Points were identified by the indigo lines woven into the side of each blanket. Firstly, they are made with high quality materials like wool and cotton which makes them very durable. 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. She is a fun-loving person who loves to make people smile. Although they may be expensive, Hudson Bay Blankets are worth the investment because they will last for many years. The high price tag reflects this luxury status, and makes Hudson Bay blankets an excellent gift for someone special in your life. These Canadian-made blankets are known for their quality craftsmanship and durability. The blankets can be used as bedding, clothing, or just something to cuddle up with on a cold night. The blanket measures 90 inches by 100 inches, making it the perfect size for a queen bed. People from all over the world love Hudson Bay Blankets because they are warm, comfortable, and stylish. In central and eastern Canada, many Mtis and French settlers and traders wore their Hudsons Bay Point Blankets as outerwear robes, and later turned them into capotes handmade wrap-style coats. With these guidelines in mind, you should be able to easily identify your Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. The indigenous people of the Hudson Bay region gave each line that is found on a Hudson Bay blanket a particular significance when they were first making these blankets. Hudson Bay blankets have a complicated history with Indigenous people in Canada. When it comes to cozy blankets, there are two brands that stand out above the rest: Hudson Bay and Pendleton. Let's talk alternatives. You probably cant get em. 8 Reasons Why, Why Are Harleys So Expensive? Downtown Hudson's Bay flagship stores in Canada are being downsized as parent Hudson's Bay Company strategizes real estate assets with an eye for redevelopment. Over the years of fur trading, the design of point blankets grew to accommodate the preferences of various Indigenous nations. One of his recommendations included regular stock and trade of pointed blankets. For one, theyre incredibly durable. The blankets were originally traded for beaver pelts. The answer is yes! If you want a HB blanket, you probably either have to buy second hand or buy direct from HBC - which means importing from Canada. 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. Hudson Bay blankets are known for their rich history and timeless design. Hudson Bay blankets are expensive due to their exquisite quality and craftsmanship. D Do you ever cuddle up with a throw blanket when watching TV or reading books? The reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive is because of the superior construction and materials that go into making them. 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. Their origins date back to the 1670s. Well, it turns out, I was wrong. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets So Expensive? British weaver Thomas Kay laid the foundation when he arrived in Oregon in 1863. 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. The marketing cost of the Hudson Bay Blanket is high because the company spends a lot of money on advertising and promotion. What do the points on a Hudson Bay blanket mean? Belmores, The Blanket (2011). Just be sure to read the reviews before purchasing anything, as not all sellers on Amazon are created equal! Hudson Bay Blankets are some of the most expensive blankets in the world. Whichever way you choose, you cant go wrong with either one of these iconic brands. In 1779, the first blanket was produced for the Hudsons Bay Company. Wool or cotton is typically used in the production of Hudson Bay blankets. The wool used is of a very high quality, and it is often sourced from New Zealand. Hudson Bay blankets are prized for their colorful stripes, which are inspired by the traditional blankets of the First Nations people. The point blankets colors are an icon of Canadian style. Today, several mills make different shades. They are dry clean only, so keep that in mind. 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. While this is a very expensive blanket, they have been around a long time for a reason. If youre lucky enough to own one of these iconic blankets, you might be wondering how you can identify it. 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. The rarer blankets are also more valuable because people want them more than others due to their uniqueness or history associated with them. There are a few reasons that Hudson Bay blankets are more expensive than other types of blankets. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. These iconic woolen blankets have been keeping people warm for centuries, and their popularity shows no signs of waning. There are lots of small businesses that sell Hudson Bay Blankets, so youre sure to find one that fits your style perfectly. After all the soap removed, transfer the blanket to a basket with holes to allow the water to flow out of it. Many fewer people here have heard of Hudson's bay but IMO the HB is the superior blanket of the two Now, Hudson's Bay Co. is redirecting the profits from the sale of those blankets toward Indigenous-led initiatives. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In conclusion, there are many reasons why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive. For nearly three centuries, the company played a major role in the fur trade, helping to shape the history of Canada. They have since become popular and are available in different colors and styles. Kay's grandsons, the three Bishop brothers, opened Pendleton Woolen Mills in the early 1900s. Their blankets are of excellent quality in my opnion. So, here are some observations: *The Hudson Bay blanket is definitely thicker and "fluffier". 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. But how good are Hudson Bay blankets, really? As a direct consequence of this, the production of a single blanket might take up to two days. They also have a very strong distribution network, which helps them to sell their products to retailers at a high price. The colors should be evenly spaced and there should be six of them: two green, two indigo, and two yellow. But among the native people of North America, the wool blankets symbolized the evils colonialism and the introduction of deadly diseases . Due to their high quality, durability, and luxury status, Hudson Bay blankets have a high market demand. Well also explore why they might be a good investment for your home. 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. Some of the technology may . Thanks for contributing to The Canadian Encyclopedia. Nuu-chah-nulth nations tended to like green blankets, and in many Coast Salish communities, red. The blanket is made of 100% wool and is machine washable for easy care. Over the years of fur trading, the design of point blankets grew to accommodate the preferences of various Indigenous nations. 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. This is because they are made from some of the finest materials available. These colors are now considered Queen Annes colors, and are found on many HBC products. Once it arrives at the mill, the wool is dyed and woven into cloth using a centuries-old method known as pointing.. But why are they so expensive, and what makes them worth the investment? The blankets are made at the Hainsworth wool mill, which has been in operation for over 230 years. But it was in 1779 that the Company first commissioned the English textile mill . A month later, the HBC commissioned the Witney mills a collective name for textile mills in Witney, Oxfordshire in Britain to produce 30 pair[s] of 3 points to be striped with four colors (red, blue, green, yellow) according to your judgement. (See alsoWoven Textiles.). Theyre also among the most expensive, with prices typically starting at around $500. Theyre also highly collectible. 10/4/15 8:52 p.m. information about the Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. The 10 Most Expensive Soccer Balls on the Market, Why Are Patek Philippe so Expensive? Get it by Wed. Feb 15. But they had a darker history, too. 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. These blankets are marketed as luxury items, and the company spends a great deal of money on advertising and promotion. However, the blankets design has been the cause of some complaints. 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. In, Shrumm, Regan. Hudson Bay blankets are made to last, and they only get better with age. 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. Point blankets were bought by Indigenous and settler communities alike to use as bedding, clothing, room dividers and fabric for other items. In fact, the iconic Hudsons Bay point blanket was first produced in the 1780s and has been a best-selling product ever since. These blankets have been made in Canada for centuries, and they have a rich heritage that is deeply intertwined with the countrys identity. Whether used for clothing, home decor, or even artwork, the Most Expensive Fabric is a symbol of opulence and affluence. A full point measured 4 - 5.5 in. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets So Expensive? Hudson Bay Co wrote: The Point System Each blanket was graded as to weight and size using a point system. In this blog post, well take a closer look at Hudson Bay blankets to see what sets them apart from other options. These blankets quickly became popular among Native Americans and settlers alike, and theyve been revered ever since. by | Feb 21, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 comments | Feb 21, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0 comments They are made under licence for the Hudson Bay Company and I would think strictly controlled. Many of these blankets date back as far as 200 years. Hudson Bay blankets are known to be very well-made and can last for decades. Unlike wool blankets, these blankets are made with a synthetic material thats resistant to moisture and mildew. (2002). They were first created in the 1700s by British traders working for the Hudsons Bay Company. The blankets are also machine-washable and dryer-safe, which means that they will last for many years. Bay Company Explore this page to learn more These warm blankets are as iconic as Mariah Carey's lip-syncing, but some people believe they were used to spread smallpox and decimate entire Indigenous communities. "They had to bring over water and . (See also Cowichan Sweater. It also has a large hood and fringe trim. Currently, these blankets are still made and available in a wide array of colors and quality. The wool used is of a very high quality, and it is often sourced from New Zealand. A Hudson Bay blanket is highly collectible. Second, the age of the blanket is also a factor. Your email address will not be published. Zelda Robb is a writer and fashion enthusiast who brings a passion to everything she does. 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