W.R. Swagerty, Indian Trade Blankets in the Pacific 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. The Hudson Bay Company occasionally has workshops where Hudsons Bay Blankets are sewn into classic coats. Do or don't: Pendleton Blankets. Hudsons Pendleton blankets look beautiful, rustic and all-American; I love the stripes and saddles. They were also crafted by various woolen mills. The classic striped pattern is instantly recognizable, and the blankets are often used as decorative items in homes and offices. many are a wool blend with a certain percentage of other fibers woven in. Then, I tumble dried it under "Air Dry" setting . Buying a Hudson Bay blanket is a great way to own a piece of Canadian history. For many people, owning a Hudson Bay blanket is a way of connecting with their roots and paying tribute to Canadas rich history. 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. information about the Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. The blankets are also water-resistant and can be used in all weather conditions. HBC was a fur trading business for most of its history, a past that is entwined with the colonization of British North America and the development of Canada. By the 1990s, that number was 1 death for every 1.3 million passengers. The high cost of labor makes Hudson Bay blankets some of the most expensive on the market. One of the most popular items to come out of Canada is the Hudson Bay blanket. Today, the design from the blanket is used on a variety of clothing, accessories and household items sold by the HBC. Last Edited. They are made with high-quality materials, so they are very expensive. While this is a very expensive blanket, they have been around a long time for a reason. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that only the best blankets are sold, and explains the higher price tag. 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. Fold a wool blanket and use it as a chair . Proudly powered by WordPress The wool used to make these blankets comes from Canadian sheep, and it is incredibly soft and durable. Because the company invests a significant amount of money in advertising and promotion, the marketing cost of the Hudson Bay Blanket is significantly higher than average. about the HBCs history of the point blanket, an FAQ page and personal stories Get it by Wed. Feb 15. Similarly, a rare or limited edition blanket will be worth more than a mass-produced one. valuable information about the history of the point blanket. Blanket: An Illustrated History of the Hudsons Bay Blanket (2002). Additionally, each blanket is unique no two are exactly alike. In addition, the blankets are made entirely by hand, which adds to their cost. They have since become popular and are available in different colors and styles. Belmores. Their origins date back to the 1670s. Yellow, blue, green, red: those four stripes of colour on the Hudson's Bay Company four-point blanket are as iconic to Canadians as the Maple Leaf. Shrumm, R. (2018). Third, feel the fabric. Belmores, The Blanket (2011). The 10 Most Expensive Soccer Balls on the Market, Why Are Patek Philippe so Expensive? She loves learning new things and appreciates the little things in life. Yes, you can wash your blanket. Once it arrives at the mill, the wool is dyed and woven into cloth using a centuries-old method known as pointing.. Hudson Bay Blankets are among the most iconic and recognizable blankets in the world. To show their wealth during potlatches, participants cut blankets into many small pieces so that everyone at the potlatch would receive a gift. By 1929, the HBC launched a full line of blanket coats for women, men and children. ), Today, the distinctive design of point blanket strips has been used as part of the HBC Collection brand on products ranging from umbrellas to smart phone cases. Additionally, the long history of Hudson Bay blankets makes them highly sought-after by collectors. Theyre also incredibly expensive, with prices ranging from $200 to $400. These iconic woolen blankets have been keeping people warm for centuries, and their popularity shows no signs of waning. In, Shrumm, Regan. The fact is that wool is warm even when wet, dries quickly and is easy to sew. 10 Reasons Why. So, there you have it: three reasons why Hudson Bay Blankets are so expensive. However, by taking into account all of these factors, it is possible to identify a Hudson Bay blanket with relative ease. 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. The blankets were originally created by the Hudsons Bay Company in the late 1700s. If its much cheaper than that, its probably not the real thing. Hudson Bay blankets are typically striped or checked, and each pattern has a specific meaning. Watch this YouTube video of artist Rebecca Now, Hudson's Bay Co. is redirecting the profits from the sale of those blankets toward Indigenous-led initiatives. The wool used to make these blankets comes from Canadian sheep, and it is incredibly soft and durable. The first step in identifying a Hudson Bay blanket is to determine its color and design. Early's of Whitney blankets are getting somewhat hard (not impossible) to find. These blankets were made by the Hudson Bay Company in the 18th and 19th centuries. Older blankets are usually more valuable than newer ones. Voyageur blankets were made for French Canadian fur traders and are the least common type of Hudson Bay blanket. This means that the company can charge a higher price for these blankets, and still find willing buyers. The cost of marketing of Hudson Bay blankets is also a factor in their high price tag. -The blanket should have a woven selvedge along both sides. The blankets can be used as bedding, clothing, or just something to cuddle up with on a cold night. Hudson Bay blankets are expensive due to their exquisite quality and craftsmanship. The blankets are made at the Hainsworth wool mill, which has been in operation for over 230 years. They are warm and cosy and are perfect for winter use. However, the reason for their expensive price is that there is a high demand for them. So if youre looking for a classic blanket that will keep you warm and stylish, look no further than Hudsons Bay. Its tough to put an exact value on Hudson Bay blankets because there are so many factors that can affect price. Founded in 1670, the Hudsons Bay Company is the oldest commercial corporation in North America. During a job interview with the Hudson Bay House in London, England, that year, Germain Maugenest, an independent and experienced fur trader, offered suggestions to improve the company as part of his service to the HBC. The modern version is made from a variety of materials, including wool, cotton, and polyester. Zelda loves clothes and shoes and is always up on the latest trends. Today, several mills make different shades. These cozy woven blankets are perfect for snuggling up by the fire on a cold winters night, and their iconic designs make them a popular choice for gifts and dcor. In the early days, all blankets were made of wool, which provided warmth and was resistant to fire. The rarer blankets are also more valuable because people want them more than others due to their uniqueness or history associated with them. Hudson Bay blankets are both unique and collectible. It has come to our attention that the quality of production of these blankets is actually quite high. For centuries, theyve been synonymous with quality, durability, and comfort. For some Indigenous peoples, the point blanket represents the forces of colonization. They also have a very strong distribution network, which helps them to sell their products to retailers at a high price. I washed my Pendleton wool blankets in cold water a month of ago and they came out perfect! information about the Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. 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. Hudson Bay blankets are very expensive, and theyre also fragile. The Prorsum Poncho is sure to keep you warm and stylish all winter long. The answer is that it depends on your personal preferences. Prior to the European blanket trade, many Indigenous nations wore hand-woven blankets made of animal hides and furs. 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. All Hudson Bay blankets must undergo a rigorous inspection process before they are sold. 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. 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. First, theyre made with high-quality materials. 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. We're on the lookout for one to make our sofa cozier this winter. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets So Expensive? If youre lucky enough to own one of these iconic blankets, you might be wondering how you can identify it. Hudson Bay blankets, also known as Point Blankets, are incredibly soft and durable. 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.). However, you shouldnt let that deter you from purchasing one of these blankets because they are well worth the money. 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