Bay Company, corporation that occupies a prominent place in both the economic and the political history of Canada. While the HBC acknowledges that smallpox decimated Indigenous populations across Canada, it states that its company had nothing to do with the use of smallpox blankets as biological warfare. In fact, the company claims that HBC employees tried to stop the spread of disease by practicing quarantine and providing care for the infected. Downtown Hudson's Bay flagship stores in Canada are being downsized as parent Hudson's Bay Company strategizes real estate assets with an eye for redevelopment. Belmore argues that while the blanket is an object of beauty, a collectors item that belongs to the Hudsons Bay Companys history, it is, for many Indigenous peoples, still viewed as a trade item that once contained the gift of disease.. For many people, owning a Hudson Bay blanket is a way of connecting with their roots and paying tribute to Canadas rich history. These blankets are renowned for their softness and durability. To show their wealth during potlatches, participants cut blankets into many small pieces so that everyone at the potlatch would receive a gift. One of the reasons is that theyre not mass-produced. These blankets are handmade, using a centuries-old technique. Hudson Bay blankets are both unique and collectible. Enjoy snuggling up under it knowing that youre wrapped in history! However, you should never wring out the blanket. 1. Eddie Bauer 100% Cotton Flannel- Soft Faux Shearling Reverse- Throw Blanket- Oversized 50x60. But what makes these blankets so special? These factory-made blankets became very valuable, says Bobbie Conner, director of the Tamstslikt Cultural Institute in Pendleton, Ore., because they were thicker, warmer, and more weather-resistant than what most Native . The answer is yes! 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