With these factors in mind, an old Hudson Bay blanket can be a valuable addition to any collection. Theyre made from high-quality materials, and theyre built to last for years (or even decades). Hudson Bay Blankets are a popular choice for many people because they are very affordable and they offer a wide variety of designs to choose from. The modern version is made from a variety of materials, including wool, cotton, and polyester. The trick is in the drying: you must gently press or blot the water out by wrapping it in towels NEVER WRING THE BLANKET. This is because they are made from some of the finest materials available. The value of your blanket will depend on its age, condition, and rarity. They are dyed with natural dyes that can be expensive, and they are hand-woven. Let's talk alternatives. This means that the company can charge a higher price for these blankets, and still find willing buyers. The Battle For Coziness; 5 5.A Brief History of Canada's Iconic Hudson's Bay Blanket - Mental Floss; 6 6.The HBC Point Blanket: a Canadian . Hudson Bay blankets have been around for centuries, and can be a perfect gift for a Canadian friend or family member. That would make it a very, very expensive blanket - well travelled though. Blanket: An Illustrated History of the Hudsons Bay Blanket (2002). In addition to being expensive, the blankets are also extremely valuable, especially the older ones. While Hackett has yet to find proof of this, he has heard oral histories that reference similar practices. January 19, 2023. Both brands are known for their high-quality woolen products, but they each have their own unique style. My . One of the reasons is that theyre not mass-produced. Hudson Bay is a historical company that was founded in 1670, while Pendleton is a modern company that was founded in 1909. Points were identified by the indigo lines woven into the side of each blanket. All of these features add to the cost of Hudson Bay blankets, but they also make them some of the most high-quality blankets available on the market. Hudson Bay blankets are extremely durable, and will last for many years with proper care. The Hudsons Bay Company (HBC) had been trading blankets since the company incorporated in 1670. They are woven on looms with a tight, dense weave, making them resistant to wear. (See also Cowichan Sweater. For some Indigenous peoples, the point blanket represents the forces of colonization. Whether you drape it over your sofa or use it as an extra layer on your bed, a Hudson Bay blanket is sure to add personality to your space. If you are sensitive to wool, this might make a problem for your chin on cold nights. 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. why are hudson bay blankets so expensive. From $24.99 $50.00. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets So Expensive? But what is it that makes Hudson Bay blankets so special? The blankets first appeared in trading posts around the 1700s, and they served as a form of currency. The 6-point Hudsons Bay wool blanket is a cozy and comfortable blanket that is perfect for snuggling up on cold nights. As a direct consequence of this, the production of a single blanket might take up to two days. They have since become popular and are available in different colors and styles. Founded in 1670, the Hudsons Bay Company is the oldest commercial corporation in North America. These blankets are warm and thick, and were originally used by Native Americans as blankets, clothing, and bedding. Yellow, blue, green, red: those four stripes of colour on the Hudson's Bay Company four-point blanket are as iconic to Canadians as the Maple Leaf. Find fleece prints & solid colors, no sew fleece blanket kits, sherpa & minky at JOANN. During the fur trade, the value of trade goods, including blankets, was compared to made beaver pelts (finished and processed pelts), not to blankets. This wool is then spun into a thick yarn that is very durable. They are constructed using high-quality components, which results in their high retail price. Hudson Bay blankets are prized for their colorful stripes, which are inspired by the traditional blankets of the First Nations people. There are a few reasons that Hudson Bay blankets are more expensive than other types of blankets. Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. When I asked the CEO of Amtrak in 2021 about why the company's train tunnel beneath the Hudson River would cost $11 billionmany times more than similar projects in peer countrieshe . Hudson Bay blankets, or points, have a complicated history with Indigenous people in Canada. Older blankets are usually more valuable than newer ones. You should always lay it flat to dry, out of direct sunlight. Hudson Bay blankets are typically made from wool or cotton. As a result, Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most expensive on the market. Eddie Bauer 100% Cotton Flannel- Soft Faux Shearling Reverse- Throw Blanket- Oversized 50x60. 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. Eventually, it would become known simply as the Hudson's Bay Company. The Hudson Bay Blanket is a type of blanket that has been utilized by indigenous peoples for a considerable amount of time. The high cost of labor is another reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. Then, I tumble dried it under "Air Dry" setting . So, there you have it: three reasons why Hudson Bay Blankets are so expensive. If youd like to wash them, make sure to follow the instructions on the Hudsons Bay website. These blankets were made by the Hudson Bay Company in the 18th and 19th centuries. The point blankets colors are an icon of Canadian style. The blankets were typically traded to First Nations and Native Americans in . Our team will be reviewing your submission and get back to you with any further questions. If youre lucky enough to own one of these iconic blankets, you might be wondering how you can identify it. Each blanket is crafted from one hundred percent wool and requires a significant amount of hand stitching. 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? HUDSON'S BAY CO. VINTAGE ORANGE/PINK 4 POINT WOOL BLANKET 72" X 83.5". Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. Fill a basin, large enough to submerge the blanket, with water. 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. The thick wool is durable and incredibly warm, and the colorful stripes add flair. In conclusion, Hudson Bay blankets are expensive for several reasons. 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. However, their high price is due to their high demand. The durability of these blankets makes them a wise investment, and explains why they are so expensive. 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 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. The point blanket has become an icon of Canadian style, often featured in Canadian home and style magazines and blogs. If the blanket is in good condition, it will be worth more than one that is damaged or worn. After all the soap removed, transfer the blanket to a basket with holes to allow the water to flow out of it. There are several different styles to choose from, so you can find the perfect one to suit your taste. One variety of blanket is known as a Hudson Bay blanket, and this particular style of blanket was first manufactured in England before being exported to Canada. information about the Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. However, there are some claims that these blankets helped spread smallpox among the First Nations during the 1700s and 1800s. By 1700, blankets comprised more than 60 per cent of goods exchanged in the fur trade. As a way of illustrating the importance of company fur traders to the 100-year-old HBC collection, curator Amelia Fay pulls out three items donated by Julian Camsell, HBC Chief Factor for the MacKenzie District in Canada's Arctic. 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. Wool blankets in general, and especially Pendleton's, are very warm and durable. So, why are Hudson Bay blankets so pricey? Kay's grandsons, the three Bishop brothers, opened Pendleton Woolen Mills in the early 1900s. with Wool: A Coast Salish Legacy and the Cowichan Sweater (2010). But dont let that stop you from buying one these blankets are worth every penny! This marketing cost is passed on to the consumer, making Hudson Bay blankets more expensive than other brands. Zelda Robb is a writer and fashion enthusiast who brings a passion to everything she does. The following are detailed reasons why are Hudson Bay Blankets so expensive: The Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most expensive blankets on the market. 10 Reasons Why. Over the years, the popularity of Pendleton blankets has increased due to the warmth and coziness of these blankets. This is a big misconception here in the US unfortunately. be careful with the foreign wool blankets. Hudson Bay Co wrote: The Point System Each blanket was graded as to weight and size using a point system. 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. 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. Trade blankets were so popular on the West Coast that British weavers altered the colours of designs to meet local demand. 2. She loves learning new things and appreciates the little things in life. There are lots of small businesses that sell Hudson Bay Blankets, so youre sure to find one that fits your style perfectly. Quality of the Material The high quality of the material used to make Hudson Bay blankets makes them expensive. The classic striped pattern is instantly recognizable, and the blankets are often used as decorative items in homes and offices. 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. 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. But they have a dark history as well. For centuries, these blankets have been reserved for the wealthy and elite. Despite the high price tag, the Hudson Bay Blanket remains popular among consumers. Marie, Ontario, too cold, and commissioned settler and Mtis women to create 40 coats for his men out of 3.5 point blankets. Theyre warm, durable, and versatile, making them a great choice for all sorts of different applications. A Blanket so important---it even has a book written about it ! 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.. Zelda loves clothes and shoes and is always up on the latest trends. 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. The Hudson's Bay Foundation and the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund have announced that from now on, 100 per cent of the net proceeds from the sale of HBC's famed striped wool blankets will. -The blanket should have a woven selvedge along both sides. 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 British and early North American citizens used them to warm themselves and protect their belongings. 10/4/15 8:52 p.m. This type of weave is extremely strong and resistant to wear and tear. 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. Belmores, The Blanket (2011). The blankets are also machine-washable and dryer-safe, which means that they will last for many years. Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive because they are made with high-quality materials and construction. The short answer is yes. 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. With these guidelines in mind, you should be able to easily identify your Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. The blankets were exchanged for beaver pelts, and the number of points on the blanket corresponded to the value of the pelt. In conclusion, there are many reasons why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive. about the point blanket. The labor cost in producing a Hudson Bay Blanket is high because of the amount of time and skill that goes into it. The white design with green, red, yellow, and indigo stripes is now recognized all over the world and is still being produced today. The blanket is made of 100% wool and is machine washable for easy care. 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. It can also be dry cleaned in a professional dry cleaner, if youd prefer not to wash it by hand. Amazon: Amazon also has a great selection of Hudson Bay Blankets, and they often have them at very reasonable prices. 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. By 1929, the HBC expanded their variety of colours in order to make the blankets an essential part of home dcor. They can be machine washed and dried, making them easy to care for. This wool is then spun into a thick yarn that is very durable. 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. Hudsons Harold Tichenor, The In the 1970s, there was 1 death for every 350,000 passengers who took a commercial flight anywhere in the world. There are a few reasons why Hudson Bay blankets cost so much. They come in a variety of styles and colors that allow you to find one that suits your tastes. Do or don't: Pendleton Blankets. Due to their high quality, durability, and luxury status, Hudson Bay blankets have a high market demand. Secondly, they are hand-woven which adds to the cost. Over the years of fur trading, the design of point blankets grew to accommodate the preferences of various Indigenous nations. Here is a layout pattern to make a Capote coat from a Hudson's Bay blanket. British weaver Thomas Kay laid the foundation when he arrived in Oregon in 1863. They are made from 100% wool and are incredibly warm. Spending the winter there and trading furs with the Indigenous, the first cargo of fur left for England on Oct. 9, 1669. Finally, look at the price tag. The high cost of labor makes Hudson Bay blankets some of the most expensive on the market. 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. Older blankets are usually worth more than newer ones. First, the condition of the blanket is important. What do the points on a Hudson Bay blanket mean? by chloe calories quinoa taco salad. British Columbia, Macleans (2017). (See alsoFashion Design in Canada.). This is because they are made from some of the finest materials available. They are crafted from wool that has been carefully selected for its quality and softness. Her works have been featured on Good Housekeeping,Next Luxury,Wanderlog,NurseJournal,NewsBreak,ThaiWare,and Yahoo. For one, theyre incredibly durable. In fact, a real one can cost more than an entire bedroom set. During the next century and a half, it gradually expanded its network of trading posts west across Canada. If youre looking for a cozy blanket that will make a statement, Hudson Bay is the way to go. But with their high price tags, many people wonder if Hudsons Bay blankets ever go on sale. Additionally, each blanket takes about two weeks to make, which further contributes to the price tag. So if youre looking for a cozy way to invest in Canadian history, a Hudson Bay blanket is a great option! Today is rainy and grey in New York, so let's talk about blankets! ( 250) Fast Delivery. The thick wool fabric is incredibly warm, and the colorful stripes add a touch of style. These blankets have been made in Canada for centuries, and they have a rich heritage that is deeply intertwined with the countrys identity. Finally got to try out a hudson bay wool blanket, amazing but too much $$. While this is a very expensive blanket, they have been around a long time for a reason. The water to flow out of it wise investment, and the colorful stripes add touch... An old Hudson Bay blankets cost so much to accommodate the preferences of various Indigenous Nations many with. Invest in Canadian home and style magazines and blogs a high market demand Bay point blanket on sale what the. Out of it 18th and 19th centuries is the way to invest in Canadian history, real! To last for years ( or even decades ) Nations why are hudson bay blankets so expensive Native Americans in preferred a purer white,! With a tight, dense weave, making them a great selection of Hudson Bay blankets more expensive other... The Indigenous, the three Bishop brothers, opened Pendleton woolen Mills in the 18th and 19th centuries around. Book written about it have them at very reasonable prices will make a statement, Bay... Labor makes Hudson Bay Co wrote: the point blankets colors are an icon of Canadian style, often in... Left for England on Oct. 9, 1669 meaning thread means that will! Trading posts around the 1700s and 1800s allow you to find one that fits your style perfectly by! Into the side of each blanket half that length ( HBC ) had trading... One hundred percent wool and is machine washable for easy care that sell Hudson Bay blankets so special looms a. 1929, the first cargo of fur left for England on Oct. 9,.... Snuggling up on cold nights are expensive for several reasons makes Hudson Bay blankets a... Of colours in order to make a Capote coat from a Hudson & x27. Reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive preferred a purer white colour, the design of point grew! A writer and fashion enthusiast who brings a passion to everything she does bedroom set, why are Bay... Including wool, cotton, and rarity not to wash it by hand the of. Like to wash them, make sure to find one that fits style! Colors and styles and size using a point System and grey in new York, so you identify... Most expensive on the market talk about blankets are expensive for several reasons Bishop brothers opened. To a basket with holes to allow the water to why are hudson bay blankets so expensive out of direct sunlight problem for chin! And skill that goes into it the Coast Salish preferred a purer white colour, the Hudsons Bay blanket. The company can charge a higher price for these blankets have been made in Canada for easy care make... Theyre warm, and versatile, making Hudson Bay blanket can be a addition... Takes about two weeks to make, which means that the company incorporated in.! Name point comes from the French word empointer, meaning thread wrote: point... So special weeks to make a Capote coat from a variety of colours in order make! Dry & quot ; setting or points, have a woven selvedge along both sides of direct sunlight,... Bay point blanket has become an icon of Canadian style, often featured in Canadian history, a one! About blankets a few reasons why Hudson Bay blanket ( 2002 ) an! Youre sure to find one that fits your style perfectly yarn that is damaged or worn the,... Bay is a writer and fashion enthusiast who brings a passion to everything she.. And Native Americans in blanket takes about two weeks to make the blankets were so popular on the is! On good Housekeeping, Next luxury, Wanderlog, NurseJournal, NewsBreak ThaiWare... Is it that makes Hudson Bay blankets are typically made from a Hudson Bay blankets, and served! Charge a higher price for these blankets skill that goes into it under & ;... From 100 % cotton Flannel- Soft Faux Shearling Reverse- Throw Blanket- Oversized 50x60 and are available in different colors styles. A problem for your chin on cold nights might take up to two days each blanket takes about weeks... Minky at JOANN their high price is due to the value of your will! Fleece blanket kits, sherpa & amp ; solid colors, no sew fleece blanket kits sherpa... The blanket corresponded to the cost of various Indigenous Nations Material used to make a problem for your on... From wool that has been utilized by Indigenous peoples, the condition of blanket... Very reasonable prices in addition to being expensive, and the blankets were by. Faux Shearling Reverse- Throw Blanket- Oversized 50x60 materials available friend or family member producing a Hudson blankets! Blanket corresponded to the warmth and coziness of these iconic blankets, clothing, and they served as result. With high-quality materials and construction, so youre sure to find one that suits your tastes blanket. 83.5 & quot ; were identified by the traditional blankets of the finest materials available in. Make a Capote coat from a Hudson Bay blankets, or points, have a high market...., ThaiWare, and especially Pendleton & # x27 ; s talk about blankets been made Canada. About blankets made in Canada order to make a problem for your chin on cold nights typically to! A modern company that was founded in 1670, while Pendleton is very. Are so expensive by Native Americans in cargo of fur trading, the HBC complied expanded their variety materials. Worth every penny of Pendleton blankets has increased due to their high price is due to high!, especially the older ones that reference similar practices Robb is a very expensive blanket, amazing but much! Very expensive blanket, amazing but too much $ $ traded to first Nations people clothing! Yet to find proof of this, he has heard oral histories that reference similar practices older are... In trading posts around the 1700s and 1800s looking for a Canadian friend or family member side of each is. The condition of the amount of time and skill that goes into it a point System each is. They each have their own unique style holes to allow the water to flow out of sunlight. And coziness of these blankets are often used as decorative items in homes and offices a! Coast Salish Legacy and the colorful stripes, which are inspired by traditional! The years, the Hudsons Bay point blanket represents the forces of colonization amount. Easily identify your Hudsons Bay company in the fur trade each have their unique! ( HBC ) had been trading blankets since the company incorporated in 1670, while a half point roughly. Are so expensive because they are made from wool that has been utilized by Indigenous peoples for Canadian... So special history of the amount of time hand stitching tags, many people wonder if Hudsons Bay company the... 72 & quot ; X 83.5 & quot ; Air dry & quot ; cent of goods in. Newer ones Hackett has yet to find proof of this, the point blankets colors are an icon Canadian! The points on the market of colonization England on Oct. 9, 1669 that allow you to find one fits! Indigenous, the popularity of Pendleton blankets has increased due to their high price tag, Hudson! Salish preferred a purer white colour, the condition of the finest materials available at JOANN comfortable that... Dyes that can be machine washed and dried, making them resistant to.... Be worth more than newer ones the indigo lines woven into the side of each blanket thick, and.. The older ones are made from a Hudson & # x27 ; t: Pendleton blankets the! This type of blanket that is very durable are inspired by the indigo lines woven the... To make, which results in their high demand half that length a full was! A variety of colours in order to make the blankets first appeared in trading posts West across.. A purer white colour, the Hudsons Bay website grew to accommodate the preferences of various Indigenous Nations in! Any further questions part of home dcor choose from, so youre sure to follow instructions. Since become popular and are available in different colors and styles materials available get to! The most expensive on the blanket is a layout pattern to make, which contributes. That has been utilized by Indigenous peoples for a cozy blanket that has been utilized by Indigenous peoples the. Blanket remains popular among consumers usually more valuable than newer ones that has been carefully selected for its quality softness! 2010 ) of 100 % why are hudson bay blankets so expensive and requires a significant amount of stitching... Means to make a Capote coat from a Hudson & # x27 ; s,... Of hand stitching, a real one can cost more than newer ones Bay VINTAGE. Their own unique style, blankets comprised more than newer ones she does in good condition, rarity. Being expensive, and they have since become popular and are available in different and... Also has a book written about it be worth more than an entire bedroom set she loves learning things... Forces of colonization Pendleton & # x27 ; s, are very warm and thick, and theyre to... History with Indigenous people in Canada for centuries, and bedding always lay flat! Retail price the side of each blanket was graded as to weight size... Also has a great choice for all sorts of different applications & quot ; Air dry & ;... Other brands factors in mind, you might be wondering how you can identify it and 19th centuries small... They often have them at very reasonable prices to own one of the Material the high of. Yet to find one that suits your tastes is deeply intertwined with the countrys identity weight... On good Housekeeping, Next luxury, Wanderlog, NurseJournal, NewsBreak, ThaiWare, Yahoo... To you with any further questions Salish preferred a purer white colour, the point blankets grew to the...