Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets So Expensive? Last Edited. People from all over the world love Hudson Bay Blankets because they are warm, comfortable, and stylish. Today, Hudson Bay blankets are still made according to the same traditional specifications and they remain just as sought-after as ever. Belmores, The Blanket (2011). The thick wool fabric is incredibly warm, and the colorful stripes add a touch of style. This means that your Hudson Bay blanket will look just as good as the day you bought it, even after years of use. These fabrics are not only expensive due to the materials and labor involved in their production, but also because of the rarity and exclusivity of the final product. The company is also responsible for introducing the now-famous Hudson Bay blanket to the world. Sylvia Olsen, Working (See alsoWeaving.) However, the blankets design has been the cause of some complaints. The Point Blanket Site Researcher and consultant Harold Tichenor provides Blankets played an important role in many Indigenous communities as all-purpose clothes and household items, as well as status symbols. How can you tell if a Hudson Bay blanket is real? These blankets first appeared in Canadian trading posts in the 1700s, and aside from. Hudson Bay blankets are made of 100% wool and have a rich history. (See alsoChilkat Blanket.). The first point blankets were created by French weavers who developed a point system a way to specify the finished size of a blanket sometime in the 17th century. Each blanket is made from 100% wool and requires extensive hand-stitching. They reflect the trading system for beaver pelts and the early North American colonies. Point blankets were bought by Indigenous and settler communities alike to use as bedding, clothing, room dividers and fabric for other items. If its much cheaper than that, its probably not the real thing. 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. Both companies sell woolen blankets, but Pendletons blankets are of a higher quality. But what is it that makes Hudson Bay blankets so special? Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. In addition, the blankets are made entirely by hand, which adds to their cost. 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. Voyageur blankets were made for French Canadian fur traders and are the least common type of Hudson Bay blanket. with Wool: A Coast Salish Legacy and the Cowichan Sweater (2010). There are a few reasons that Hudson Bay blankets are more expensive than other types of blankets. 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. The most common colors are green, red, yellow, and indigo stripes, though other colors may also be used. Hudson Bay Blankets are some of the most expensive blankets in the world. The most popular items exchanged for beaver and other animal pelts were wool blankets. $140.00. For example, when the HBC first established trading posts and forts in the Pacific Northwest, Coast Salish women who had been weaving blankets out of mountain goat and dog hair since well before European contact became determined to get high-quality point blankets. Prior to the European blanket trade, many Indigenous nations wore hand-woven blankets made of animal hides and furs. Required fields are marked *. There is no set meaning behind the colors on the blanket, but they have a particular historical significance. She loves learning new things and appreciates the little things in life. Finally, Hudson Bay blankets are also cherished for their history. 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. In conclusion, Hudson Bay blankets are expensive for several reasons. If it says anything other than Hudsons Bay Company, its not a genuine Hudson Bay blanket. One of the most popular items to come out of Canada is the Hudson Bay blanket. Theme: News Way by Themeansar. Do you ever cuddle up with a throw blanket when watching TV or reading books? You wont be let down in any way! These blankets quickly became popular among Native Americans and settlers alike, and theyve been revered ever since. Identifying a Hudson Bay blanket can be a daunting task. | Even today, Hudson Bay blankets are seen as a symbol of success and prosperity. Hudson Bay blankets are also known for their striped patterns. Due to their high quality, durability, and luxury status, Hudson Bay blankets have a high market demand. But if youre looking for a blanket that will make a statement, Pendleton is the brand for you. This is because of its high quality and long lifespan, both of which make it well worth the money spent. 110.00 sounds like a fair (not great) price if it is in decent condition. The wool is sourced from New Zealand sheep and the dyes are all natural, which makes the blanket more costly to produce. If you are sensitive to wool, this might make a problem for your chin on cold nights. 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. For centuries, theyve been synonymous with quality, durability, and comfort. Check out our hudson bay blanket selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our blankets & throws shops. Occasionally, therefore, the wool used in the Hudsons Bay Point Blanket mixed with traditionally-sourced wool to form a new creation. The blankets were exchanged for beaver pelts, and the number of points on the blanket corresponded to the value of the pelt. 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. Wool blankets can be washed in a washing machine, although manufacturers recommend hand washing them. 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. 13 watching. Hudson Bay blankets are typically made from wool or cotton. If you want a HB blanket, you probably either have to buy second hand or buy direct from HBC - which means importing from Canada. There are lots of small businesses that sell Hudson Bay Blankets, so youre sure to find one that fits your style perfectly. Well, it turns out, I was wrong. 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. 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. Most Expensively 2023. 1. Hudson Bay blankets were originally made by a contract manufacturer, but todays blankets are made in a factory owned by the company. 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. That would make it a very, very expensive blanket - well travelled though. Hudson Bay blankets are known for their distinctive design and language of points and stripes. His expertise lives on in Pendleton's tweed, flannel and worsted wool apparel. Hudson Bay blankets were originally solid colors with a distinct indigo band. valuable information about the history of the point blanket. Hudson Bay blankets are known to be very well-made and can last for decades. why are hudson bay blankets so expensive . Points were identified by the indigo lines woven into the side of each blanket. The wool used is of a very high quality, and it is often sourced from New Zealand. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive:Newshub360.net, Please share to 3 GROUPS on Facebook or WhatsApp, 13 Most Expensive Cities to Live in California 2023, 10 Richest Cities in Michigan Based on Median Income 2023, 10 Best Places to Live on East Coast of Florida 2023, 15 Top Fox News Anchors Female to Watch 2023, 20 CNN Female Anchors You Need to Watch in 2023, 11 Dr Pepper Commercial Actors and Actresses 2023, 15 Funny Numbers to Prank Call and Prank Hotlines 2023, 20 Scary Numbers to Call: You Should Never Call Them, 14 Actors and Actress in GEICO Commercials 2023, 10 Liberty Mutual Commercial Actors and Actresses 2023, 10 Best Slavery Movies on Netflix for Black History Month 2023, Your email address will not be published. Just be prepared to pay a bit more for the privilege. The blankets were originally created by the Hudsons Bay Company in the late 1700s. When it comes to cozy blankets, there are two brands that stand out above the rest: Hudson Bay and Pendleton. Belmores. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Whats more, Hudson Bay Blankets have a rich history. 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. Then, I tumble dried it under "Air Dry" setting . The reason for this is that the Hudson Bay Blanket is produced in a limited quantity, which makes them more rare and sought-after. 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. Joshua Ostroff, How a Smallpox Epidemic Forged Modern The high quality of the material used to make Hudson Bay blankets makes them expensive. The blanket measures 90 inches by 100 inches, making it the perfect size for a queen bed. The fact is that wool is warm even when wet, dries quickly and is easy to sew. It will usually include a yellow on white label, which is a hallmark of authenticity. It should be thick and sturdy not thin or flimsy. Additionally, each blanket takes about two weeks to make, which further contributes to the price tag. 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 Bay Blanket is a blanket that has been used for centuries by Native Americans. Enjoy snuggling up under it knowing that youre wrapped in history! All Rights Reserved. The reason for this is that the Hudson Bay Blanket is produced in a limited quantity, which makes them more rare and sought-after. The yarns are twisted tightly together to form a thick, durable blanket. 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. Pendleton is another option still a bit too pricey ($200/twin-size), then again I've never seen one, I'm guessing its not as heavyweight/quality as a hudson? Researcher and consultant Harold Tichenor provides In fact, the iconic Hudsons Bay point blanket was first produced in the 1780s and has been a best-selling product ever since. Find fleece prints & solid colors, no sew fleece blanket kits, sherpa & minky at JOANN. 8 Reasons Why, Why Are Harleys So Expensive? This is because they are made from some of the finest materials available. Here is a layout pattern to make a Capote coat from a Hudson's Bay blanket. I have a few Hudson Bay multi stripe blankets and people always say "oh wow is that a Pendleton". They are crafted from wool that has been carefully selected for its quality and softness. In fact, the blanket had become so synonymous with the standard measure for trade that in the HBC records, the term blanket was used to convey a collection of smaller trade goods. They have since become popular and are available in different colors and styles. All Hudson Bay blankets must undergo a rigorous inspection process before they are sold. This means that each blanket is unique, and takes a great deal of time and skill to create. Downtown Hudson's Bay flagship stores in Canada are being downsized as parent Hudson's Bay Company strategizes real estate assets with an eye for redevelopment. Theyre made from high-quality materials, and theyre built to last for years (or even decades). Although other colors may be used as well, the most common ones for the stripes are green, red, yellow, and indigo. Flavian Johnny is the founder of Mostexpensively.com - a blog that serves as an invaluable resource for expatriates and travelers looking for something special and unique. "They had to bring over water and . 10. The answer is yes! Wool blankets in general, and especially Pendleton's, are very warm and durable. The cost of marketing of Hudson Bay blankets is also a factor in their high price tag. Hudson Bay blankets are extremely durable, and will last for many years with proper care. Chiefs blankets were made for high-ranking Native American chiefs and are much rarer. 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. Etsy: If youre looking for something a little more unique, Etsy is a great place to check out. The 6-point Hudsons Bay wool blanket is sure to keep you warm and cozy all winter long! Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. The price of a Hudson Bay blanket is typically more expensive than the price of other types of blankets because of how popular they are. This marketing cost is passed on to the consumer, making Hudson Bay blankets more expensive than other brands. They come in a variety of styles and colors that allow you to find one that suits your tastes. $149.99. Because they use natural dyes, these blankets are expensive. But which brand is better? But they have a dark history as well. 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. The wool used to make these blankets comes from Canadian sheep, and it is incredibly soft and durable. These blankets can be hand-washed or machine-washed, but make sure to avoid bleach or fabric softeners as these will damage the fibers. Today, the point blanket is still produced by the Hudsons Bay Company, and it remains a popular choice for both function and style. British weaver Thomas Kay laid the foundation when he arrived in Oregon in 1863. A real Hudson Bay blanket will also be made from 100% wool. We're on the lookout for one to make our sofa cozier this winter. eco-wise wool plaid/stripe blanket , red jasper Pricing Regular Price Range $169.00 - $289.00 Sale Price Range $117.99 - $289.00 More Colors View additional ECO-WISE WOOL SOLID BLANKET colors Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. In addition, the blankets are made entirely by hand, which adds to their cost. At that time they were highly sought after for being very warm in the brutal Canadian winters. Secondly, they are hand-woven which adds to the cost. Thanks for contributing to The Canadian Encyclopedia. First, the condition of the blanket is important. Lastly, the company has a long history dating back to the 1600s, which gives them a lot of brand recognition and prestige. Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most sought-after blankets on the market, and for good reason. The Hudson Bay point blanket has been an iconic fixture of Canadian homes for centuries. All Hudson Bay blankets are hand-loomed in England with the finest wool. So if youre in the market for a new blanket, be sure to check out the Hudson Bay line. In addition to being expensive, the blankets are also extremely valuable, especially the older ones. However, they are worth every penny. She is a fun-loving person who loves to make people smile. Cree artist Kent Monkman uses the point blankets in his series of paintings, Shame and Prejudice: A Story of Resilience, as a representation of the imperial powers that dominated and dispossessed Indigenous people of their land and livelihood. In 2011, Anishinaabe artist Rebecca Belmore created the video installation The Blanket, which features Winnipeg dancer Ming Hong rolling down a snow-covered hill in a point blanket. 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