The first step is to identify the type of blanket. One popular design is the Glacier Stripe line, which was introduced in 1916. The simple answer is that it is. When buying a Hudson Bay Blanket at Costco, it is important to make sure that you check the return policy so that you can be sure that you will be able to return it if it is not what you wanted. Zelda Robb is someone you will always enjoy spending time with. History. Watch this YouTube video of artist Rebecca Wool blankets can be washed in a washing machine, although manufacturers recommend hand washing them. While this is a very expensive blanket, they have been around a long time for a reason. Many of these blankets date back as far as 200 years. Hudson's Bay Point Blankets are made of 100% wool and are pre-shrunk as part of the manufacturing process, so you can hand wash your blanket in a gentle detergent like Zero or Woollite. They were also used as robes by the tribes. 10 Reasons Why, The 10 Most Expensive Leathers in The World, The 13 Most Expensive Tequila Brands in the World, The 10 Most Expensive Bugatti Cars in the World, Why Is Merino Wool so Expensive? They are made of high-quality wool, usually sourced from New Zealand. Some of the technology may . 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. Wool, cotton, and polyester are just some of the modern-day materials that are used in the production of the updated version. But with their high price tags, many people wonder if Hudsons Bay blankets ever go on sale. 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. But they had a darker history, too. Each line has a different purpose, and together they create a design that tells a story. All Hudson Bay blankets are hand-loomed in England with the finest wool. It also has a large hood and fringe trim. check out their construction materials before spending your money on them. Originally, they were made for barter with Indians, and today they are a national symbol of Canada. Then, I used extra rinse to make sure all the soap was rinsed out. Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. This means that your Hudson Bay blanket will look just as good as the day you bought it, even after years of use. Because each blanket is handwoven, no two are exactly alike. This means that each blanket is unique, and takes a great deal of time and skill to create. 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? In the 1970s, there was 1 death for every 350,000 passengers who took a commercial flight anywhere in the world. 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. Hudson Bay blankets are made of very high quality wool, sourced from New Zealand. The blankets are then woven on looms that create a tight, dense weave. First, check the label. Once it arrives at the mill, the wool is dyed and woven into cloth using a centuries-old method known as pointing.. The poncho is made from the finest grade of Mongolian cashmere and features a double-faced design with a contrasting stripe down the center. However, you shouldnt let that deter you from purchasing one of these blankets because they are well worth the money. Quality of the Material The high quality of the material used to make Hudson Bay blankets makes them expensive. Signing up enhances your TCE experience with the ability to save items to your personal reading list, and access the interactive map. And today, it's roughly 1 in 8 million. Additionally, the blankets provenance is also an important factor. All Hudson Bay blankets must undergo a rigorous inspection process before they are sold. As a direct consequence of this, the production of a single blanket might take up to two days. -The stripe width and spacing will vary depending on the size of the blanket, but they should all be of equal width. Rinse off all the soap, suds and bubbles. They first appeared in the 1700s, and served as currency for trade and as robes for women. Finally, the size of the blanket must be considered. $19.99 shipping. Firstly, they are made with high quality materials like wool and cotton which makes them very durable. These iconic blankets are a true Canadian classic, and theyre sure to keep you warm for many years to come. 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, the blankets are made entirely by hand, which adds to their cost. -The blanket should have a woven selvedge along both sides. So if youre looking for a cozy way to invest in Canadian history, a Hudson Bay blanket is a great option! But dont let that stop you from buying one these blankets are worth every penny! Hudsons What Grass Grows Best in Shade in Georgia? 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. This means that each blanket is a one-of-a-kind work of art. 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. They also have a very strong distribution network, which helps them to sell their products to retailers at a high price. There are lots of small businesses that sell Hudson Bay Blankets, so youre sure to find one that fits your style perfectly. This means that each blanket takes a great deal of time and skill to create. The iconic Hudson's Bay point blanket has a complicated history with Indigenous people in Canada. Later, traders introduced lighter blankets to suit coastal climates. The blankets are also water-resistant and can be used in all weather conditions. His expertise lives on in Pendleton's tweed, flannel and worsted wool apparel. 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. The company is also responsible for introducing the now-famous Hudson Bay blanket to the world. The Point Blanket Site Researcher and consultant Harold Tichenor provides The colors should be evenly spaced and there should be six of them: two green, two indigo, and two yellow. Northwest: History and Symbolism of a Unique North American Tradition, Columbia: The Magazine of Northwest History But they have a dark history as well. 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 Often these small pieces were collected by weavers, unraveled and then woven into a new blanket. The white design with green, red, yellow, and indigo stripes is now recognized all over the world and is still being produced today. about the point blanket. A Blanket so important---it even has a book written about it ! 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. The HBC did not commission its very own point blanket until 1779. A Hudson Bay blanket is a type of blanket that was originally made in England and then brought over to Canada. These blankets were originally designed as trade goods, to be exchanged for furs with Indigenous people. Many people consider them collectible, making Hudson Bay blankets expensive. 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. . Early's of Whitney blankets are getting somewhat hard (not impossible) to find. They have since become popular and are available in different colors and styles. It was incorporated in England on May 2, 1670, to seek a northwest passage to the Pacific, to occupy the lands adjacent to Hudson Bay, and to carry on any commerce with those lands that might prove profitable. 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. As a result, it can take up to two days to produce a single blanket. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets So Expensive? Services Canada Learn more about the HBC Point with Wool: A Coast Salish Legacy and the Cowichan Sweater (2010). The Stripes blanket, on the other hand, was designed for use in military tents. I washed my Pendleton wool blankets in cold water a month of ago and they came out perfect! 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. But they quickly became popular among European settlers as well. Even today, Hudson Bay blankets are seen as a symbol of success and prosperity. If your blanket is more than one hundred years old, it might be worth more money than one that was made more recently due to the fact that there are fewer of these older blankets available on the market today. Curriculum The yarn is also dyed using natural dyes, which can be costly. 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. 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. The Bay has a great selection of Hudson Bay Blankets in all sorts of colors and sizes. The reason for this is that the Hudson Bay Blanket is produced in a limited quantity, which makes them more rare and sought-after. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. be careful with the foreign wool blankets. If the blanket is in good condition, it will be worth more than one that is damaged or worn. Because they use natural dyes, these blankets are expensive. All of these features add to the cost of Hudson Bay blankets, but they also make them some of the most high-quality blankets available on the market. Hudsons Bay Point Blankets were traditionally made in plain red, white, green or blue background, with a single bar (called heading) of indigo on either end. Hudson Bay Blankets were originally created for use by the British Royal Navy. 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. The origins of the iconic blanket began with fur trading in the New World. Fill a basin, large enough to submerge the blanket, with water. 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.. They feature iconic four stripes embedded in a white background. Following the selection of the color and the pattern, the next step is to choose the material that will be used. Are Hudson Bay Blankets Still Made? The point blanket has become an icon of Canadian style, often featured in Canadian home and style magazines and blogs. There are a few reasons why Hudson Bay blankets cost so much. The Bay Blanket. For centuries, these blankets have been reserved for the wealthy and elite. they are excellent blankets in cold climates, as are Pendleton, and a couple other brands. about the point blanket. The last thing that needs to be taken into consideration is the size of the blanket. After all the soap removed, transfer the blanket to a basket with holes to allow the water to flow out of it. ". Zelda loves clothes and shoes and is always up on the latest trends. The reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive is because of the superior construction and materials that go into making them. We wanted to continue to reduce that fatality risk by 50 percent. Their blankets are of excellent quality in my opnion. Hudson Bay blankets were first made by the Hudson Bay Company in the 18th century and have a rich history. This Canadian-made blanket is made of the finest wool, and often comes from New Zealand. In other Indigenous communities, the preferred design of point blankets differed. Over the years, the popularity of Pendleton blankets has increased due to the warmth and coziness of these blankets. 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. It has a variety of stripes in various hues and each one has a distinct meaning. 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. (See alsoChilkat Blanket.). There is no set meaning behind the colors on the blanket, but they have a particular historical significance. The Battle For Coziness; 5 5.A Brief History of Canada's Iconic Hudson's Bay Blanket - Mental Floss; 6 6.The HBC Point Blanket: a Canadian . Theyre also highly collectible. In 1779, the first blanket was produced for the Hudsons Bay Company. The rarer blankets are also more valuable because people want them more than others due to their uniqueness or history associated with them. They are constructed using high-quality components, which results in their high retail price. Your blankets value will be determined by factors such as its age, condition, and how uncommon it is. 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. Chief factor for the HBCs Columbia District, John McLoughlin, informed the company in 1845 to make blankets resembling the more favourably-designed American point blankets: The American Blanket though generally inferior to ours, meets a readier sale with Indians in consequence of its gaudy color and we beg that those we have ordered may be made in respect of color and texture fully equal to the samples. Therefore, when the Coast Salish preferred a purer white colour, the HBC complied. If the blanket can be traced back to a particular time or place, it will be more valuable than one with no history. In fact, the iconic Hudsons Bay point blanket was first produced in the 1780s and has been a best-selling product ever since. This is because they are made from some of the finest materials available. They are toasty, plush, and comfortable to wear. 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. When it comes to finding the perfect Hudson Bay Blanket, there are a few different places you can look. Hudsons Bay blankets are iconic. The first step in identifying a Hudson Bay blanket is to determine its color and design. These new colours were not favored by the tribes at first but quickly became popular. Here are a few of our favorite places to find these cozy blankets: These blankets have been made in Canada for centuries, and they have a rich heritage that is deeply intertwined with the countrys identity. The Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), chartered 2 May 1670, is the oldest incorporated joint-stock merchandising company in the English -speaking world. During the fur trade, the value of trade goods, including blankets, was compared to made beaver pelts (finished and processed pelts), not to blankets. The bold stripes were meant to make the tents more visible from a distance, and they also helped to camouflage any dirt or stains. Hudson Bay blankets are both unique and collectible. These iconic woolen blankets have been keeping people warm for centuries, and their popularity shows no signs of waning. The Bay: This is probably the most obvious choice, and for good reason. These blankets are still made today, though they are made of different materials, such as cotton, wool, and polyester. 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. Answer (1 of 2): They are called "point blankets" and they have been selling them for years. For many Coast Salish nations, the point blankets led to the decline of traditional weaving skills as HBC blankets became more plentiful and accessible. Last Edited. One of the most popular items to come out of Canada is the Hudson Bay blanket. Hudson Bay blankets, also known as Point Blankets, are incredibly soft and durable. Marie, Ontario, too cold, and commissioned settler and Mtis women to create 40 coats for his men out of 3.5 point blankets. Older blankets are usually worth more than newer ones. Hick Industries Save Reply Quote grandma Registered 1. Additionally, each blanket is unique no two are exactly alike. Belmores. Hudson Bay blankets are very expensive, and theyre also fragile. The reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive is because of the superior construction and materials that go into making them. Nuu-chah-nulth nations tended to like green blankets, and in many Coast Salish communities, red. 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. The 6-point Hudsons Bay wool blanket is a cozy and comfortable blanket that is perfect for snuggling up on cold nights. Today, the design from the blanket is used on a variety of clothing, accessories and household items sold by the HBC. Therefore, if you are looking for a genuine relic from the history of the United States, Hudson Bay blankets might be the perfect thing for you. 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. Then there are the military (both domestic & foreign), cheaper yet . 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. They are available in a wide variety of designs, so you should be able to find one that is aesthetically pleasing to you. In addition, they are available in a wide range of hues and designs, making sure that there is something suitable for everyone. The Hudson Bay Company occasionally has workshops where Hudsons Bay Blankets are sewn into classic coats. A real Hudson Bay blanket will also be made from 100% wool. They are made of high-quality wool, usually sourced from New Zealand. Although other colors may be used as well, the most common ones for the stripes are green, red, yellow, and indigo. Every blanket is scrutinized for flaws, and only those that meet the highest standards are deemed worthy of the Hudson Bay name. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that only the best blankets are sold, and explains the higher price tag. 10 Most Expensive Restaurants in Chicago 2023, Why Is Washington DC So Expensive in 2023. Here's a way to make a wool coat from a blanket without cutting the blanket. At that time they were highly sought after for being very warm in the brutal Canadian winters. The British and early North American citizens used them to warm themselves and protect their belongings. 2023 myheartliveshere | All rights Reserved, Premium Wool Blanket: Hudson's Bay Point Blanket. For starters, Hudson Bay Blankets are incredibly well-made. Many people complained that they were lumpy and monotone, but new colors have been introduced. However, as the HBC moved out into the Pacific Northwest in the early 19th century, there were less beavers around, and therefore beaver pelts started to lose their value as the staple fur. In 1821, it merged with its prime rival, the North West Company out of Montreal, thus acquiring several posts . why are hudson bay blankets so expensive. You wont be let down in any way! Secondly, they are hand-woven which adds to the cost. The bids for Krytzer's blanket climbed from its opening price of $150,000 to $500,000 to $1 million before topping out at Ellis's final bid of $1.5 million. These blankets quickly became popular among Native Americans and settlers alike, and theyve been revered ever since. Well, it turns out, I was wrong. How Long to Cook Green Bean Casserole in Microwave. Trade blankets were made for exchange with Native Americans and are the most common type of Hudson Bay blanket. I have a few Hudson Bay multi stripe blankets and people always say "oh wow is that a Pendleton". These blankets are typically about 4 feet by 6 feet in size, making them perfect for cuddling up on the couch or keeping warm in bed. 10 Reasons Why, Why Is Stanley Furniture So Expensive? Hudson Bay blankets are traditionally made from wool. Our team will be reviewing your submission and get back to you with any further questions. Among the most valuable were plain wool blankets, called Hudson Bay blankets, which were introduced in the late 1700s. People from all over the world love Hudson Bay Blankets because they are warm, comfortable, and stylish. Pendleton blankets have become popular over the years because of their warmth and comfort. Hudson Bay Co wrote: The Point System Each blanket was graded as to weight and size using a point system. 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