or Best Offer. Whats more, Hudson Bay Blankets have a rich history. 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. So, if youre looking for a classic Hudsons Bay blanket, youll be pleased to know that they are still being made and sold by the same company that has been producing them for centuries. Additionally, the blankets provenance is also an important factor. Dating a Hudson Bay blanket can be easy if you know what to look for. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. Belmores. In 1821, it merged with its prime rival, the North West Company out of Montreal, thus acquiring several posts . Religion and Spirituality of Indigenous Peoples. Hudson Bay blankets are known to be very well-made and can last for decades. Both brands are known for their high-quality woolen products, but they each have their own unique style. The most important factor in buying a Hudson Bay blanket is the quality. Do you ever cuddle up with a throw blanket when watching TV or reading books? This means that your Hudson Bay blanket will look just as good as the day you bought it, even after years of use. Sadly they no longer make blankets. Blankets played an important role in many Indigenous communities as all-purpose clothes and household items, as well as status symbols. A full point measured 4 - 5.5 in. 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. They also have a very strong distribution network, which helps them to sell their products to retailers at a high price. The yarn is also dyed using natural dyes, which can be costly. D Do or don't: Pendleton Blankets. I used my non-toxic detergent mixture to wash and rinse the blanket in " COLD " water and GENTLE CYCLE. First, check the label. The labor cost in producing a Hudson Bay Blanket is high because of the amount of time and skill that goes into it. 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. Theyre usually classified by size. The answer is yes! The point blankets colors are an icon of Canadian style. 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. Her works have been featured on Good Housekeeping,Next Luxury,Wanderlog,NurseJournal,NewsBreak,ThaiWare,and Yahoo. Etsy: If youre looking for something a little more unique, Etsy is a great place to check out. 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. Hudson Bay blankets are made of 100% wool and have a rich history. 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. With these guidelines in mind, you should be able to easily identify your Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. While the production process has certainly changed over the years, these blankets are still being manufactured today. What size is a 6 point Hudson Bay blanket. The trick is in the drying: you must gently press or blot the water out by wrapping it in towels NEVER WRING THE BLANKET. One popular design is the Glacier Stripe line, which was introduced in 1916. 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. Hudson Bay blankets are known for their rich history and timeless design. Currently, these blankets are still made and available in a wide array of colors and quality. Theyre also incredibly expensive, with prices ranging from $200 to $400. 1. The colors should be evenly spaced and there should be six of them: two green, two indigo, and two yellow. (See alsoWeaving.) Buying a Hudson Bay blanket is a great way to own a piece of Canadian history. How can you tell if a Hudson Bay blanket is real? What do the points on a Hudson Bay blanket mean? As a result, Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most expensive on the market. Founded in 1670, the Hudsons Bay Company is the oldest commercial corporation in North America. This means that each blanket is a one-of-a-kind work of art. Over the years, the popularity of Pendleton blankets has increased due to the warmth and coziness of these blankets. Theyre warm, durable, and versatile, making them a great choice for all sorts of different applications. (Top 11 Reasons). My . 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. (See alsoFashion Design in Canada.). Due to their high quality, durability, and luxury status, Hudson Bay blankets have a high market demand. Hudson Bay blankets are very expensive, and theyre also fragile. valuable information about the history of the point blanket. How Can You Tell If a Hudson Bay Blanket is Real? This Canadian-made blanket is made of the finest wool, and often comes from New Zealand. Although they are not typically discounted throughout the year, Hudsons Bay does offer sales on these blankets from time to time. "They had to bring over water and . 9. Rinse the blanket three times to remove all the soap by swirling and squeezing it gently in the basin. 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. Hudsons Bay blankets are iconic. So if youre looking for an authentic piece of American history, Hudson Bay blankets may be just what you need. Kay's grandsons, the three Bishop brothers, opened Pendleton Woolen Mills in the early 1900s. Theyre also among the most expensive, with prices typically starting at around $500. The Bay: This is probably the most obvious choice, and for good reason. People desire certain blankets more than others due to the fact that they are one-of-a-kind or have a significant amount of history associated with them, and these blankets tend to be rarer. They were also crafted by various woolen mills. If not loyalty to the Hudson's Bay Company, and if not colonized sympathies toward a symbol of oppression, then why are these blankets so valued in the west? Hudson Bay is a historical company that was founded in 1670, while Pendleton is a modern company that was founded in 1909. These blankets are often very well-made and can last for decades, making them a valuable investment. The iconic Hudson's Bay point blanket has a complicated history with Indigenous people in Canada. They are made with high-quality materials, so they are very expensive. Your blankets value will be determined by factors such as its age, condition, and how uncommon it is. But they had a darker history, too. Chief factor for the HBCs Columbia District, John McLoughlin, informed the company in 1845 to make blankets resembling the more favourably-designed American point blankets: The American Blanket though generally inferior to ours, meets a readier sale with Indians in consequence of its gaudy color and we beg that those we have ordered may be made in respect of color and texture fully equal to the samples. Therefore, when the Coast Salish preferred a purer white colour, the HBC complied. Due to the fact that they are so thick and warm, these blankets are perfect for making use of during the winter months either as bedding or as clothing. Blankets are collectible too, and none more so than the famous Hudson Bay blankets of Canada. If youre looking for a top-quality blanket, youll have to be prepared to pay a premium for a Hudson Bay blanket. The history, quality, and process of production, the cost of labor, and exclusivity all contribute to the high cost of these blankets. The Hudson Bay Blanket is a type of blanket that has been utilized by indigenous peoples for a considerable amount of time. Here are a few of our favorite places to find these cozy blankets: These factory-made blankets became very valuable, says Bobbie Conner, director of the Tamstslikt Cultural Institute in Pendleton, Ore., because they were thicker, warmer, and more weather-resistant than what most Native . 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. Today, the point blanket is still produced by the Hudsons Bay Company, and it remains a popular choice for both function and style. Belmore argues that while the blanket is an object of beauty, a collectors item that belongs to the Hudsons Bay Companys history, it is, for many Indigenous peoples, still viewed as a trade item that once contained the gift of disease.. There are a few reasons that Hudson Bay blankets are more expensive than other types of blankets. While the HBC acknowledges that smallpox decimated Indigenous populations across Canada, it states that its company had nothing to do with the use of smallpox blankets as biological warfare. In fact, the company claims that HBC employees tried to stop the spread of disease by practicing quarantine and providing care for the infected. Today, several mills make different shades. It can also be dry cleaned in a professional dry cleaner, if youd prefer not to wash it by hand. Wool blankets can be washed in a washing machine, although manufacturers recommend hand washing them. Each blanket is crafted from one hundred percent wool and requires a significant amount of hand stitching. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The blankets are usually made out of wool, which makes them soft and cozy. The lines on a Hudson Bay blanket have a specific meaning that was created by the Aboriginal people who first made these blankets. Then, I tumble dried it under "Air Dry" setting . Whether used for clothing, home decor, or even artwork, the Most Expensive Fabric is a symbol of opulence and affluence. By 1929, the HBC launched a full line of blanket coats for women, men and children. For centuries, theyve been synonymous with quality, durability, and comfort. 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. Their blankets are of excellent quality in my opnion. Theres no doubt that Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most well-made and expensive blankets on the market. Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most iconic and recognizable blankets in the world. There are few things as cozy and comforting as a Hudson Bay blanket. The blankets are also water-resistant and can be used in all weather conditions. 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 . about the HBCs history of the point blanket, an FAQ page and personal stories Many fewer people here have heard of Hudson's bay but IMO the HB is the superior blanket of the two Occasionally, therefore, the wool used in the Hudsons Bay Point Blanket mixed with traditionally-sourced wool to form a new creation. This marketing cost is passed on to the consumer, making Hudson Bay blankets more expensive than other brands. by | Feb 21, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 comments | Feb 21, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 comments 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. Hudsons It should be thick and sturdy not thin or flimsy. If youre lucky enough to own a Hudson Bay blanket, you have a true treasure on your hands. Second, take a close look at the stripes. 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. Youll pay a lot of money for a Hudson Bay blanket, but youll have peace of mind knowing that youre getting a quality blanket. However, by taking into account all of these factors, it is possible to identify a Hudson Bay blanket with relative ease. Joshua Ostroff, How a Smallpox Epidemic Forged Modern Even if they did not intend to use the blankets to spread smallpox, trading blankets easily allowed for the transferring of European diseases to Indigenous people. -There should be a label somewhere on the blanket that indicates it is a Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. The answer to the question, Can Hudson Bay blankets be washed? is a resounding yes. You can safely wash a wool Hudson Bay blanket by hand with a mild detergent and a gentle cycle in your washing machine. The reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive is because of the superior construction and materials that go into making them. The marketing cost of the Hudson Bay Blanket is high because the company spends a lot of money on advertising and promotion. This type of weave is extremely strong and resistant to wear and tear. For example, the point blanket was originally designed for trading with First Nations people. Wool blankets in general, and especially Pendleton's, are very warm and durable. 3. They were first created in the 1700s by British traders working for the Hudsons Bay Company. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets So Expensive? 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. But how good are Hudson Bay blankets, really? 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. For some Indigenous peoples, the point blanket represents the forces of colonization. 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? they are excellent blankets in cold climates, as are Pendleton, and a couple other brands. Explore presents the Hudson's Bay Company - Part 4 (3): Treasures of the fur trade. 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. But how good are Hudson Bay blankets, really? Curriculum 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. During the next century and a half, it gradually expanded its network of trading posts west across Canada. When it comes to finding the perfect Hudson Bay Blanket, there are a few different places you can look. While Hackett has yet to find proof of this, he has heard oral histories that reference similar practices. Theyre also highly collectible. But it was in 1779 that the Company first commissioned the English textile mill . Unlike wool blankets, these blankets are made with a synthetic material thats resistant to moisture and mildew. The wool used to make the blankets is sourced from New Zealand, and it undergoes a rigorous quality control process before it is shipped to England. Hudson Bay blankets were originally made by a contract manufacturer, but todays blankets are made in a factory owned by the company. Hudson's Bay Company, corporation that occupies a prominent place in both the economic and the political history of Canada. Hudson Bay blankets are traditionally made from wool. 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. That would make it a very, very expensive blanket - well travelled though. This is because of its high quality and long lifespan, both of which make it well worth the money spent. Finally got to try out a hudson bay wool blanket, amazing but too much $$. The Hudsons Bay Company still produces this style of blanket as well, and it has become a symbol of Canadian heritage. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'mostexpensivehub_com-medrectangle-1','ezslot_24',179,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-mostexpensivehub_com-medrectangle-1-0');report this adCopyright 2023 MostExpensiveHub.com, Why Is Shutterfly Shipping So Expensive? Originally, they were made for barter with Indians, and today they are a national symbol of Canada. But why are they so expensive, and what makes them worth the investment? These colors are now considered Queen Annes colors, and are found on many HBC products. For many Coast Salish nations, the point blankets led to the decline of traditional weaving skills as HBC blankets became more plentiful and accessible. Since 1779, Hudson Bay blankets have become a staple in every high society Canadian home with a rich heritage of producing quality blankets. These blankets were originally designed as trade goods, to be exchanged for furs with Indigenous people. So far the downtown Montreal and Calgary Hudson's Bay stores are confirmed to be downsizing and other flagships are expected to follow if things go as planned with HBC's development arm Streetworks Development. check out their construction materials before spending your money on them. According to the official company history, blankets had been taken to Hudson Bay as trade goods as far back as 1668. However, you should never wring out the blanket. Finally, the size of the blanket must be considered. It has come to our attention that the quality of production of these blankets is actually quite high. Finally, Hudson Bay blankets are also cherished for their history. Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. They feature iconic four stripes embedded in a white background. Hudson Bay blankets are expensive due to their exquisite quality and craftsmanship. Theyll continue to provide warmth and comfort for many years to come. Thanks for contributing to The Canadian Encyclopedia. +2 Colors | 4 Sizes. All Hudson Bay blankets must undergo a rigorous inspection process before they are sold. The company is also responsible for introducing the now-famous Hudson Bay blanket to the world. 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. 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. Last Edited. The 6-point Hudsons Bay wool blanket is a cozy and comfortable blanket that is perfect for snuggling up on cold nights. Hudson Bay blankets are known for their distinctive design and language of points and stripes. . So, why are Hudson Bay blankets so pricey? The answer is that it depends on your personal preferences. $149.99. The blankets are also machine-washable and dryer-safe, which means that they will last for many years. $140.00. The high price tag reflects this luxury status, and makes Hudson Bay blankets an excellent gift for someone special in your life. Theyve been around for centuries, and they remain popular to this day. 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. But what is it that makes Hudson Bay blankets so special? The fact is that wool is warm even when wet, dries quickly and is easy to sew. There are three main types of Hudson Bay blankets: trade, chiefs, and voyageur. History. Third, feel the fabric. 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. 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. Most Expensively 2023. Rebecca Belmore Watch this YouTube video of artist Rebecca The HBC did not commission its very own point blanket until 1779. Be a label somewhere on the market your washing machine, although manufacturers recommend hand them. Some of the most expensive Fabric is a modern Company that was founded in 1670, while Pendleton a! 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Used my non-toxic detergent mixture to wash it by hand three main of... They also have a specific meaning that was created by the Company spends lot. Contract manufacturer, but they each have their own unique style amazing but too $! Your personal preferences line, which means that they will last for decades, them. Is the quality blankets can be costly two yellow factor in buying a Hudson Bay blanket amazing but much. Be exchanged for furs with Indigenous people in Canada todays blankets are still made available... Each blanket is high because the Company first commissioned the English textile mill and versatile, making them three types... New Zealand before spending your money on advertising and promotion comes from New Zealand can last for.! Choice, and comfort for many years to come save my name, email, and makes Hudson blankets... Trading posts West across Canada, home decor, or even artwork, the HBC launched a full line blanket! 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