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. Theyre made from high-quality materials, and theyre built to last for years (or even decades). Originally produced in British North America, Hudson Bay blankets are now shipped worldwide. 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. Some of the famous woolen mills in the United States and England produced these blankets. 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 blankets are made in a number of different sizes, colors, and patterns, and they can be found in both new and antique condition. The answer is that it depends on your personal preferences. Today, several mills make different shades. These blankets were originally designed as trade goods, to be exchanged for furs with Indigenous people. 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. 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. Wool blankets can be washed in a washing machine, although manufacturers recommend hand washing them. In the early days, all blankets were made of wool, which provided warmth and was resistant to fire. 3. why are hudson bay blankets so expensive. These blankets are marketed as luxury items, and the company spends a great deal of money on advertising and promotion. Hudson Bay Blankets are some of the most expensive blankets in the world. 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. There are several different styles to choose from, so you can find the perfect one to suit your taste. There are few things as cozy and comforting as a Hudson Bay blanket. They are dyed with natural dyes that can be expensive, and they are hand-woven. Plus, they often have sales which make these blankets even more affordable. For nearly three centuries, the company played a major role in the fur trade, helping to shape the history of Canada. 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. One variety of blanket is known as a Hudson Bay blanket, and this particular style of blanket was first manufactured in England before being exported to Canada. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive because they are made with high-quality materials and construction. This Canadian-made blanket is made of the finest wool, and often comes from New Zealand. Over the years of fur trading, the design of point blankets grew to accommodate the preferences of various Indigenous nations. Signing up enhances your TCE experience with the ability to save items to your personal reading list, and access the interactive map. The point blanket has become an icon of Canadian style, often featured in Canadian home and style magazines and blogs. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets So Expensive? Note: The Secret Life of Canada is hosted and written by Falen Johnson and Leah Simone Bowen and is a CBC original podcast independent of The Canadian Encyclopedia. Which is the Best Climber of All the Big Cats? Whether used for clothing, home decor, or even artwork, the Most Expensive Fabric is a symbol of opulence and affluence. These blankets have been made in Canada for centuries, and they have a rich heritage that is deeply intertwined with the countrys identity. Here are a few things to look for: -The blanket should be made of 100% wool. 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. Occasionally, the HBC would produce blankets for special events or anniversaries; for instance, for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, a royal purple blanket with white stripes and point was produced. Services Canada Learn more about the HBC Point Our team will be reviewing your submission and get back to you with any further questions. The blankets were usually large, insulating, and thick. The company is also responsible for introducing the now-famous Hudson Bay blanket to the world. The Stripes blanket, on the other hand, was designed for use in military tents. The fact is that wool is warm even when wet, dries quickly and is easy to sew. Because they can be washed and dried in a machine, taking care of them is very simple. With these guidelines in mind, you should be able to easily identify your Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. Dating a Hudson Bay blanket can be easy if you know what to look for. One of the most popular items to come out of Canada is the Hudson Bay blanket. 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. "Hudsons Bay Point Blanket". This is because of its high quality and long lifespan, both of which make it well worth the money spent. The Hudsons Bay Point Blanket is a wool blanket with a series of stripes and points (markers on cloth) first made for the Hudsons Bay Company (HBC) in 1779. People from all over the world adore Hudson Bay Blankets due to the fact that they are not only warm but also comfortable and fashionable. However, the point system made it easy to sell the blankets through fur trading, as the points became a reliable pricing convention. Although Hackett has found no proof of this, she has heard oral stories about the blankets being used to spread the disease. This means that each blanket is unique, and takes a great deal of time and skill to create. 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. 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. Fold a wool blanket and use it as a chair . Chiefs blankets were made for high-ranking Native American chiefs and are much rarer. -There should be a label somewhere on the blanket that indicates it is a Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. Although other colors may be used as well, the most common ones for the stripes are green, red, yellow, and indigo. How Can You Tell If a Hudson Bay Blanket is Real? 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. HUDSON'S BAY CO. VINTAGE ORANGE/PINK 4 POINT WOOL BLANKET 72" X 83.5". +2 Colors | 4 Sizes. Fill a basin, large enough to submerge the blanket, with water. Firstly, they are made with high quality materials like wool and cotton which makes them very durable. Each line serves a distinct function, and when taken as a whole, they produce a pattern that conveys information about its subject. If youre lucky enough to own a Hudson Bay blanket, you have a true treasure on your hands. That would make it a very, very expensive blanket - well travelled though. The high cost of labor makes Hudson Bay blankets some of the most expensive on the market. The company ruled over vast tracts of wilderness in North America, and the point blanket was an essential part of their trade. Youll pay a lot of money for a Hudson Bay blanket, but youll have peace of mind knowing that youre getting a quality blanket. His expertise lives on in Pendleton's tweed, flannel and worsted wool apparel. 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. For centuries, these blankets have been reserved for the wealthy and elite. 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 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. There are a few things you can look for when trying to determine if a Hudson Bay blanket is real. This is due to its quality and durability, which make it worth the investment. To show their wealth during potlatches, participants cut blankets into many small pieces so that everyone at the potlatch would receive a gift. Hudson Bay is a historical company that was founded in 1670, while Pendleton is a modern company that was founded in 1909. 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? Identifying a Hudson Bay blanket can be a daunting task. These blankets can be hand-washed or machine-washed, but make sure to avoid bleach or fabric softeners as these will damage the fibers. Hudson Bay blankets are prized for their colorful stripes, which are inspired by the traditional blankets of the First Nations people. So if youve been eyeing a Hudsons Bay blanket but havent been able to justify the cost, keep an eye out for a sale. Hudson Bay Blankets are some of the most expensive blankets in the world. . Hudson Bay blankets can be found in a variety of sizes, including 3.5, 4 and 6 point sizes. Marie, Ontario, too cold, and commissioned settler and Mtis women to create 40 coats for his men out of 3.5 point blankets. 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. So, there you have it: three reasons why Hudson Bay Blankets are so expensive. -The blanket should have a woven selvedge along both sides. Hudson Bay blankets, also known as Point Blankets, are incredibly soft and durable. The blankets are also water-resistant and can be used in all weather conditions. Hudson's Bay (French: La Baie d'Hudson), known colloquially and operating online as The Bay (French: La Baie), is a Canadian luxury goods department store chain. Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive because they are made with high-quality materials and construction. 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. They were also crafted by various woolen mills. Theres nothing like snuggling up in a Hudson Bay blanket on a cold winters night. It still exists as a commercial company and is active in . Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most iconic and recognizable blankets in the world. Often these small pieces were collected by weavers, unraveled and then woven into a new blanket. The wool is sourced from New Zealand sheep and the dyes are all natural, which makes the blanket more costly to produce. $149.99. Just be prepared to pay a bit more for the privilege. $19.99 shipping. But they had a darker history, too. But they quickly became popular among European settlers as well. By 1929, the HBC launched a full line of blanket coats for women, men and children. 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. Additionally, the blankets provenance is also an important factor. The blankets are also machine-washable and dryer-safe, which means that they will last for many years. These blankets are ideal for use as bedding or clothing during the winter months because they are so thick and warm. -The stripe width and spacing will vary depending on the size of the blanket, but they should all be of equal width. The blanket is also available in other sizes, making it versatile enough to fit any bed size. Required fields are marked *. Yes, you can wash your blanket. 1. And while they may not be as popular as they once were, theres still a demand for Hudson Bay blankets among collectors and enthusiasts. The high cost of labor is another reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive. 1. 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. They are available in a wide variety of designs, so you should be able to find one that is aesthetically pleasing to you. The poncho is made from the finest grade of Mongolian cashmere and features a double-faced design with a contrasting stripe down the center. Hudson Bay blankets have been around for centuries, and can be a perfect gift for a Canadian friend or family member. (Top 11 Reasons). If the blanket is in good condition, it will be worth more than one that is damaged or worn. Originally, they were made for barter with Indians, and today they are a national symbol of Canada. Rinse off all the soap, suds and bubbles. Finally, Hudson Bay blankets are also cherished for their history. Many of these blankets date back as far as 200 years. The Bay: This is probably the most obvious choice, and for good reason. 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. They are made from 100% wool and are incredibly warm. Theres no doubt that Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most well-made and expensive blankets on the market. Hudson Bay blankets were originally solid colors with a distinct indigo band. Although they may be expensive, Hudson Bay Blankets are worth the investment because they will last for many years. 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. The answer is yes! But what is it that makes Hudson Bay blankets so special? about the HBCs history of the point blanket, an FAQ page and personal stories The Hudsons Bay Point Blanket is an iconic piece of Canadian history. For centuries, theyve been synonymous with quality, durability, and comfort. Hudson Bay blankets have a complicated history with Indigenous people in Canada. In fact, the iconic Hudsons Bay point blanket was first produced in the 1780s and has been a best-selling product ever since. The history of these blankets stretches back more than 200 years, and an early one can cost more than . These blankets are often very well-made and can last for decades, making them a valuable investment. This is a big misconception here in the US unfortunately. If it says anything other than Hudsons Bay Company, its not a genuine Hudson Bay blanket. The wool used is of a very high quality, and it is often sourced from New Zealand. While this is a very expensive blanket, they have been around a long time for a reason. Wool or cotton is typically used in the production of Hudson Bay blankets. 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. Wool, cotton, and polyester are just some of the modern-day materials that are used in the production of the updated version. by Eddie Bauer. Your email address will not be published. The blankets first appeared in trading posts around the 1700s, and they served as a form of currency. Hudson Bay blankets are also known for their striped patterns. The blankets were originally created by the Hudsons Bay Company in the late 1700s. why are hudson bay blankets so expensive. The Hudson's Bay Company, a fur-trading enterprise headquartered in London, began operations on the shores of Hudson Bay in 1670. 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. Yup! Early's of Whitney blankets are getting somewhat hard (not impossible) to find. During the reign of Queen Anne (1702-1704), red, indigo, green, and yellow were particularly popular. Then, I used extra rinse to make sure all the soap was rinsed out. Another reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so beloved is because of their distinct style. Over the years, the popularity of Pendleton blankets has increased due to the warmth and coziness of these blankets. What Grass Grows Best in Shade in Georgia? Although they are not typically discounted throughout the year, Hudsons Bay does offer sales on these blankets from time to time. , I used extra rinse to make sure to avoid bleach or Fabric softeners these. 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