why are hudson bay blankets so expensive

), Today, the distinctive design of point blanket strips has been used as part of the HBC Collection brand on products ranging from umbrellas to smart phone cases. The iconic Hudson's Bay point blanket has a complicated history with Indigenous people in Canada. But it was in 1779 that the Company first commissioned the English textile mill . And today, it's roughly 1 in 8 million. And while they may not be as popular as they once were, theres still a demand for Hudson Bay blankets among collectors and enthusiasts. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. Since 1779, Hudson Bay blankets have become a staple in every high society Canadian home with a rich heritage of producing quality blankets. Dating a Hudson Bay blanket can be easy if you know what to look for. Blanket from this educational YouTube video. The company ruled over vast tracts of wilderness in North America, and the point blanket was an essential part of their trade. 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. Older blankets are usually more valuable than newer ones. Hudson Bay Point Blankets were heavy wool blankets made in the 1700's and 1800's to be traded amongst fur trappers in Canada and the native Indian tribes that lived there. Theyre also incredibly expensive, with prices ranging from $200 to $400. Additionally, each blanket takes about two weeks to make, which further contributes to the price tag. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. The condition of your blanket also matters when determining its value; if there are any tears or holes in it then it wont fetch as much money as one that is still intact. During the 1800s, Hudson Bay blankets are believed to have spread smallpox among First Nations. 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? Belmores, The Blanket (2011). 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. Pendleton blankets look beautiful, rustic and all-American; I love the stripes and saddles. 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 warm, thick, and cozy. If youre looking for a blanket that will add a pop of color to your home, Hudson Bay is the way to go. You can still get authentic Hudsons Bay blankets, and theyre just as cozy and attractive as ever. 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 traditionally made from wool. 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. His expertise lives on in Pendleton's tweed, flannel and worsted wool apparel. 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. 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. 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 . These Canadian-made blankets are known for their quality craftsmanship and durability. If you are interested in purchasing a new blanket, then you should look into the Hudson Bay line of products. The Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), chartered 2 May 1670, is the oldest incorporated joint-stock merchandising company in the English -speaking world. The Point Blanket Site Researcher and consultant Harold Tichenor provides Today, the design from the blanket is used on a variety of clothing, accessories and household items sold by the HBC. But what are they actually worth? Hudson Bay and Pendleton are not the same. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. So, why are Hudson Bay blankets so pricey? In addition, there is still a demand for Hudson Bay blankets among collectors and enthusiasts, despite the fact that their popularity may not be as high as it was in the past. The reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive is because of the superior construction and materials that go into making them. Theyre usually classified by size. The answer is yes! Find fleece prints & solid colors, no sew fleece blanket kits, sherpa & minky at JOANN. From $24.99 $50.00. Pendleton blankets, on the other hand, are known for their intricate patterns and striking designs. $19.99 shipping. In conclusion, there are many reasons why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive. The wool used is of a very high quality, and it is often sourced from New Zealand. You probably won't need to pair it with a full comforter, but maybe some flannel sheets in the winter will be all you need. She is a fun-loving person who loves to make people smile. The Bay Blanket. The point blanket has become an icon of Canadian style, often featured in Canadian home and style magazines and blogs. Signing up enhances your TCE experience with the ability to save items to your personal reading list, and access the interactive map. about the point blanket. However, they are worth every penny. British Columbia, Macleans (2017). During the fur trade era, point blankets were often sold in 2.5, 3.5, or four points, and the size of a six-point HBC blanket corresponds to the size of a modern mattress. Second, take a close look at the stripes. They are not just ordinary blankets, but a piece of Canadian history and tradition, a piece of art, and a high-quality product, that will . They are woven on looms with a tight, dense weave, making them resistant to wear. This type of weave is extremely strong and resistant to wear and tear. These blankets are warm and thick, and were originally used by Native Americans as blankets, clothing, and bedding. Faribault began making blankets for the U.S. military in the 1890s and proudly continues the tradition more than 100 years later. By the 1990s, that number was 1 death for every 1.3 million passengers. many are a wool blend with a certain percentage of other fibers woven in. Hudson Bay blankets were first made by the Hudson Bay Company in the 18th century and have a rich history. It was incorporated in England on May 2, 1670, to seek a northwest passage to the Pacific, to occupy the lands adjacent to Hudson Bay, and to carry on any commerce with those lands that might prove profitable. The rarer blankets are also more valuable because people want them more than others due to their uniqueness or history associated with them. The first step in identifying a Hudson Bay blanket is to determine its color and design. Lastly, the company has a long history dating back to the 1600s, which gives them a lot of brand recognition and prestige. Additionally, the blankets provenance is also an important factor. 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 6-point Hudsons Bay wool blanket is a cozy and comfortable blanket that is perfect for snuggling up on cold nights. They are dyed with natural dyes that can be expensive, and they are hand-woven. In addition, the blankets are made entirely by hand, which adds to their cost. (2002). As a direct consequence of this, the production of a single blanket might take up to two days. Hudson Bay blankets are known for their distinctive design and language of points and stripes. 10 Reasons Why. For some Indigenous peoples, the point blanket represents the forces of colonization. For example, many Inuit liked plain white blankets that provided camouflage, while the Tsimshian and Tlingit typically preferred deep blue designs. Which is the Best Climber of All the Big Cats? That would make it a very, very expensive blanket - well travelled though. 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. Hudson's Bay Company, corporation that occupies a prominent place in both the economic and the political history of Canada. Here are a few things to look for: -The blanket should be made of 100% wool. For centuries, the Hudsons Bay blanket has been a fixture in Canadian homes. We wanted to continue to reduce that fatality risk by 50 percent. Today, Hudson Bay blankets are still made according to the same traditional specifications and they remain just as sought-after as ever. Etsy: If youre looking for something a little more unique, Etsy is a great place to check out. 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. The most common colors are green, red, yellow, and indigo stripes, though other colors may also be used. It will usually include a yellow on white label, which is a hallmark of authenticity. The durability of these blankets makes them a wise investment, and explains why they are so expensive. And now Barbie, the biggest name in make . 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. Theyre also among the most expensive, with prices typically starting at around $500. The labor cost in producing a Hudson Bay Blanket is high because of the amount of time and skill that goes into it. When buying a Hudson Bay Blanket at Costco, it is important to make sure that you check the return policy so that you can be sure that you will be able to return it if it is not what you wanted. Although they are not typically discounted throughout the year, Hudsons Bay does offer sales on these blankets from time to time. The classic striped pattern is instantly recognizable, and the blankets are often used as decorative items in homes and offices. Hudson Bay blankets are distributed by Woolrich and offer the same style and design that has been so popular since the 1700s. With a little patience, youll be able to snag one of these cozy classics at a fraction of the price. The wool used is of a very high quality, and it is often sourced from New Zealand. The yarn is also dyed using natural dyes, which can be costly. Blanket that will add a pop of color to your personal reading list, and theyre as. Around $ 500 while the Tsimshian and Tlingit typically preferred deep blue designs and now Barbie, the are... Place to check out the Company ruled over vast tracts of wilderness in North America, and bedding are Bay... 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