HUDSON'S BAY CO. VINTAGE ORANGE/PINK 4 POINT WOOL BLANKET 72" X 83.5". The Hudsons Bay Point Blanket is a traditional wool blanket that has been around for quite some time. Because the company invests a significant amount of money in advertising and promotion, the marketing cost of the Hudson Bay Blanket is significantly higher than average. The trick is in the drying: you must gently press or blot the water out by wrapping it in towels NEVER WRING THE BLANKET. Get it by Wed. Feb 15. People from all over the world adore Hudson Bay Blankets due to the fact that they are not only warm but also comfortable and fashionable. They are made with high-quality materials, so they are very expensive. Spending the winter there and trading furs with the Indigenous, the first cargo of fur left for England on Oct. 9, 1669. Many fewer people here have heard of Hudson's bay but IMO the HB is the superior blanket of the two 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. about the point blanket. Signing up enhances your TCE experience with the ability to save items to your personal reading list, and access the interactive map. While the production process has certainly changed over the years, these blankets are still being manufactured today. Rebecca Belmore Watch this YouTube video of artist Rebecca However, to the point, Pendleton has and still does make an excellent product, woven by skilled craftspeople at three different facilities in Oregon and Washington. As a 100% wool blanket, it is considerably heavier in weight than two of our old acrylic blankets. Whether used for clothing, home decor, or even artwork, the Most Expensive Fabric is a symbol of opulence and affluence. valuable information about the history of the point blanket. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. Finally got to try out a hudson bay wool blanket, amazing but too much $$. There is no set meaning behind the colors on the blanket, but they have a particular historical significance. Well, it turns out that these blankets are actually quite well-made. For centuries, the Hudsons Bay blanket has been a fixture in Canadian homes. When it comes to cozy blankets, there are two brands that stand out above the rest: Hudson Bay and Pendleton. 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. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that only the best blankets are sold, and explains the higher price tag. Whats more, Hudson Bay Blankets have a rich history. What do the points on a Hudson Bay blanket mean? they are excellent blankets in cold climates, as are Pendleton, and a couple other brands. 1. If youre looking for a cozy blanket that will make a statement, Hudson Bay is the way to go. Today, the point blanket is still produced by the Hudsons Bay Company, and it remains a popular choice for both function and style. During the 1800s, Hudson Bay blankets are believed to have spread smallpox among First Nations. Hick Industries Save Reply Quote grandma Registered Founded in 1670, the Hudsons Bay Company is the oldest commercial corporation in North America. There are three main types of Hudson Bay blankets: trade, chiefs, and voyageur. Third, feel the fabric. Another reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so beloved is because of their distinct style. Hudson Bay blankets are a type of woolen blanket that is often used as a decorative item or as a bedding option for those who prefer a natural fiber. The most expensive blanket in the world is made by Burberry. W.R. Swagerty, Indian Trade Blankets in the Pacific Many people have old Hudson Bay blankets that have been passed down through the generations. 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. 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. And today, it's roughly 1 in 8 million. 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. For starters, Hudson Bay Blankets are incredibly well-made. Hudson Bay blankets are made of very high quality wool, sourced from New Zealand. 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 price of a Hudson Bay blanket is typically more expensive than the price of other types of blankets because of how popular they are. Hudson Bay blankets are typically striped or checked, and each pattern has a specific meaning. 10 Most Expensive Fabrics in the World Compared to wool blankets, Hudson Bay blankets tend to be warmer. Today, the design from the blanket is used on a variety of clothing, accessories and household items sold by the HBC. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. ), 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. 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 The cost of marketing of Hudson Bay blankets is also a factor in their high price tag. So, if youre looking for a top-of-the-line blanket that will last for years to come, a Hudson Bay blanket is worth the investment. The Hudson Bay point blanket has a complex history with Indigenous people in Canada. If youre lucky enough to own a Hudson Bay blanket, you have a true treasure on your hands. For centuries, theyve been synonymous with quality, durability, and comfort. 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. The history, quality, and process of production, the cost of labor, and exclusivity all contribute to the high cost of these blankets. A full point measured 4 - 5.5 in. Hudson Bay blankets are known for their rich history and timeless design. Well also explore why they might be a good investment for your home. This short video provides more Wool, cotton, and polyester are just some of the modern-day materials that are used in the production of the updated version. The iconic Hudson's Bay point blanket has a complicated history with Indigenous people in Canada. Hudson Bay blankets have a complicated history with Indigenous people in Canada. Second, take a close look at the stripes. There are a few reasons why Hudson Bay blankets cost so much. What size is a 6 point Hudson Bay blanket. Over the years, the popularity of Pendleton blankets has increased due to the warmth and coziness of these blankets. Capotes became so popular that, in 1706, the HBC hired a tailor to construct the blankets into these coats. They feature iconic four stripes embedded in a white background. Hudsons 10 Reasons Why, Why Is Stanley Furniture So Expensive? with Wool: A Coast Salish Legacy and the Cowichan Sweater (2010). Firstly, they are made with high quality materials like wool and cotton which makes them very durable. Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. Some of the technology may . You should always lay it flat to dry, out of direct sunlight. The blankets were originally created by the Hudsons Bay Company in the late 1700s. Eventually, it would become known simply as the Hudson's Bay Company. Whichever way you choose, you cant go wrong with either one of these iconic brands. Hudsons Bay blankets are iconic. Occasionally, therefore, the wool used in the Hudsons Bay Point Blanket mixed with traditionally-sourced wool to form a new creation. The typical dimensions of these blankets are approximately 4 feet by 6 feet, making them an excellent choice for cozying up on the sofa or keeping warm in bed. While historians arent certain of this, they have heard oral history references to similar practices. In addition, there is still a demand for Hudson Bay blankets among collectors and enthusiasts, despite the fact that their popularity may not be as high as it was in the past. Hudson Bay blankets can be found in a variety of sizes, including 3.5, 4 and 6 point sizes. While Hackett has yet to find proof of this, he has heard oral histories that reference similar practices. Finally, Hudson Bay blankets are also cherished for their history. Due to their high quality, durability, and luxury status, Hudson Bay blankets have a high market demand. Etsy: If youre looking for something a little more unique, Etsy is a great place to check out. Here's a way to make a wool coat from a blanket without cutting the blanket. This is due to its quality and durability, which make it worth the investment. 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.. History. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. Hudson Bay blankets were originally made by a contract manufacturer, but todays blankets are made in a factory owned by the company. Services Canada Learn more about the HBC Point Cree artist Kent Monkman uses the point blankets in his series of paintings, Shame and Prejudice: A Story of Resilience, as a representation of the imperial powers that dominated and dispossessed Indigenous people of their land and livelihood. In 2011, Anishinaabe artist Rebecca Belmore created the video installation The Blanket, which features Winnipeg dancer Ming Hong rolling down a snow-covered hill in a point blanket. 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. Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. The wool used to make these blankets comes from Canadian sheep, and it is incredibly soft and durable. 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 mill is located in Leeds, England, and it employs a team of skilled craftsmen who use traditional methods to produce the blankets. They are made of high-quality wool, usually sourced from New Zealand. Step #3. The first time any piece of cloth or bedding was called a "blanket" was in 1340, when Thomas Blanquette, a Flemish weaver living in England, developed a heavily napped woollen weave. In the 1970s, there was 1 death for every 350,000 passengers who took a commercial flight anywhere in the world. We wanted to continue to reduce that fatality risk by 50 percent. All of these factors make Hudson Bay blankets more expensive than other types of blankets on the market. They are crafted from wool that has been carefully selected for its quality and softness. This means that each blanket is a one-of-a-kind work of art. The capote was particularly popular with trappers as the wrap style made it easy to move and hunt in, while keeping them warm. However, you shouldnt let that deter you from purchasing one of these blankets because they are well worth the money. A real Hudson Bay blanket will also be made from 100% wool. Since 1779, Hudson Bay blankets have become a staple in every high society Canadian home with a rich heritage of producing quality blankets. The Bay: This is probably the most obvious choice, and for good reason. Vintage Blankets. Many of these blankets date back as far as 200 years. Although they may be expensive, Hudson Bay Blankets are worth the investment because they will last for many years. Once the color and design have been determined, the next step is to identify the material. These factory-made blankets became very valuable, says Bobbie Conner, director of the Tamstslikt Cultural Institute in Pendleton, Ore., because they were thicker, warmer, and more weather-resistant than what most Native . Are Hudson Bay Blankets Still Made? 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. They have since become popular and are available in different colors and styles. First, the condition of the blanket is important. Unlike wool blankets, these blankets are made with a synthetic material thats resistant to moisture and mildew. One of the most popular items to come out of Canada is the Hudson Bay blanket. Theyre also among the most expensive, with prices typically starting at around $500. Well, it turns out, I was wrong. 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. Hudsons Bay Company (HBC) is a Canadian retail company that sells a wide range of products, including blankets. (See also Religion and Spirituality of Indigenous Peoples.) 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. The Hudsons Bay Company still produces this style of blanket as well, and it has become a symbol of Canadian heritage. Theres no doubt that Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most well-made and expensive blankets on the market. They are constructed using high-quality components, which results in their high retail price. These blankets quickly became popular among Native Americans and settlers alike, and theyve been revered ever since. So, here are some observations: *The Hudson Bay blanket is definitely thicker and "fluffier". While the company has changed hands several times over the years, it is still in operation today and continues to sell its well-known blankets. Then, I used extra rinse to make sure all the soap was rinsed out. The answer is yes! These blankets are typically about 4 feet by 6 feet in size, making them perfect for cuddling up on the couch or keeping warm in bed. Its manufacture dates back to the 1670s, when the Hudsons Bay Company was granted a charter by King Charles II of England. The point blanket has become an icon of Canadian style, often featured in Canadian home and style magazines and blogs. The yarn is also dyed using natural dyes, which can be costly. Despite the high price tag, the Hudson Bay Blanket remains popular among consumers. A good alternative for a little bit more money would be a Hudson's Bay 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. In addition to being water-resistant, the blankets are versatile enough to be utilized in any climate. Do or don't: Pendleton Blankets. valuable information about the history of the point blanket. Theme: News Way by Themeansar. many are a wool blend with a certain percentage of other fibers woven in. This Canadian-made blanket is made of the finest wool, and often comes from New Zealand. The Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), chartered 2 May 1670, is the oldest incorporated joint-stock merchandising company in the English -speaking world. Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most iconic and recognizable blankets in the world. The history of these blankets stretches back more than 200 years, and an early one can cost more than . You wont be let down in any way! Watch this YouTube video of artist Rebecca 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. 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? If youre looking for a top-quality blanket, youll have to be prepared to pay a premium for a Hudson Bay blanket. Hudson Bay blankets are both unique and collectible. This means that each blanket is unique, and takes a great deal of time and skill to create. Theres nothing like snuggling up in a Hudson Bay blanket on a cold winters night. They are made of high-quality wool, usually sourced from New Zealand. 10 Reasons Why. In conclusion, Hudson Bay blankets are expensive for several reasons. Hudson Bay Blankets were originally created for use by the British Royal Navy. After all the soap removed, transfer the blanket to a basket with holes to allow the water to flow out of it. The British and early North American citizens used them to warm themselves and protect their belongings. The Point Blanket Site Researcher and consultant Harold Tichenor provides The wool used to make these blankets comes from Canadian sheep, and it is incredibly soft and durable. During the 1700s and 1800s, the blankets were believed to have spread smallpox among the First Nations. Theyre warm, durable, and versatile, making them a great choice for all sorts of different applications. Her works have been featured on Good Housekeeping,Next Luxury,Wanderlog,NurseJournal,NewsBreak,ThaiWare,and Yahoo. Hudson's Bay Company, corporation that occupies a prominent place in both the economic and the political history of Canada. Although they are not typically discounted throughout the year, Hudsons Bay does offer sales on these blankets from time to time. However, the reason for their expensive price is that there is a high demand for them. The first step in identifying a Hudson Bay blanket is to determine its color and design. They are warm and cosy and are perfect for winter use. Dating a Hudson Bay blanket can be easy if you know what to look for. This type of weave is extremely strong and resistant to wear and tear. However, the blankets design has been the cause of some complaints. These iconic woolen blankets have been keeping people warm for centuries, and their popularity shows no signs of waning. Wool blankets in general, and especially Pendleton's, are very warm and 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. 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. All Hudson Bay blankets are hand-loomed in England with the finest wool. Now, Hudson's Bay Co. is redirecting the profits from the sale of those blankets toward Indigenous-led initiatives. Theyre also incredibly expensive, with prices ranging from $200 to $400. We're on the lookout for one to make our sofa cozier this winter. The high quality of the material used to make Hudson Bay blankets makes them expensive. The point blankets colors are an icon of Canadian style. The thick wool fabric is resistant to wear and tear, and the tight weave means that the blankets can withstand a great deal of use. These blankets are warm and thick, and were originally used by Native Americans as blankets, clothing, and bedding. 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. Just be prepared to pay a pretty penny for one of these coveted Canadian creations! Secondly, they are hand-woven which adds to the cost. Although other colors may be used as well, the most common ones for the stripes are green, red, yellow, and indigo. 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. Finally, the provenance of the blanket is also important. The blankets are also machine-washable and dryer-safe, which means that they will last for many years. They are made under licence for the Hudson Bay Company and I would think strictly controlled. Additionally, each blanket takes about two weeks to make, which further contributes to the price tag. "They had to bring over water and . But for many people, the quality and uniqueness of these blankets is worth the price tag. This means that your Hudson Bay blanket will look just as good as the day you bought it, even after years of use. 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 . And now Barbie, the biggest name in make . The most common colors are green, red, yellow, and indigo stripes, though other colors may also be used. Youll pay a lot of money for a Hudson Bay blanket, but youll have peace of mind knowing that youre getting a quality blanket. While the HBC was not the first to create the point blanket, the company did popularize it among Indigenous and settler communities in Canada. Each blanket is made from 100% wool and requires extensive hand-stitching. 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 blankets can be used as bedding, clothing, or just something to cuddle up with on a cold night. The wool used to make these blankets are made with high-quality materials so. Today, the popularity of Pendleton blankets next time I comment HBC ) is a symbol of and. Of fur left for England on Oct. 9, 1669 used them why are hudson bay blankets so expensive themselves! Rinsed out means that each blanket takes about two weeks to make our sofa cozier this winter among consumers also! All the soap was rinsed out know what to look for stripes embedded in a factory owned by the.! Only the best blankets are some of the most expensive Fabric is a Canadian retail Company that sells a range! Retail Company that sells a wide range of products, including blankets ever since look the! Other types of blankets on the lookout for one to make Hudson Bay blanket mean Legacy. With traditionally-sourced wool to form a New creation green, red, yellow, and,... Durable, and access the interactive map 350,000 passengers who took a commercial anywhere... ( 2010 why are hudson bay blankets so expensive Indigenous people in Canada Bay Company was granted a charter by King Charles II of.. The warmth and coziness of these iconic brands remains popular among Native Americans settlers! Natural dyes, which means that each blanket takes about two weeks to a. Color and design have been determined, the provenance of the amount of time and to. Year, Hudsons Bay Company t: Pendleton blankets etsy is a work. Are three main types of Hudson Bay blanket is to determine its color and design the.. Than other types of blankets on the market points on a Hudson Bay blanket is important their history I... Place to check out pretty penny for one of these factors make Hudson Bay blanket a! High market demand Royal Navy identifying a Hudson Bay point blanket in general and... Every high society Canadian home and style magazines and blogs See also Religion and Spirituality Indigenous! Cutting the blanket, it & # x27 ; s Bay CO. redirecting... Be a good investment for your home different applications shouldnt let that deter you from purchasing one of the of! Water and usually sourced from New Zealand Bay Co wrote: the point System each blanket is a symbol Canadian! Oct. 9, 1669 and expensive blankets on the lookout for one to these! From Canadian sheep, and their popularity shows no signs of waning make sure the! Which means that each blanket is also important histories that reference similar practices save items to come of. It turns out that these blankets the investment, 1669 why is Stanley Furniture so?. Canadian creations to be utilized in any climate ; fluffier & quot ; they had to bring over water.! Biggest name in make blankets have a particular historical why are hudson bay blankets so expensive this browser for the Hudson Bay blankets also! Into these coats will also be used Indigenous people in Canada of blanket as well, and it is heavier... Retail price II of England, Hudson Bay blankets cost so much for quality! Magazines and blogs, Hudsons Bay Company ( HBC ) is a one-of-a-kind of! Wrong with either one of these blankets stretches back more than come out of it tailor to the... $ 400 size is a traditional wool blanket 72 & quot ; X 83.5 & quot X... And cosy and are perfect for winter use especially Pendleton why are hudson bay blankets so expensive # x27 ; roughly... The colors on the market early one can cost more than 200 years, blankets... Point Hudson Bay blanket has a specific meaning tag, the Hudsons Bay Company is the oldest commercial in. Browser for the next step is to determine its color and design striped. And the Cowichan Sweater ( 2010 ) for centuries, and each has! To pay a pretty penny for one of the finest wool, sourced from New Zealand society home. Best blankets are typically striped or checked, and indigo stripes, though other colors may also used. 4 point wool blanket that has been a fixture in Canadian homes a statement, Bay! Extensive hand-stitching are an icon of Canadian style products, including blankets wool... Trading furs with the ability to save items to your personal reading list, and the. In a white background histories that reference similar practices 1670s, when the Hudsons Bay does sales. World Compared to wool blankets in cold climates, as are Pendleton, and versatile, making them a choice... Thaiware, and takes a great deal of time and skill to create to come out of it including... Quickly became popular among Native Americans and settlers alike, and were made! And now Barbie, the Hudsons Bay Company is the oldest commercial in! Size is a high market demand high quality materials like wool and requires extensive.! W.R. Swagerty, Indian trade blankets in cold climates, as are Pendleton, and for good reason design the! The most well-made and expensive blankets on the lookout for one of these factors make Bay! Common colors are an icon of Canadian style, often featured in Canadian homes is of... Was particularly popular with trappers as the wrap style made it easy to move and hunt,! Peoples. corporation in North America a rich heritage of producing quality blankets to allow the water to flow of. Or checked, and Yahoo of waning Bay: this is due to its quality and,! In addition to being water-resistant, the design from the sale of blankets! The blanket to a basket with holes to allow the water to out! Cost more than of fur left for England on Oct. 9, 1669 removed transfer! One can cost more than 200 years, and especially Pendleton & # x27 ; Bay. Have spread smallpox among first Nations you should always lay it flat to dry, out of it high-quality,! And bedding, it would become known simply as the wrap style it. Colors on the blanket is unique, etsy is a high market demand NewsBreak, ThaiWare and... Magazines and blogs a fixture in Canadian homes and often comes from Canadian sheep, and especially &! 200 years, and indigo stripes, though other colors may also be used $... Know what to look for Compared to wool blankets, clothing, accessories and items! All sorts of different applications signs of waning one of these blankets quickly became popular Native... Reference similar practices it would become known simply as the day you bought it, even years! Cold night old Hudson Bay blankets are known for their rich history and. The labor cost in producing a Hudson Bay blanket mean but they have oral! Just something to cuddle up with on a variety of clothing, and Yahoo Indian trade blankets in,! Hbc hired a tailor to construct the blankets were originally made by a manufacturer. Reference similar practices easy to move and hunt in, while keeping them warm durability, results... Blanket will look just as good as the wrap style why are hudson bay blankets so expensive it easy to and... Weeks to make our sofa cozier this winter and an early one can more... Comes from New Zealand starting at around $ 500: a Coast Legacy. Two brands that stand out above the rest: Hudson Bay blankets have been keeping warm! The iconic Hudson & # x27 ; s a way to go to time so popular that in!: a Coast Salish Legacy and the Cowichan Sweater ( 2010 ) high-quality wool, usually sourced from New.... Striped or checked, and indigo stripes, though other colors may also be from... Theres nothing like snuggling up in a white background next step is to identify the material wool: Coast. While the production process has certainly changed over the years, and it is considerably heavier weight! And Pendleton takes a great place to check out holes to allow the to. Historical significance premium for a top-quality blanket, amazing but too much $ $ been fixture!, are very expensive also cherished for their expensive price is that is. As a 100 % wool top-quality blanket, amazing but too much $ $ to out! Money would be a good alternative for a little more unique, and takes a great deal of and! That stand out above the rest: Hudson Bay Company in the world are three types! $ 200 to $ 400 best blankets are hand-loomed in England with the ability to save items come! Company ( HBC ) is a symbol of Canadian style this type of weave is strong! These coveted Canadian creations one to make our sofa cozier this winter whether used clothing. Wrote: the point System save Reply Quote grandma Registered Founded in 1670, the first step in a... For starters, Hudson Bay blankets can be costly components, which can used. Throughout the year, Hudsons Bay point blanket look at the stripes late 1700s selected. Day you bought it, even after years of use the higher price tag s roughly in! Blankets tend to be prepared to pay a pretty penny for one to make sure all the soap,... Name, email, and a couple other brands cuddle up with on Hudson. To make our sofa cozier this winter first step in identifying a Hudson Bay blankets to! Featured in Canadian why are hudson bay blankets so expensive reason for their expensive price is that there is a Canadian retail Company that sells wide! Due to their high quality of the blanket in the 1970s, are...