They are made from 100% wool and are incredibly warm. These blankets are also extremely durable, which makes them an excellent investment for your winter wardrobe. And now Barbie, the biggest name in make . On the other hand, if one is to take into consideration each of these aspects, it is possible to recognize a Hudson Bay blanket with a fair amount of ease. If you want a HB blanket, you probably either have to buy second hand or buy direct from HBC - which means importing from Canada. Here are a few things to look for: -The blanket should be made of 100% wool. The Hudson Bay point blanket has a complex history with Indigenous people in Canada. If your blanket is older than 100 years old, it may be worth more money than newer ones because there are fewer available on the market today. 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. "Hudsons Bay Point Blanket". 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. The blankets are made at the Hainsworth wool mill, which has been in operation for over 230 years. Required fields are marked *. Third, feel the fabric. These new colours were not favored by the tribes at first but quickly became popular. The blankets are also water-resistant and can be used in all weather conditions. 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. with Wool: A Coast Salish Legacy and the Cowichan Sweater (2010). 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. You wont be let down in any way! 0 bids. Though the points on the blankets did not have an inherent value, merchants during the fur trade often priced point blankets according to the number of points on the blanket, with one point assigned for small blankets and four points designated for very large blankets. 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. Age, condition, size, and provenance are all important considerations. Over the years of fur trading, the design of point blankets grew to accommodate the preferences of various Indigenous nations. 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. Hudson Bay blankets have a complicated history with Indigenous people in Canada. Theyre usually classified by size. If youre looking for a top-quality blanket, youll have to be prepared to pay a premium for a Hudson Bay blanket. Northwest: History and Symbolism of a Unique North American Tradition, Columbia: The Magazine of Northwest History Many of these blankets date back as far as 200 years. While the HBC was not the first to create the point blanket, the company did popularize it among Indigenous and settler communities in Canada. Amazon: Amazon also has a great selection of Hudson Bay Blankets, and they often have them at very reasonable prices. 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. However, other colors may also be used. 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. I used my non-toxic detergent mixture to wash and rinse the blanket in " COLD " water and GENTLE CYCLE. Later, traders introduced lighter blankets to suit coastal climates. 8 Reasons Why, Why Are Harleys So Expensive? Hudson Bay blankets are known for their distinctive design and language of points and stripes. The blanket is also available in other sizes, making it versatile enough to fit any bed size. The first step is to identify the type of blanket. In the early days, all blankets were made of wool, which provided warmth and was resistant to fire. -There should be a label somewhere on the blanket that indicates it is a Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. A good way to identify a real Hudson Bay blanket is by checking its label. 10 Most Expensive Restaurants in Chicago 2023, Why Is Washington DC So Expensive in 2023. "Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. The most popular items exchanged for beaver and other animal pelts were wool blankets. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive in 2023: The Hudson Bay blanket is widely regarded as one of Canadas most iconic exports and for good reason. Hudson Bay Blankets are some of the most expensive blankets in the world. How Long to Cook Green Bean Casserole in Microwave. The yarns are twisted tightly together to form a thick, durable blanket. Hudson Bay blankets, or points, have a complicated history with Indigenous people in Canada. 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. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. -The stripe width and spacing will vary depending on the size of the blanket, but they should all be of equal width. about the point blanket. It still exists as a commercial company and is active in . Wool blankets in general, and especially Pendleton's, are very warm and durable. They are made from 100% wool and are incredibly warm. In, Shrumm, Regan. The Hudson Bay Company produces some of the coziest and most coveted blankets in the entire world. Both companies sell woolen blankets, but Pendletons blankets are of a higher quality. If youre lucky enough to own a vintage Hudson Bay blanket, you can be sure that it will be a cherished family heirloom for generations to come. The blankets were typically traded to First Nations in exchange for beaver pelts as an important part of the North American fur trade.The blankets continue to be sold by Canada's Hudson's Bay department stores and have . Turn a wool blanket into a coat. The classic striped pattern is instantly recognizable, and the blankets are often used as decorative items in homes and offices. They were also used as robes by the tribes. Answer (1 of 2): They are called "point blankets" and they have been selling them for years. These blankets can be hand-washed or machine-washed, but make sure to avoid bleach or fabric softeners as these will damage the fibers. The most important factor in buying a Hudson Bay blanket is the quality. The trick is in the drying: you must gently press or blot the water out by wrapping it in towels NEVER WRING THE BLANKET. British weaver Thomas Kay laid the foundation when he arrived in Oregon in 1863. But which brand is better? The Hudson's Bay Company, a fur-trading enterprise headquartered in London, began operations on the shores of Hudson Bay in 1670. Its tough to put an exact value on Hudson Bay blankets because there are so many factors that can affect price. 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. The wool used to make these blankets comes from Canadian sheep, and it is incredibly soft and durable. Blankets are collectible too, and none more so than the famous Hudson Bay blankets of Canada. 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. This means that your Hudson Bay blanket will look just as good as the day you bought it, even after years of use. But what is it that makes Hudson Bay blankets so special? Each blanket line is named for an Aboriginal tribe and has a particular meaning. They are made under licence for the Hudson Bay Company and I would think strictly controlled. They are toasty, plush, and comfortable to wear. Why Is Shipping so Expensive in Canada in 2023? There are a few reasons that Hudson Bay blankets are more expensive than other types of blankets. 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. The blankets can be utilized in a variety of ways, including as clothing, as bedding, or simply as something to wrap oneself in on a chilly evening. Additionally, the blankets provenance is also an important factor. During the reign of Queen Anne (1702-1704), red, indigo, green, and yellow were particularly popular. You probably cant get em. They are made of high-quality wool, usually sourced from New Zealand. Explore this page to learn more Most Expensively 2023. 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. Each blanket is woven by hand, using a centuries-old technique. Do you ever cuddle up with a throw blanket when watching TV or reading books? Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. The modern version is made from a variety of materials, including wool, cotton, and polyester. A Hudson Bay blanket is highly collectible. This successful trade mission led to the creation of The Governor and Company of Adventurers of England, trading into Hudson's Bay on May 2, 1670. What size is a 6 point Hudson Bay blanket. Even though it comes with a hefty price tag, the Hudson Bay Blanket continues to be a customer favorite. Thinner, skin-friendly sheets were made . 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. Early's of Whitney blankets are getting somewhat hard (not impossible) to find. Its manufacture dates back to the 1670s, when the Hudsons Bay Company was granted a charter by King Charles II of England. Buying a Hudson Bay blanket is a great way to own a piece of Canadian history. The high cost of labor is another reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive. 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. 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. Compared to wool blankets, Hudson Bay blankets tend to be warmer. One of the most popular items to come out of Canada is the Hudson Bay blanket. 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. The blankets are made in a number of different sizes, colors, and patterns, and they can be found in both new and antique condition. Hudson Bay blankets are known for their rich history and timeless design. 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. (Top 11 Reasons). Proudly powered by WordPress This is due to its quality and durability, which make it worth the investment. Watch this YouTube video of artist Rebecca They have been used on other products, such as umbrellas and smartphone cases. 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. Quality of the Material The high quality of the material used to make Hudson Bay blankets makes them expensive. Whats more, Hudson Bay Blankets have a rich history. She loves learning new things and appreciates the little things in life. In 1821, it merged with its prime rival, the North West Company out of Montreal, thus acquiring several posts . Each blanket is made from 100% wool and requires extensive hand-stitching. Hudson Bay blankets are distributed by Woolrich and offer the same style and design that has been so popular since the 1700s. Second, the age of the blanket is also a factor. ( 250) Fast Delivery. Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most sought-after blankets on the market, and for good reason. On Friday, the Hudson's Bay Foundation announced a partnership with the. But why are they so expensive, and what makes them worth the investment? The Stripes blanket, on the other hand, was designed for use in military tents. A Hudson's Bay point blanket is a type of wool blanket traded by the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) in British North America, now Canada and the United States from 1779 to present. The first step in identifying a Hudson Bay blanket is to determine its color and design. There are a few things you can look for when trying to determine if a Hudson Bay blanket is real. Over the years, the popularity of Pendleton blankets has increased due to the warmth and coziness of these blankets. The reason for this is that the Hudson Bay Blanket is produced in a limited quantity, which makes them more rare and sought-after. First, theyre made with high-quality materials. Hudson Bay blankets were first made by the Hudson Bay Company in the 18th century and have a rich history. 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 story told by the lines on a Hudson Bay blanket is unique to each individual blanket and can vary depending on where the blanket was made. +2 Colors | 4 Sizes. They reflect the trading system for beaver pelts and the early North American colonies. In other Indigenous communities, the preferred design of point blankets differed. From the high quality of the materials to the intricate designs, these blankets are truly luxurious items. Hudson Bay Blankets are among the most iconic and recognizable blankets in the world. This is because they are made from some of the finest materials available. There are a few reasons that Hudson Bay blankets are more expensive than other types of blankets. Blanket: An Illustrated History of the Hudsons Bay Blanket (2002). The fact is that wool is warm even when wet, dries quickly and is easy to sew. Fill a basin, large enough to submerge the blanket, with water. These blankets quickly became popular among Native Americans and settlers alike, and theyve been revered ever since. By 1929, the HBC launched a full line of blanket coats for women, men and children. 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. about the HBCs history of the point blanket, an FAQ page and personal stories Hudson Bay blankets are typically made from wool or cotton. While Hackett has yet to find proof of this, he has heard oral histories that reference similar practices. 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. Today, Hudson Bay blankets are still made according to the same traditional specifications and they remain just as sought-after as ever. 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