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. The most popular items exchanged for beaver and other animal pelts were wool blankets. 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. The first step is to identify the type of blanket. The blanket is made of 100% wool and is machine washable for easy care. ( 250) Fast Delivery. The history, quality, and process of production, the cost of labor, and exclusivity all contribute to the high cost of these blankets. Because they use natural dyes, these blankets are expensive. why are hudson bay blankets so expensive . 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. If you are sensitive to wool, this might make a problem for your chin on cold nights. Nuu-chah-nulth nations tended to like green blankets, and in many Coast Salish communities, red. All of these factors make Hudson Bay blankets more expensive than other types of blankets on the market. For example, the point blanket was originally designed for trading with First Nations people. many are a wool blend with a certain percentage of other fibers woven in. I have a few Hudson Bay multi stripe blankets and people always say "oh wow is that a Pendleton". The blankets originally appeared in early Canadian trading posts, where they were used as currency and fashioned into robes. Just be prepared to pay a pretty penny for one of these coveted Canadian creations! Hudson Bay blankets, also known as Point Blankets, are incredibly soft and durable. They first appeared in the 1700s, and served as currency for trade and as robes for women. The high cost of labor is another reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive. They were also used as robes by the tribes. Watch this YouTube video of artist Rebecca A few years ago you could buy a new Earlys of Whitney 4 point blanket for around 160.00. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive in 2023: The Hudson Bay blanket is widely regarded as one of Canadas most iconic exports and for good reason. If its much cheaper than that, its probably not the real thing. Following the selection of the color and the pattern, the next step is to choose the material that will be used. 110.00 sounds like a fair (not great) price if it is in decent condition. 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. 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. 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. W.R. Swagerty, Indian Trade Blankets in the Pacific The poncho is made from the finest grade of Mongolian cashmere and features a double-faced design with a contrasting stripe down the center. In conclusion, Hudson Bay blankets are expensive for several reasons. But it was in 1779 that the Company first commissioned the English textile mill . Joshua Ostroff, How a Smallpox Epidemic Forged Modern 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. Hudson Bay blankets are made of 100% wool and have a rich history. Theyre also among the most expensive, with prices typically starting at around $500. They are made of high-quality wool, usually sourced from New Zealand. Shop fleece fabrics by the yard in anti-pill and plush fleece materials. But with their high price tags, many people wonder if Hudsons Bay blankets ever go on sale. Hudson Bay blankets were originally made by a contract manufacturer, but todays blankets are made in a factory owned by the company. During the reign of Queen Anne (1702-1704), red, indigo, green, and yellow were particularly popular. Even though it comes with a hefty price tag, the Hudson Bay Blanket continues to be a customer favorite. Zelda Robb is a writer and fashion enthusiast who brings a passion to everything she does. HUDSON'S BAY CO. VINTAGE ORANGE/PINK 4 POINT WOOL BLANKET 72" X 83.5". $19.99 shipping. The blankets first appeared in trading posts around the 1700s, and they served as a form of currency. 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? why are hudson bay blankets so expensive. According to the official company history, blankets had been taken to Hudson Bay as trade goods as far back as 1668. The HBC did not commission its very own point blanket until 1779. Secondly, they are hand-woven which adds to the cost. These blankets are marketed as luxury items, and the company spends a great deal of money on advertising and promotion. The answer to the question, Can Hudson Bay blankets be washed? is a resounding yes. You can safely wash a wool Hudson Bay blanket by hand with a mild detergent and a gentle cycle in your washing machine. There are lots of small businesses that sell Hudson Bay Blankets, so youre sure to find one that fits your style perfectly. These blankets are also not mass-produced, so theyll last for many years. 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. All Hudson Bay blankets are hand-loomed in England with the finest wool. Theyre made from high-quality materials, and theyre built to last for years (or even decades). The following are detailed reasons why are Hudson Bay Blankets so expensive: The blankets sold by Hudson Bay are among the most expensive blankets currently available on the market. 2. The blankets were originally traded for beaver pelts. Often these small pieces were collected by weavers, unraveled and then woven into a new blanket. Religion and Spirituality of Indigenous Peoples. And because theyre made with high-quality materials, you can be sure that your Hudsons Bay blanket will last for years to come. Today, these blankets are highly prized for their historical value and their unique design. All Rights Reserved. The wool used is of a very high quality, and it is often sourced from New Zealand. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. Thinner, skin-friendly sheets were made . The high quality of the material used to make Hudson Bay blankets makes them expensive. 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. From $24.99 $50.00. Zelda loves clothes and shoes and is always up on the latest trends. But what is it that makes Hudson Bay blankets so special? This Secret Life of Canada episode dives into the history of The Hudson's Bay Company and unpacks the very complicated story of the iconic striped blanket. eco-wise wool plaid/stripe blanket , red jasper Pricing Regular Price Range $169.00 - $289.00 Sale Price Range $117.99 - $289.00 More Colors View additional ECO-WISE WOOL SOLID BLANKET colors Hudson Bay blankets are made of very high quality wool, sourced from New Zealand. The yarns are twisted tightly together to form a thick, durable blanket. Secondly, they are hand-woven which adds to the cost. These blankets are also extremely durable, which makes them an excellent investment for your winter wardrobe. Dating a Hudson Bay blanket can be easy if you know what to look for. why are hudson bay blankets so expensive. Hudson Bay blankets have long been associated with luxury and status. The iconic Hudson's Bay point blanket has a complicated history with Indigenous people in Canada. The Point Blanket Site Researcher and consultant Harold Tichenor provides 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 . It has come to our attention that the quality of production of these blankets is actually quite high. A genuine Hudson Bay blanket will cost around $300-$400 USD. They are made with high-quality materials, so they are very expensive. If youre lucky enough to own a vintage Hudson Bay blanket, you can be sure that it will be a cherished family heirloom for generations to come. Although they may be expensive, Hudson Bay Blankets are worth the investment because they will last for many years. If youre looking for a top-of-the-line blanket that will last a lifetime (and then some), this is definitely the way to go. Whether used for clothing, home decor, or even artwork, the Most Expensive Fabric is a symbol of opulence and affluence. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets So Expensive? In, Shrumm, Regan. The point blankets then became the standard for measuring every item the HBC was trading. The Hudson's Bay Company, a fur-trading enterprise headquartered in London, began operations on the shores of Hudson Bay in 1670. The answer is yes! As a result of their popularity, Hudson Bay blankets are often priced higher than other types of blankets. Blanket: An Illustrated History of the Hudsons Bay Blanket (2002). You wont be let down in any way! In 1821, it merged with its prime rival, the North West Company out of Montreal, thus acquiring several posts . Then there are the military (both domestic & foreign), cheaper yet . Due to the fact that they are warm, long-lasting, and adaptable, they are an excellent option for a wide variety of different applications. During the next century and a half, it gradually expanded its network of trading posts west across Canada. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. One popular design is the Glacier Stripe line, which was introduced in 1916. Blankets are collectible too, and none more so than the famous Hudson Bay blankets of Canada. Chiefs blankets were made for high-ranking Native American chiefs and are much rarer. Because of this, Hudson Bay blankets take a long time to create. 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. They are dry clean only, so keep that in mind. If you want a HB blanket, you probably either have to buy second hand or buy direct from HBC - which means importing from Canada. This is due to its quality and durability, which make it worth the investment. The thick wool fabric is incredibly warm, and the colorful stripes add a touch of style. So its no surprise that people want to know: are they still being made? Today is rainy and grey in New York, so let's talk about blankets! 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. by chloe calories quinoa taco salad. Even today, Hudson Bay blankets are seen as a symbol of success and prosperity. In 1670, King Charles II of England granted a charter to form the Hudson's Bay Company, which in short order controlled vast tracts of wilderness and the fur trade in North America. about the point blanket. These blankets first appeared in Canadian trading posts in the 1700s, and aside from. The answer is that it depends on your personal preferences. Today, several mills make different shades. For one, theyre incredibly durable. Do you ever cuddle up with a throw blanket when watching TV or reading books? Theyre usually classified by size. So, why are Hudson Bay blankets so pricey? 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. 1. With a little patience, youll be able to snag one of these cozy classics at a fraction of the price. For centuries, theyve been synonymous with quality, durability, and comfort. 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. 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 blanket is also available in other sizes, making it versatile enough to fit any bed size. Zelda Robb is someone you will always enjoy spending time with. Theyre warm, durable, and versatile, making them a great choice for all sorts of different applications. In the 1970s, there was 1 death for every 350,000 passengers who took a commercial flight anywhere in the world. 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? they are excellent blankets in cold climates, as are Pendleton, and a couple other brands. Another reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so beloved is because of their distinct style. "They had to bring over water and . Thanks for reading. The high price is due to their durability. The colors should be evenly spaced and there should be six of them: two green, two indigo, and two yellow. Many people complained that they were lumpy and monotone, but new colors have been introduced. At a fraction of the price people wonder if Hudsons Bay blankets, and a gentle cycle your! So they are very expensive are twisted tightly together to form a thick, blanket! 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why are hudson bay blankets so expensive