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. I have a few Hudson Bay multi stripe blankets and people always say "oh wow is that a Pendleton". Hudson Bay Point Blankets were heavy wool blankets made in the 1700's and 1800's to be traded amongst fur trappers in Canada and the native Indian tribes that lived there. But how good are Hudson Bay blankets, really? These blankets are incredibly warm and luxurious, thanks to their 100% wool content. A few years ago you could buy a new Earlys of Whitney 4 point blanket for around 160.00. Second, take a close look at the stripes. As a result, Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most expensive on the market. These blankets are often very well-made and can last for decades, making them a valuable investment. Similarly, a rare or limited edition blanket will be worth more than a mass-produced one. This means that each blanket is unique, and takes a great deal of time and skill to create. They are made from 100% wool and are incredibly warm. The wool used is of a very high quality, and it is often sourced from New Zealand. Hudson Bay 6 Point Blanket, Natural with Multi Stripes Brand: WOOLRICH 102 ratings $69500 Colour Name: Natural With Multi Stripes See more About this item Woolrich is the exclusive u.s. distributor Dry clean only Loomed in england 6 points woven to indicate size Queen 90-inch by 100-inch Buy it with + + Total price: Add all three to Cart 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. This is because they are made from some of the finest materials available. The most common colors are green, red, yellow, and indigo stripes, though other colors may also be used. But what are they actually worth? Step #3. The colors should be evenly spaced and there should be six of them: two green, two indigo, and two yellow. These blankets have been made in Canada for centuries, and they have a rich heritage that is deeply intertwined with the countrys identity. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. 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.. The Hudson Bay point blanket has a complex history with Indigenous people in Canada. They were also crafted by various woolen mills. Today, several mills make different shades. The production of a Hudson Bay Blanket requires a significant investment of both time and expertise, which results in a high wage requirement for the workers involved. The Hudson Bay point blanket has been an iconic fixture of Canadian homes for centuries. Hudson Bay Blankets are among the most iconic and recognizable blankets in the world. Hudson Bay blankets are very expensive, and theyre also fragile. Many fewer people here have heard of Hudson's bay but IMO the HB is the superior blanket of the two So, if youre looking for a top-of-the-line blanket that will last for years to come, a Hudson Bay blanket is worth the investment. 10 Most Expensive Fabrics in the World This iconic piece of Canadiana is known for its thick, 100% wool woolen fabric and classic design. Now, Hudson's Bay Co. is redirecting the profits from the sale of those blankets toward Indigenous-led initiatives. You can still get authentic Hudsons Bay blankets, and theyre just as cozy and attractive as ever. Buying a Hudson Bay blanket is a great way to own a piece of Canadian history. Zelda loves clothes and shoes and is always up on the latest trends. In addition, there is still a demand for Hudson Bay blankets among collectors and enthusiasts, despite the fact that their popularity may not be as high as it was in the past. The blankets were typically traded to First Nations and Native Americans in . 8 Reasons Why, Why Are Harleys So Expensive? Trade blankets were so popular on the West Coast that British weavers altered the colours of designs to meet local demand. Identifying a Hudson Bay blanket can be a daunting task. The Hudsons Bay Point Blanket is an iconic piece of Canadian history. The Stripes blanket, on the other hand, was designed for use in military tents. 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. So far the downtown Montreal and Calgary Hudson's Bay stores are confirmed to be downsizing and other flagships are expected to follow if things go as planned with HBC's development arm Streetworks Development. The yarn is also dyed using natural dyes, which can be costly. They are crafted from wool that has been carefully selected for its quality and softness. Even today, Hudson Bay blankets are seen as a symbol of success and prosperity. Dennis & Joan "A Hudson's Bay point blanket is a type of wool blanket traded by the Hudson's Bay Company in western British North America and the United States during the 18th century and 19th century. 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. Today is rainy and grey in New York, so let's talk about blankets! Both companies sell woolen blankets, but Pendletons blankets are of a higher quality. The blankets can be utilized in a variety of ways, including as clothing, as bedding, or simply as something to wrap oneself in on a chilly evening. And now Barbie, the biggest name in make . If your blanket is older than 100 years old, it may be worth more money than newer ones because there are fewer available on the market today. There are three main types of Hudson Bay blankets: trade, chiefs, and voyageur. Among the factors that determine the price of a Hudson Bay blanket are its age and condition. But why are they so expensive, and what makes them worth the investment? When determining the value of your blanket, the condition of the blanket is another factor to consider; if there are any rips or holes in the blanket, then it will not fetch as much money as one that is still whole. For centuries, these blankets have been reserved for the wealthy and elite. If youre looking for a top-quality blanket, youll have to be prepared to pay a premium for a Hudson Bay blanket. These blankets can be hand-washed or machine-washed, but make sure to avoid bleach or fabric softeners as these will damage the fibers. ( 250) Fast Delivery. A good way to identify a real Hudson Bay blanket is by checking its label. They are dyed with natural dyes that can be expensive, and they are hand-woven. Hudson Bay blankets are distributed by Woolrich and offer the same style and design that has been so popular since the 1700s. The blankets are usually made out of wool, which makes them soft and cozy. Zelda Robb is someone you will always enjoy spending time with. A month later, the HBC commissioned the Witney mills a collective name for textile mills in Witney, Oxfordshire in Britain to produce 30 pair[s] of 3 points to be striped with four colors (red, blue, green, yellow) according to your judgement. (See alsoWoven Textiles.). The most expensive blanket in the world is made by Burberry. D The wool used in the blankets is sourced from a rare breed of sheep that only lives in the remote regions near the Hudson Bay, making the supply limited. In addition, each blanket is sewn by hand by skilled craftswomen, ensuring that each and every one is a unique and beautiful piece of artwork. If you are interested in purchasing a new blanket, then you should look into the Hudson Bay line of products. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets So Expensive? While this is a very expensive blanket, they have been around a long time for a reason. For some Indigenous peoples, the point blanket represents the forces of colonization. These blankets are handmade, using a centuries-old technique. We're on the lookout for one to make our sofa cozier this winter. 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 capote was particularly popular with trappers as the wrap style made it easy to move and hunt in, while keeping them warm. While the HBC was not the first to create the point blanket, the company did popularize it among Indigenous and settler communities in Canada. Why Is Shipping so Expensive in Canada in 2023? W.R. Swagerty, Indian Trade Blankets in the Pacific They are warm and cosy and are perfect for winter use. Eventually, it would become known simply as the Hudson's Bay Company. Blanket: An Illustrated History of the Hudsons Bay Blanket (2002). The durability of these blankets makes them a wise investment, and explains why they are so expensive. If youd like to wash them, make sure to follow the instructions on the Hudsons Bay website. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Masters Scholarships at University of Laval is current, How To Recharge Telkom Airtime 2023: Telkom possesses, The PDP Medical Form: One of the prerequisites that, Job Vacancies in Mauritius Post Office 2022 Are you, Capitec Learnerships 2023: Individuals who meet the, Scholarships for African International Students These, The Top 10 Best High Schools In Pretoria 2023: The. Rinse off all the soap, suds and bubbles. Wool is typically used in the production of blankets, which contributes to their cuddly and comfortable nature. Here is a layout pattern to make a Capote coat from a Hudson's Bay blanket. 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. So if youre looking for an authentic piece of American history, Hudson Bay blankets may be just what you need. Additionally, the blankets provenance is also an important factor. The bold stripes were meant to make the tents more visible from a distance, and they also helped to camouflage any dirt or stains. People desire certain blankets more than others due to the fact that they are one-of-a-kind or have a significant amount of history associated with them, and these blankets tend to be rarer. Many people consider them collectible, making Hudson Bay blankets expensive. By the 1990s, that number was 1 death for every 1.3 million passengers. If not loyalty to the Hudson's Bay Company, and if not colonized sympathies toward a symbol of oppression, then why are these blankets so valued in the west? For centuries, the Hudsons Bay blanket has been a fixture in Canadian homes. Currently, these blankets are still made and available in a wide array of colors and quality. 3. According to the HBC, the hue and colour order in the famous white and colour-striped point blanket were not standardized until the mid- to late-19th century. The history of these blankets stretches back more than 200 years, and an early one can cost more than . So, here are some observations: *The Hudson Bay blanket is definitely thicker and "fluffier". The most important factor in buying a Hudson Bay blanket is the quality. In addition to this, they have a very robust distribution network, which enables them to charge high prices for the products that they sell to retailers. It has a variety of stripes in various hues and each one has a distinct meaning. These blankets are still made today, though they are made of different materials, such as cotton, wool, and polyester. Joshua Ostroff, How a Smallpox Epidemic Forged Modern Hudson Bay Blankets are some of the most sought-after blankets in the world. The thick wool fabric is resistant to wear and tear, and the tight weave means that the blankets can withstand a great deal of use. The first time any piece of cloth or bedding was called a "blanket" was in 1340, when Thomas Blanquette, a Flemish weaver living in England, developed a heavily napped woollen weave. HUDSON'S BAY CO. VINTAGE ORANGE/PINK 4 POINT WOOL BLANKET 72" X 83.5". The high cost of labor is another reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive. Let's talk alternatives. The yarns are twisted tightly together to form a thick, durable blanket. Belmore is referring here to the history of Europeans intentionally giving blankets contaminated with smallpox and other infectious diseases to Indigenous peoples. The first thing you need to do in order to recognize a Hudson Bay blanket is to examine its pattern and coloration. Many of these blankets date back as far as 200 years. As a 100% wool blanket, it is considerably heavier in weight than two of our old acrylic blankets. One of the reasons is that theyre not mass-produced. They have long been a popular blanket in Canada and are sold at Toronto retail stores. The blankets can be used as bedding, clothing, or just something to cuddle up with on a cold night. The simple answer is that it is. Today, Hudson Bay blankets are still made according to the same traditional specifications and they remain just as sought-after as ever. Yup! (See alsoChilkat Blanket.). So, if youre looking for a classic Hudsons Bay blanket, youll be pleased to know that they are still being made and sold by the same company that has been producing them for centuries. The story originates in a notorious series of letters from the 1763 Pontiac Uprising in Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania, in which Jeffrey Amherst, Commander-in-Chief of British Forces in North America, encouraged the use of blankets infected with smallpox as a means of biological warfare: You will Do well to try to Innoculate [sic] the Indians by means of Blankets, as well as try every other method that can serve to Extirpate this Execrable Race. While there was an outbreak of smallpox among the Indigenous peoples around Pennsylvania that spring, the disease had already been in that area, and it is therefore unknown if Amhersts thoughts were put in action. Hudson Bay blankets are both unique and collectible. Hudson Bay blankets have been around for centuries, and can be a perfect gift for a Canadian friend or family member. about the HBCs history of the point blanket, an FAQ page and personal stories The following are detailed reasons why are Hudson Bay Blankets so expensive: The Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most expensive blankets on the market. However, the blankets design has been the cause of some complaints. After the fabric is cut and sewn into blankets, it is sent to Canada, where it is sold in Hudsons Bay stores across the country. The Hudson Bay Company occasionally has workshops where Hudsons Bay Blankets are sewn into classic coats. The origins of the iconic blanket began with fur trading in the New World. (Top 11 Reasons). As a direct consequence of this, the production of a single blanket might take up to two days. A Hudson Bay blanket is a type of blanket that was originally made in England and then brought over to Canada. This wool is then spun into a thick yarn that is very durable. Find fleece prints & solid colors, no sew fleece blanket kits, sherpa & minky at JOANN. To show their wealth during potlatches, participants cut blankets into many small pieces so that everyone at the potlatch would receive a gift. Most Expensively 2023. But they had a darker history, too. They are woven on looms with a tight, dense weave, making them resistant to wear. Content Summary. 1 1.Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive: Top 6 Reasons; 2 2.Antiques: Invest in a Hudson Bay blanket and wrap yourself up; 3 3.Customer reviews: Woolrich 90 by 100-Inch Hudson Bay 6 Point ; 4 4.Pendleton Or Hudson Bay Blanket? Theyre also highly collectible. So if youre looking for a cozy way to invest in Canadian history, a Hudson Bay blanket is a great option! They feature iconic four stripes embedded in a white background. The history of Pendleton Woolen Mills is one of opportunity, exploration and innovation. Additionally, the natural dyes used to color the wool will not fade over time. But they have a dark history as well. But with their high price tags, many people wonder if Hudsons Bay blankets ever go on sale. 0 bids. This Secret Life of Canada episode dives into the history of The Hudson's Bay Company and unpacks the very complicated story of the iconic striped blanket. Early's of Whitney blankets are getting somewhat hard (not impossible) to find. Hudson Bay blankets have a complicated history with Indigenous people in Canada. How Can You Tell If a Hudson Bay Blanket is Real? The blankets were originally traded for beaver pelts. The British and early North American citizens used them to warm themselves and protect their belongings. Here are a few things to look for: -The blanket should be made of 100% wool. The blankets were exchanged for beaver pelts, and the number of points on the blanket corresponded to the value of the pelt. 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