Now, Hudson's Bay Co. is redirecting the profits from the sale of those blankets toward Indigenous-led initiatives. W.R. Swagerty, Indian Trade Blankets in the Pacific The thick wool is durable and incredibly warm, and the colorful stripes add flair. information about the Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. However, their high price is due to their high demand. 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. The Hudsons Bay Point Blanket is a traditional wool blanket that has been around for quite some time. Similarly, a rare or limited edition blanket will be worth more than a mass-produced one. When it comes to finding the perfect Hudson Bay Blanket, there are a few different places you can look. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. HBC was a fur trading business for most of its history, a past that is entwined with the colonization of British North America and the development of Canada. Although other colors may be used as well, the most common ones for the stripes are green, red, yellow, and indigo. 1. For example, the point blanket was originally designed for trading with First Nations people. During the fur trade, the value of trade goods, including blankets, was compared to made beaver pelts (finished and processed pelts), not to blankets. 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. Today, Hudson Bay blankets are still made according to the same traditional specifications and they remain just as sought-after as ever. Each blanket line is named for an Aboriginal tribe and has a particular meaning. Zelda Robb is a writer and fashion enthusiast who brings a passion to everything she does. These colors are now considered Queen Annes colors, and are found on many HBC products. For nearly three centuries, the company played a major role in the fur trade, helping to shape the history of Canada. Marie, Ontario, too cold, and commissioned settler and Mtis women to create 40 coats for his men out of 3.5 point blankets. Bay Company Explore this page to learn more Although Hackett has found no proof of this, she has heard oral stories about the blankets being used to spread the disease. 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. According to the HBC, the hue and colour order in the famous white and colour-striped point blanket were not standardized until the mid- to late-19th century. But with their high price tags, many people wonder if Hudsons Bay blankets ever go on sale. British weaver Thomas Kay laid the foundation when he arrived in Oregon in 1863. Hudson Bay blankets are made to last, and they only get better with age. Following the selection of the color and the pattern, the next step is to choose the material that will be used. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hudson Bay blankets are typically striped or checked, and each pattern has a specific meaning. 9. Hudson's 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. Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. Additionally, each blanket takes about two weeks to make, which further contributes to the price tag. Whether youre looking for a cozy addition to your home or a thoughtful gift for someone special, a Hudson Bay blanket is sure to please. A few years ago you could buy a new Earlys of Whitney 4 point blanket for around 160.00. The high cost of labor makes Hudson Bay blankets some of the most expensive on the market. Shop fleece fabrics by the yard in anti-pill and plush fleece materials. In addition, they are available in a wide range of hues and designs, making sure that there is something suitable for everyone. Do you ever cuddle up with a throw blanket when watching TV or reading books? Services Canada Learn more about the HBC Point 10 Most Expensive Restaurants in Chicago 2023, Why Is Washington DC So Expensive in 2023. The price of a Hudson Bay blanket is typically more expensive than the price of other types of blankets because of how popular they are. 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. One of his recommendations included regular stock and trade of pointed blankets. Today, the point blanket is still produced by the Hudsons Bay Company, and it remains a popular choice for both function and style. She is a fun-loving person who loves to make people smile. 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 reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive is because of the superior construction and materials that go into making them. Which is the Best Climber of All the Big Cats? But how good are Hudson Bay blankets, really? 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. Their blankets are of excellent quality in my opnion. Enjoy snuggling up under it knowing that youre wrapped in history! Here is a layout pattern to make a Capote coat from a Hudson's Bay blanket. 2. The Mackinaw was created after British Captain Sir Charles Roberts found the winter in a fort near Sault Ste. they are excellent blankets in cold climates, as are Pendleton, and a couple other brands. They are toasty, plush, and comfortable to wear. Thanks for contributing to The Canadian Encyclopedia. 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 classic striped pattern is instantly recognizable, and the blankets are often used as decorative items in homes and offices. This means that each blanket is unique, and takes a great deal of time and skill to create. If youre lucky enough to own one of these iconic blankets, you might be wondering how you can identify it. 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. with Wool: A Coast Salish Legacy and the Cowichan Sweater (2010). In 1811, a new style of coat was created using the point blanket: the Mackinaw, a shorter coat with a double-breasted style. The blankets were originally traded for beaver pelts. Hudson Bay blankets are made of very high quality wool, sourced from New Zealand. 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. Despite the high price tag, the Hudson Bay Blanket remains popular among consumers. Trade blankets were made for exchange with Native Americans and are the most common type of Hudson Bay blanket. January 19, 2023. | The blankets are then woven on looms that create a tight, dense weave. Proudly powered by WordPress 10 Reasons Why. They reflect the trading system for beaver pelts and the early North American colonies. If youre lucky enough to own a Hudson Bay blanket, you have a true treasure on your hands. 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. (2002). These blankets are often very well-made and can last for decades, making them a valuable investment. However, by taking into account all of these factors, it is possible to identify a Hudson Bay blanket with relative ease. The blankets are usually made out of wool, which makes them soft and cozy. So, why are Hudson Bay blankets so pricey? 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. However, there are a few things to consider before selling an old Hudson Bay blanket. Are Hudson Bay Blankets Still Made? The mill is located in Leeds, England, and it employs a team of skilled craftsmen who use traditional methods to produce the blankets. $140.00. In conclusion, Hudson Bay blankets are expensive for several reasons. 10 Reasons Why, The 10 Most Expensive Leathers in The World, The 13 Most Expensive Tequila Brands in the World, The 10 Most Expensive Bugatti Cars in the World, Why Is Merino Wool so Expensive? So its no surprise that people want to know: are they still being made? Hudsons Bay Company (HBC) is a Canadian retail company that sells a wide range of products, including blankets. Since 1779, Hudson Bay blankets have become a staple in every high society Canadian home with a rich heritage of producing quality blankets. In the 1970s, there was 1 death for every 350,000 passengers who took a commercial flight anywhere in the world. Hudson Bay blankets are known for their distinctive design and language of points and stripes. A good alternative for a little bit more money would be a Hudson's Bay Point blanket . Let's talk alternatives. Each line has a different purpose, and together they create a design that tells a story. They are dyed with natural dyes that can be expensive, and they are hand-woven. valuable information about the history of the point blanket. Zelda loves clothes and shoes and is always up on the latest trends. Among the most valuable were plain wool blankets, called Hudson Bay blankets, which were introduced in the late 1700s. (See also Cowichan Sweater. During a job interview with the Hudson Bay House in London, England, that year, Germain Maugenest, an independent and experienced fur trader, offered suggestions to improve the company as part of his service to the HBC. 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Secondly, they are hand-woven which adds to the cost. The blanket is made of 100% wool and is machine washable for easy care. ( 250) Fast Delivery. So, here are some observations: *The Hudson Bay blanket is definitely thicker and "fluffier". Today, the design from the blanket is used on a variety of clothing, accessories and household items sold by the HBC. While it is not known exactly when Hudsons Bay Company started selling blankets, it is clear that they have been an important part of the company for many years. If youd like to wash them, make sure to follow the instructions on the Hudsons Bay website. With a little patience, youll be able to snag one of these cozy classics at a fraction of the price. The history, quality, and process of production, the cost of labor, and exclusivity all contribute to the high cost of these blankets. The blankets can be used as bedding, clothing, or just something to cuddle up with on a cold night. These iconic woolen blankets have been keeping people warm for centuries, and their popularity shows no signs of waning. They are crafted from wool that has been carefully selected for its quality and softness. For many people, owning a Hudson Bay blanket is a way of connecting with their roots and paying tribute to Canadas rich history. This iconic piece of Canadiana is known for its thick, 100% wool woolen fabric and classic design. They are made of high-quality wool, usually sourced from New Zealand. One of the most popular items to come out of Canada is the Hudson Bay blanket. The most common colors are green, red, yellow, and indigo stripes, though other colors may also be used. why are hudson bay blankets so expensive. Hudson Bay blankets are prized for their colorful stripes, which are inspired by the traditional blankets of the First Nations people. Wool blankets can be washed in a washing machine, although manufacturers recommend hand washing them. The Stripes blanket, on the other hand, was designed for use in military tents. With these guidelines in mind, you should be able to easily identify your Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. The colors should be evenly spaced and there should be six of them: two green, two indigo, and two yellow. They are dry clean only, so keep that in mind. Unlike many other blankets on the market, the Hudson Bay wool blanket does not have a smooth fabric liner sewn over its top and bottom edges. Thinner, skin-friendly sheets were made . 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. Every blanket is scrutinized for flaws, and only those that meet the highest standards are deemed worthy of the Hudson Bay name. The answer is that it depends on your personal preferences. 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. These blankets are still manufactured today, despite the fact that the manufacturing process has unquestionably evolved over the course of the years. However, other colors may also be used. Second, take a close look at the stripes. The wool used is of a very high quality, and it is often sourced from New Zealand. Here are a few of our favorite places to find these cozy blankets: Each blanket is crafted from one hundred percent wool and requires a significant amount of hand stitching. When determining the value of your blanket, the condition of the blanket is another factor to consider; if there are any rips or holes in the blanket, then it will not fetch as much money as one that is still whole. How Long to Cook Green Bean Casserole in Microwave. The most important factor in buying a Hudson Bay blanket is the quality. The high price tag reflects this luxury status, and makes Hudson Bay blankets an excellent gift for someone special in your life. Second, the age of the blanket is also a factor. The Bay: This is probably the most obvious choice, and for good reason. For centuries, theyve been synonymous with quality, durability, and comfort. While historians arent certain of this, they have heard oral history references to similar practices. Hudson Bay blankets are traditionally made from wool. 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. In addition to this, they have a very robust distribution network, which enables them to charge high prices for the products that they sell to retailers. 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. Watch this YouTube video of artist Rebecca 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. The Hudson's Bay Company, a fur-trading enterprise headquartered in London, began operations on the shores of Hudson Bay in 1670. So, what makes these blankets so special? Thanks for reading. Hudson Bay Blankets are some of the most sought-after blankets in the world. It knowing that youre wrapped in history trade blankets in the fur trade, helping shape! You have a true treasure on your personal preferences on looms that create a tight, weave... Blankets can be used as bedding, clothing, accessories and household items sold by the traditional blankets of First. Better with age of producing quality blankets washing machine, although manufacturers recommend hand washing them look. 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