One of the reasons is that theyre not mass-produced. Originally, they were made for barter with Indians, and today they are a national symbol of Canada. 13 watching. Chiefs blankets were made for high-ranking Native American chiefs and are much rarer. The capote was particularly popular with trappers as the wrap style made it easy to move and hunt in, while keeping them warm. Older blankets are usually worth more than newer ones. The answer is yes! One of his recommendations included regular stock and trade of pointed blankets. It can also be dry cleaned in a professional dry cleaner, if youd prefer not to wash it by hand. When it comes to cozy blankets, there are two brands that stand out above the rest: Hudson Bay and Pendleton. Explore presents the Hudson's Bay Company - Part 4 (3): Treasures of the fur trade. Hudson Bay Blankets are some of the most expensive blankets in the world. Finally, the provenance of the blanket is also important. Each blanket line is named for an Aboriginal tribe and has a particular meaning. 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. Her works have been featured on Good Housekeeping,Next Luxury,Wanderlog,NurseJournal,NewsBreak,ThaiWare,and Yahoo. 110.00 sounds like a fair (not great) price if it is in decent condition. There are lots of small businesses that sell Hudson Bay Blankets, so youre sure to find one that fits your style perfectly. The Bay Blanket. Hudson Bay blankets were originally made by a contract manufacturer, but todays blankets are made in a factory owned by the company. Find fleece prints & solid colors, no sew fleece blanket kits, sherpa & minky at JOANN. A good way to identify a real Hudson Bay blanket is by checking its label. Bay Company Explore this page to learn more 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. Hudson Bay Blanket is a blanket that has been used for centuries by Native Americans. (Top 11 Reasons). 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. Occasionally, therefore, the wool used in the Hudsons Bay Point Blanket mixed with traditionally-sourced wool to form a new creation. (See also Cowichan Sweater. Each blanket is crafted from one hundred percent wool and requires a significant amount of hand stitching. The 10 Most Expensive Soccer Balls on the Market, Why Are Patek Philippe so Expensive? Following the selection of the color and the pattern, the next step is to choose the material that will be used. Compared to wool blankets, Hudson Bay blankets tend to be warmer. Second, take a close look at the stripes. Once it arrives at the mill, the wool is dyed and woven into cloth using a centuries-old method known as pointing.. 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. +2 Colors | 4 Sizes. $19.99 shipping. If youre lucky enough to own a Hudson Bay blanket, you have a true treasure on your hands. The reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive is because of the superior construction and materials that go into making them. Point blankets were also sometimes used in the potlatch, a gift-giving feast practiced by various First Nations communities in the Pacific Northwest, including the Haida, Tlingit, Nuu-chah-nulth, Kwakwakawakw and Coast Salish. These blankets are marketed as luxury items, and the company spends a great deal of money on advertising and promotion. Theyre warm, durable, and versatile, making them a great choice for all sorts of different applications. The trick is in the drying: you must gently press or blot the water out by wrapping it in towels NEVER WRING THE BLANKET. But why are they so expensive, and what makes them worth the investment? They are warm and cosy and are perfect for winter use. Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive because they are made with high-quality materials and construction. A few years ago you could buy a new Earlys of Whitney 4 point blanket for around 160.00. Textile Museum of But dont let that stop you from buying one these blankets are worth every penny! But which brand is better? Hudson Bay blankets have long been associated with luxury and status. 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. Rinse off all the soap, suds and bubbles. A full point measured 4 - 5.5 in. Finally, the size of the blanket must be considered. Kay's grandsons, the three Bishop brothers, opened Pendleton Woolen Mills in the early 1900s. In conclusion, there are many reasons why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive. Many people complained that they were lumpy and monotone, but new colors have been introduced. However, other colors may also be used. At that time they were highly sought after for being very warm in the brutal Canadian winters. And now Barbie, the biggest name in make . 1. Here is a layout pattern to make a Capote coat from a Hudson's Bay blanket. 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. 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. The HBC did not commission its very own point blanket until 1779. First, check the label. Hudsons The most popular items exchanged for beaver and other animal pelts were wool blankets. information about the Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. Older blankets are usually more valuable than newer ones. Although they may be expensive, Hudson Bay Blankets are worth the investment because they will last for many years. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets So Expensive? Theyre also available in new designs, and can be ordered through the Hudsons Bay Companys website. The yarns are twisted tightly together to form a thick, durable blanket. Although a new blanket may cost up to $3,000, you can be sure that youre not paying a beavers life savings to create a replica. Thanks for contributing to The Canadian Encyclopedia. The Hudsons Bay Company still produces this style of blanket as well, and it has become a symbol of Canadian heritage. They are warm, thick, and cozy. The blanket is also available in other sizes, making it versatile enough to fit any bed size. Blankets are collectible too, and none more so than the famous Hudson Bay blankets of Canada. Do you ever cuddle up with a throw blanket when watching TV or reading books? 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. The origins of the iconic blanket began with fur trading in the New World. Founded in 1670, the Hudsons Bay Company is the oldest commercial corporation in North America. Even today, Hudson Bay blankets are seen as a symbol of success and prosperity. Over the years of fur trading, the design of point blankets grew to accommodate the preferences of various Indigenous nations. For example, many Inuit liked plain white blankets that provided camouflage, while the Tsimshian and Tlingit typically preferred deep blue designs. Quality of the Material The high quality of the material used to make Hudson Bay blankets makes them expensive. The first step in identifying a Hudson Bay blanket is to determine its color and design. They were first created in the 1700s by British traders working for the Hudsons Bay Company. These blankets are warm and thick, and were originally used by Native Americans as blankets, clothing, and bedding. This means that each blanket is unique, and takes a great deal of time and skill to create. 2. This wool is then spun into a thick yarn that is very durable. Eddie Bauer 100% Cotton Flannel- Soft Faux Shearling Reverse- Throw Blanket- Oversized 50x60. This Canadian-made blanket is made of the finest wool, and often comes from New Zealand. Eventually, it would become known simply as the Hudson's Bay Company. 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. By 1929, the HBC launched a full line of blanket coats for women, men and children. The high price is due to their durability. It still exists as a commercial company and is active in . Hudson Bay blankets are known for their rich history and timeless design. Third, feel the fabric. Theres nothing like snuggling up in a Hudson Bay blanket on a cold winters night. Firstly, they are made with high quality materials like wool and cotton which makes them very durable. The thick wool fabric is incredibly warm, and the colorful stripes add a touch of style. 1. The high quality of the material used to make Hudson Bay blankets makes them expensive. Once the color and design have been determined, the next step is to identify the material. They were also crafted by various woolen mills. Spending the winter there and trading furs with the Indigenous, the first cargo of fur left for England on Oct. 9, 1669. During the reign of Queen Anne (1702-1704), red, indigo, green, and yellow were particularly popular. The blankets are also machine-washable and dryer-safe, which means that they will last for many years. 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. 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 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 Why Is Shipping so Expensive in Canada in 2023? If youre looking for a blanket that will add a pop of color to your home, Hudson Bay is the way to go. Theres no doubt that Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most well-made and expensive blankets on the market. The poncho is made from the finest grade of Mongolian cashmere and features a double-faced design with a contrasting stripe down the center. But how good are Hudson Bay blankets, really? 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. That being said, they have gone on record stating that they had nothing to do with, nor would ever condone, the practice of distributing contaminated blankets to the indigenous people of North America (w. Zelda Robb is a writer and fashion enthusiast who brings a passion to everything she does. Wool is typically used in the production of blankets, which contributes to their cuddly and comfortable nature. Your email address will not be published. They remain a popular choice among collectors and are an authentic piece of American history. (See alsoWeaving.) 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. However, by taking into account all of these factors, it is possible to identify a Hudson Bay blanket with relative ease. Yup! many are a wool blend with a certain percentage of other fibers woven in. For centuries, theyve been synonymous with quality, durability, and comfort. 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. The Hudsons Bay Company (HBC) had been trading blankets since the company incorporated in 1670. The thick wool is durable and incredibly warm, and the colorful stripes add flair. 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. The blankets first appeared in trading posts around the 1700s, and they served as a form of currency. All Rights Reserved. A Blanket so important---it even has a book written about it ! Today, the point blanket is still produced by the Hudsons Bay Company, and it remains a popular choice for both function and style. In addition to being expensive, the blankets are also extremely valuable, especially the older ones. Despite the high price tag, the Hudson Bay Blanket remains popular among consumers. Harold Tichenor, The These Canadian-made blankets are known for their quality craftsmanship and durability. Additionally, the long history of Hudson Bay blankets makes them highly sought-after by collectors. Well, it turns out that these blankets are actually quite well-made. 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. Rebecca Belmore Watch this YouTube video of artist Rebecca The history of these blankets stretches back more than 200 years, and an early one can cost more than . Amazon: Amazon also has a great selection of Hudson Bay Blankets, and they often have them at very reasonable prices. The blankets were usually large, insulating, and thick. The cost of marketing of Hudson Bay blankets is also a factor in their high price tag. Hudson Bay blankets were originally solid colors with a distinct indigo band. Here are a few of our favorite places to find these cozy blankets: Unlike wool blankets, these blankets are made with a synthetic material thats resistant to moisture and mildew. Signing up enhances your TCE experience with the ability to save items to your personal reading list, and access the interactive map. The Stripes blanket, on the other hand, was designed for use in military tents. My . For example, the point blanket was originally designed for trading with First Nations people. Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive because they are made with high-quality materials and construction. From the high quality of the materials to the intricate designs, these blankets are truly luxurious items. The history, quality, and process of production, the cost of labor, and exclusivity all contribute to the high cost of these blankets. valuable information about the history of the point blanket. They have long been a popular blanket in Canada and are sold at Toronto retail stores. 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