For the white Europeans, the Hudson's Bay point blankets represented the fur trade and pioneering settlements of the vast Canadian wilderness. These blankets are marketed as luxury items, and the company spends a great deal of money on advertising and promotion. There are several different styles to choose from, so you can find the perfect one to suit your taste. Each blanket is made from 100% wool and requires extensive hand-stitching. 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. 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. Blankets played an important role in many Indigenous communities as all-purpose clothes and household items, as well as status symbols. Belmore is referring here to the history of Europeans intentionally giving blankets contaminated with smallpox and other infectious diseases to Indigenous peoples. ), 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 Hudsons Bay Company still produces this style of blanket as well, and it has become a symbol of Canadian heritage. Hudson Bay blankets are prized for their colorful stripes, which are inspired by the traditional blankets of the First Nations people. Originally produced in British North America, Hudson Bay blankets are now shipped worldwide. The cost of marketing of Hudson Bay blankets is also a factor in their high price tag. Hudson Bay and Pendleton are not the same. The fact is that wool is warm even when wet, dries quickly and is easy to sew. So if youre looking for a cozy way to invest in Canadian history, a Hudson Bay blanket is a great option! In other Indigenous communities, the preferred design of point blankets differed. The wool used is of a very high quality, and it is often sourced from New Zealand. Then there are the military (both domestic & foreign), cheaper yet . The point blankets then became the standard for measuring every item the HBC was trading. The Bay: This is probably the most obvious choice, and for good reason. The history of these blankets stretches back more than 200 years, and an early one can cost more than . 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. D But how good are Hudson Bay blankets, really? Sadly they no longer make blankets. The blankets are made at the Hainsworth wool mill, which has been in operation for over 230 years. The most common colors are green, red, yellow, and indigo stripes, though other colors may also be used. These new colours were not favored by the tribes at first but quickly became popular. Do or don't: Pendleton Blankets. Occasionally, therefore, the wool used in the Hudsons Bay Point Blanket mixed with traditionally-sourced wool to form a new creation. The term point, in this case, originates from the French word empointer, which means to make threaded stitches on cloth. The points were simply a series of thin black lines on one of the corners of the blanket, which were used to identify the size of the blanket. 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 are warm and cosy and are perfect for winter use. However, the reason for their expensive price is that there is a high demand for them. Additionally, the long history of Hudson Bay blankets makes them highly sought-after by collectors. 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. 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. Thanks for reading. Firstly, they are made with high quality materials like wool and cotton which makes them very durable. Pendleton blankets have become popular over the years because of their warmth and comfort. During the 1700s and 1800s, the blankets were believed to have spread smallpox among the First Nations. why are hudson bay blankets so expensive. But if youre looking for a blanket that will make a statement, Pendleton is the brand for you. To show their wealth during potlatches, participants cut blankets into many small pieces so that everyone at the potlatch would receive a gift. The Hudson Bay point blanket has a complex history with Indigenous people in Canada. Step #3. When it comes to cozy blankets, there are two brands that stand out above the rest: Hudson Bay and Pendleton. These colors are now considered Queen Annes colors, and are found on many HBC products. Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most sought-after blankets on the market, and for good reason. Hudson Bay blankets are made of 100% wool and have a rich history. The wool is sourced from New Zealand sheep and the dyes are all natural, which makes the blanket more costly to produce. They are made from 100% wool and are incredibly warm. It has a variety of stripes in various hues and each one has a distinct meaning. In addition, the blankets are made entirely by hand, which adds to their cost. In addition to being water-resistant, the blankets are versatile enough to be utilized in any climate. They are made from 100% wool and are incredibly warm. This means that your Hudson Bay blanket will look just as good as the day you bought it, even after years of use. While Hackett has yet to find proof of this, he has heard oral histories that reference similar practices. 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. So, why are Hudson Bay blankets so pricey? You wont be disappointed! Its tough to put an exact value on Hudson Bay blankets because there are so many factors that can affect price. It should be thick and sturdy not thin or flimsy. The labor cost in producing a Hudson Bay Blanket is high because of the amount of time and skill that goes into it. 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. But they quickly became popular among European settlers as well. Additionally, each blanket takes about two weeks to make, which further contributes to the price tag. Get it by Wed. Feb 15. The companys Point Blankets have long been a staple of the Hudsons Bay Companys inventory, and they are considered some of the companys most valuable products. Wool or cotton is typically used in the production of Hudson Bay blankets. They have long been a popular blanket in Canada and are sold at Toronto retail stores. Second, take a close look at the stripes. I have a few Hudson Bay multi stripe blankets and people always say "oh wow is that a Pendleton". Wool, cotton, and polyester are just some of the modern-day materials that are used in the production of the updated version. 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There are a few things you can look for when trying to determine if a Hudson Bay blanket is real. Find fleece prints & solid colors, no sew fleece blanket kits, sherpa & minky at JOANN. The narrative that is conveyed by the lines on a Hudson Bay blanket is one-of-a-kind for each individual blanket and can change depending on the location at which the blanket was manufactured. So if youve been eyeing a Hudsons Bay blanket but havent been able to justify the cost, keep an eye out for a sale. Enjoy snuggling up under it knowing that youre wrapped in history! I washed my Pendleton wool blankets in cold water a month of ago and they came out perfect! This type of weave is extremely strong and resistant to wear and tear. So if youre considering purchasing a Hudson Bay blanket, keep reading for more information. "Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. So its no surprise that people want to know: are they still being made? Every blanket is scrutinized for flaws, and only those that meet the highest standards are deemed worthy of the Hudson Bay name. By 1929, the HBC launched a full line of blanket coats for women, men and children. They are made with high-quality materials, so they are very expensive. Some scholars, such as historian Robert Boyd and artist and anthropologist Marianne Nicolson, believe that colonial authorities knew that smallpox would spread into Western Canada, and that it would help colonial authorities claim Indigenous lands without treaties or compensation. Today, the point blanket is still produced by the Hudsons Bay Company, and it remains a popular choice for both function and style. They are made under licence for the Hudson Bay Company and I would think strictly controlled. First, check the label. That would make it a very, very expensive blanket - well travelled though. It will usually include a yellow on white label, which is a hallmark of authenticity. 1 1.Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive: Top 6 Reasons; 2 2.Antiques: Invest in a Hudson Bay blanket and wrap yourself up; 3 3.Customer reviews: Woolrich 90 by 100-Inch Hudson Bay 6 Point ; 4 4.Pendleton Or Hudson Bay Blanket? 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 . She is a fun-loving person who loves to make people smile. Hudsons Additionally, the natural dyes used to color the wool will not fade over time. Our team will be reviewing your submission and get back to you with any further questions. You can also take the blanket to a dry cleaner, but keep in mind that wool blankets are delicate and should not be washed with automatic machines. However, there are some claims that these blankets helped spread smallpox among the First Nations during the 1700s and 1800s. Vintage Hudson Bay blankets are highly sought after by collectors and history buffs alike. First, theyre made with high-quality materials. This iconic piece of Canadiana is known for its thick, 100% wool woolen fabric and classic design. This means that each blanket takes a great deal of time and skill to create. With a little patience, youll be able to snag one of these cozy classics at a fraction of the price. But what makes these blankets so special? Hudson Bay blankets are made of very high quality wool, sourced from New Zealand. These blankets are renowned for their softness and durability. How Long to Cook Green Bean Casserole in Microwave. Hudson Bay blankets are known for their distinctive design and language of points and stripes. Though the reason for these differences is not certain, it is thought that certain patterns and colours held important spiritual meaning, as well as practical use. Because they use natural dyes, these blankets are expensive. 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