Hudson Bay blankets are a type of woolen blanket that is often used as a decorative item or as a bedding option for those who prefer a natural fiber. 13 watching. Some of the famous woolen mills in the United States and England produced these blankets. Because they use natural dyes, these blankets are expensive. These blankets are handmade, using a centuries-old technique. Hudson Bay blankets are known for their distinctive design and language of points and stripes. If youre looking for a cozy blanket that will make a statement, Hudson Bay is the way to go. information about the Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. These blankets are also protected by a unique seal and point system to guarantee authenticity. These blankets first appeared in Canadian trading posts in the 1700s, and aside from. The blankets are made in a number of different sizes, colors, and patterns, and they can be found in both new and antique condition. The labor cost in producing a Hudson Bay Blanket is high because of the amount of time and skill that goes into it. The mill is located in Leeds, England, and it employs a team of skilled craftsmen who use traditional methods to produce the blankets. As a result of their popularity, Hudson Bay blankets are often priced higher than other types of blankets. Do you ever cuddle up with a throw blanket when watching TV or reading books? The point blankets colors are an icon of Canadian style. And now Barbie, the biggest name in make . The yarns are twisted tightly together to form a thick, durable blanket. The answer to the question, Can Hudson Bay blankets be washed? is a resounding yes. You can safely wash a wool Hudson Bay blanket by hand with a mild detergent and a gentle cycle in your washing machine. The high cost of labor is another reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive. Each blanket line is named for an Aboriginal tribe and has a particular meaning. Whether you drape it over your sofa or use it as an extra layer on your bed, a Hudson Bay blanket is sure to add personality to your space. Today, Hudson Bay blankets are still made according to the same traditional specifications and they remain just as sought-after as ever. Hudson Bay Blanket is a blanket that has been used for centuries by Native Americans. It can also be dry cleaned in a professional dry cleaner, if youd prefer not to wash it by hand. The Hudson's Bay Foundation and the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund have announced that from now on, 100 per cent of the net proceeds from the sale of HBC's famed striped wool blankets will. $19.99 shipping. Identifying a Hudson Bay blanket can be a daunting task. Unlike many other blankets on the market, the Hudson Bay wool blanket does not have a smooth fabric liner sewn over its top and bottom edges. Thanks for reading. They can be a great investment if they are kept in good condition. According to the official company history, blankets had been taken to Hudson Bay as trade goods as far back as 1668. In addition to being water-resistant, the blankets are versatile enough to be utilized in any climate. 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. 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. Hudson Bay and Pendleton are not the same. Marie, Ontario, too cold, and commissioned settler and Mtis women to create 40 coats for his men out of 3.5 point blankets. British weaver Thomas Kay laid the foundation when he arrived in Oregon in 1863. Harold Tichenor, The In the early days, all blankets were made of wool, which provided warmth and was resistant to fire. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that only the best blankets are sold, and explains the higher price tag. There are a few reasons that Hudson Bay blankets are more expensive than other types of blankets. The Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), chartered 2 May 1670, is the oldest incorporated joint-stock merchandising company in the English -speaking world. The first step in identifying a Hudson Bay blanket is to determine its color and design. Although Hackett has found no proof of this, she has heard oral stories about the blankets being used to spread the disease. Theyre also incredibly expensive, with prices ranging from $200 to $400. The wool used is of a very high quality, and it is often sourced from New Zealand. They have been used on other products, such as umbrellas and smartphone cases. Theyre usually classified by size. After all the soap removed, transfer the blanket to a basket with holes to allow the water to flow out of it. In conclusion, there are many reasons why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive. Sadly they no longer make blankets. Pendleton blankets look beautiful, rustic and all-American; I love the stripes and saddles. They remain a popular choice among collectors and are an authentic piece of American history. Costco is one of the best places to buy Hudson Bay Blankets because they often have them on sale and you can usually find a good selection to choose from. They were first created in the 1700s by British traders working for the Hudsons Bay Company. To show their wealth during potlatches, participants cut blankets into many small pieces so that everyone at the potlatch would receive a gift. You can still get authentic Hudsons Bay blankets, and theyre just as cozy and attractive as ever. The blankets are then woven on looms that create a tight, dense weave. Even though it comes with a hefty price tag, the Hudson Bay Blanket continues to be a customer favorite. The typical dimensions of these blankets are approximately 4 feet by 6 feet, making them an excellent choice for cozying up on the sofa or keeping warm in bed. In central and eastern Canada, many Mtis and French settlers and traders wore their Hudsons Bay Point Blankets as outerwear robes, and later turned them into capotes handmade wrap-style coats. The rarer blankets are also more valuable because people want them more than others due to their uniqueness or history associated with them. This wool is then spun into a thick yarn that is very durable. Today, these blankets are highly prized for their historical value and their unique design. Do or don't: Pendleton Blankets. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. In 1821, it merged with its prime rival, the North West Company out of Montreal, thus acquiring several posts . The reason for this is that the Hudson Bay Blanket is produced in a limited quantity, which makes them more rare and sought-after. If its much cheaper than that, its probably not the real thing. Buying a Hudson Bay blanket is a great way to own a piece of Canadian history. Wool is typically used in the production of blankets, which contributes to their cuddly and comfortable nature. For one, theyre incredibly durable. So if youre looking for a classic blanket that will keep you warm and stylish, look no further than Hudsons Bay. First, theyre made with high-quality materials. Hudson Bay blankets are typically made from wool or cotton. If you are sensitive to wool, this might make a problem for your chin on cold nights. 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. During the next century and a half, it gradually expanded its network of trading posts west across Canada. Chiefs blankets were made for high-ranking Native American chiefs and are much rarer. Thanks for contributing to The Canadian Encyclopedia. On the other hand, if one is to take into consideration each of these aspects, it is possible to recognize a Hudson Bay blanket with a fair amount of ease. This is because they are made from some of the finest materials available. Hudson Bay blankets were originally made by a contract manufacturer, but todays blankets are made in a factory owned by the company. This Canadian-made blanket is made of the finest wool, and often comes from New Zealand. Theme: News Way by Themeansar. 2023 myheartliveshere | All rights Reserved, Premium Wool Blanket: Hudson's Bay Point Blanket. Turn a wool blanket into a coat. The yarn is also dyed using natural dyes, which can be costly. 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 . Hudson Bay blankets are expensive due to their exquisite quality and craftsmanship. The 6-point Hudsons Bay wool blanket is a cozy and comfortable blanket that is perfect for snuggling up on cold nights. Both brands are known for their high-quality woolen products, but they each have their own unique style. The company is also responsible for introducing the now-famous Hudson Bay blanket to the world. Get it by Wed. Feb 15. by Eddie Bauer. Enjoy snuggling up under it knowing that youre wrapped in history! They are made under licence for the Hudson Bay Company and I would think strictly controlled. You can also take the blanket to a dry cleaner, but keep in mind that wool blankets are delicate and should not be washed with automatic machines. Quality of the Material The high quality of the material used to make Hudson Bay blankets makes them expensive. They are crafted from wool that has been carefully selected for its quality and softness. The blankets were originally created by the Hudsons Bay Company in the late 1700s. In fact, the iconic Hudsons Bay point blanket was first produced in the 1780s and has been a best-selling product ever since. It is the flagship brand of the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), the oldest and longest-surviving company in North America as well as one of the oldest continuously operating companies in the world. Whether youre looking for a cozy addition to your home or a thoughtful gift for someone special, a Hudson Bay blanket is sure to please. They are made of high-quality wool, usually sourced from New Zealand. (See alsoChilkat Blanket.). They are dyed with natural dyes that can be expensive, and they are hand-woven. The name point comes from the French word empointer, meaning thread. A full point was roughly 10 cm long, while a half point was half that length. These blankets are marketed as luxury items, and the company spends a great deal of money on advertising and promotion. However, they are worth every penny. D In addition to being expensive, the blankets are also extremely valuable, especially the older ones. They also have a very strong distribution network, which helps them to sell their products to retailers at a high price. Here's a way to make a wool coat from a blanket without cutting the blanket. While this is a very expensive blanket, they have been around a long time for a reason. Rinse off all the soap, suds and bubbles. Though the reason for these differences is not certain, it is thought that certain patterns and colours held important spiritual meaning, as well as practical use. Theyre also among the most expensive, with prices typically starting at around $500. Even if they did not intend to use the blankets to spread smallpox, trading blankets easily allowed for the transferring of European diseases to Indigenous people. They are dyed with natural dyes that can be expensive, and they are hand-woven. If youre looking for a top-quality blanket, youll have to be prepared to pay a premium for a Hudson Bay blanket. During the reign of Queen Anne (1702-1704), red, indigo, green, and yellow were particularly popular. Trade blankets were made for exchange with Native Americans and are the most common type of Hudson Bay blanket. A blanket thats been well-cared for and is in excellent condition will obviously be worth more than one thats been abused or is in poor condition. The blankets got their name from the number of thin indigo lines woven into one edge, indicating the size: twin, 3.5 points; double, four points; queen, six points, and king, eight points. Due to the fact that they are warm, long-lasting, and adaptable, they are an excellent option for a wide variety of different applications. Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive because they are made with high-quality materials and construction. 0 bids. The history of Pendleton Woolen Mills is one of opportunity, exploration and innovation. 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. Although a new blanket may cost up to $3,000, you can be sure that youre not paying a beavers life savings to create a replica. Because of this, Hudson Bay blankets take a long time to create. Let's talk alternatives. You wont be let down in any way! A Blanket so important---it even has a book written about it ! Hudson Bay Blankets are some of the most expensive blankets in the world. -The stripe width and spacing will vary depending on the size of the blanket, but they should all be of equal width. ". Plus, they come in a variety of colors and styles, so theres something for everyone. Lastly, the company has a long history dating back to the 1600s, which gives them a lot of brand recognition and prestige. Canada This short video provides more While it is not known exactly when Hudsons Bay Company started selling blankets, it is clear that they have been an important part of the company for many years. Due to the fact that they are so thick and warm, these blankets are perfect for making use of during the winter months either as bedding or as clothing. The iconic Hudson's Bay point blanket has a complicated history with Indigenous people in Canada. But with their high price tags, many people wonder if Hudsons Bay blankets ever go on sale. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'mostexpensivehub_com-medrectangle-1','ezslot_24',179,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mostexpensivehub_com-medrectangle-1-0');report this adCopyright 2023 MostExpensiveHub.com, Why Is Shutterfly Shipping So Expensive? These blankets are renowned for their softness and durability. You wont be disappointed! This wool is then spun into a thick yarn that is very durable. Religion and Spirituality of Indigenous Peoples. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. As a 100% wool blanket, it is considerably heavier in weight than two of our old acrylic blankets. Because each blanket is handwoven, no two are exactly alike. Later, traders introduced lighter blankets to suit coastal climates. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. Today, the design from the blanket is used on a variety of clothing, accessories and household items sold by the HBC. Although they are not typically discounted throughout the year, Hudsons Bay does offer sales on these blankets from time to time. 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. Faribault began making blankets for the U.S. military in the 1890s and proudly continues the tradition more than 100 years later. That would make it a very, very expensive blanket - well travelled though. These blankets are warm and thick, and were originally used by Native Americans as blankets, clothing, and bedding. Whats more, Hudson Bay Blankets have a rich history. The fact is that wool is warm even when wet, dries quickly and is easy to sew. History, blankets had been taken to Hudson Bay blankets are some of the Material the high cost labor. 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