Curriculum 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. They remain a popular choice among collectors and are an authentic piece of American history. Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive because they are made with high-quality materials and construction. This short video provides more 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. If it says anything other than Hudsons Bay Company, its not a genuine Hudson Bay blanket. 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. Older blankets are usually worth more than newer ones. In fact, a real one can cost more than an entire bedroom set. In this blog post, well take a closer look at Hudson Bay blankets to see what sets them apart from other options. Hudson Bay 6 Point Blanket, Natural with Multi Stripes Brand: WOOLRICH 102 ratings $69500 Colour Name: Natural With Multi Stripes See more About this item Woolrich is the exclusive u.s. distributor Dry clean only Loomed in england 6 points woven to indicate size Queen 90-inch by 100-inch Buy it with + + Total price: Add all three to Cart Theyve been around for centuries, and they remain popular to this day. why are hudson bay blankets so expensive. HUDSON'S BAY CO. VINTAGE ORANGE/PINK 4 POINT WOOL BLANKET 72" X 83.5". 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. Theres no doubt that Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most well-made and expensive blankets on the market. 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. Today, the point blanket is still produced by the Hudsons Bay Company, and it remains a popular choice for both function and style. (See alsoFashion Design in Canada.). Hudson Bay Blankets were originally created for use by the British Royal Navy. Age, condition, size, and provenance are all important considerations. Content Summary. They are woven on looms with a tight, dense weave, making them resistant to wear. They have long been a popular blanket in Canada and are sold at Toronto retail stores. A Hudson Bay blanket is highly collectible. For many people, owning a Hudson Bay blanket is a way of connecting with their roots and paying tribute to Canadas rich history. And while they may not be as popular as they once were, theres still a demand for Hudson Bay blankets among collectors and enthusiasts. Additionally, each blanket is unique no two are exactly alike. Whats more, Hudson Bay Blankets have a rich history. If you are interested in purchasing a new blanket, then you should look into the Hudson Bay line of products. 10/4/15 8:52 p.m. 1 1.Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive: Top 6 Reasons; 2 2.Antiques: Invest in a Hudson Bay blanket and wrap yourself up; 3 3.Customer reviews: Woolrich 90 by 100-Inch Hudson Bay 6 Point ; 4 4.Pendleton Or Hudson Bay Blanket? Despite the high price tag, the Hudson Bay Blanket remains popular among consumers. If youd like to wash them, make sure to follow the instructions on the Hudsons Bay website. These blankets are still manufactured today, despite the fact that the manufacturing process has unquestionably evolved over the course of the years. Some of the technology may . And today, it's roughly 1 in 8 million. by chloe calories quinoa taco salad. about the point blanket. 3. (See also Religion and Spirituality of Indigenous Peoples.) However, the point system made it easy to sell the blankets through fur trading, as the points became a reliable pricing convention. Because of this, Hudson Bay blankets take a long time to create. The history of these blankets stretches back more than 200 years, and an early one can cost more than . Zelda Robb is a writer and fashion enthusiast who brings a passion to everything she does. This is because they are made from some of the finest materials available. Explore this page to learn more Each blanket is woven by hand, using a centuries-old technique. They have since become popular and are available in different colors and styles. If youre looking for a cozy blanket that will make a statement, Hudson Bay is the way to go. One popular design is the Glacier Stripe line, which was introduced in 1916. However, there are some claims that these blankets helped spread smallpox among the First Nations during the 1700s and 1800s. Hudson Bay blankets have long been associated with luxury and status. 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. 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.). There are three main types of Hudson Bay blankets: trade, chiefs, and voyageur. So, here are some observations: *The Hudson Bay blanket is definitely thicker and "fluffier". As a result, it can take up to two days to produce a single blanket. A genuine Hudson Bay blanket will cost around $300-$400 USD. Hudson Bay blankets, also known as Point Blankets, are incredibly soft and durable. Even though it comes with a hefty price tag, the Hudson Bay Blanket continues to be a customer favorite. Answer (1 of 2): They are called "point blankets" and they have been selling them for years. The simple answer is that it is. But among the native people of North America, the wool blankets symbolized the evils colonialism and the introduction of deadly diseases . The blankets first appeared in trading posts around the 1700s, and they served as a form of currency. Fold a wool blanket and use it as a chair . why are hudson bay blankets so expensive . Secondly, they are hand-woven which adds to the cost. 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. Enjoy snuggling up under it knowing that youre wrapped in history! The blankets are also machine-washable and dryer-safe, which means that they will last for many years. Hudson Bay Blankets were originally created for use by the British Royal Navy. Plus, they often have sales which make these blankets even more affordable. What size is a 6 point Hudson Bay blanket. Here are a few things to look for: -The blanket should be made of 100% wool. 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 blankets were typically traded to First Nations and Native Americans in . Textile Museum of Hudson Bay blankets are made to last, and they only get better with age. But which brand is better? There are a few things you can look for when trying to determine if a Hudson Bay blanket is real. However, there are a few things to consider before selling an old Hudson Bay blanket. 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. Although other colors may be used as well, the most common ones for the stripes are green, red, yellow, and indigo. 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 . But what is it that makes Hudson Bay blankets so special? 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. The history, quality, and process of production, the cost of labor, and exclusivity all contribute to the high cost of these blankets. It is the flagship brand of the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), the oldest and longest-surviving company in North America as well as one of the oldest continuously operating companies in the world. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. You should always lay it flat to dry, out of direct sunlight. Hudson Bay blankets are made of very high quality wool, sourced from New Zealand. Dennis & Joan "A Hudson's Bay point blanket is a type of wool blanket traded by the Hudson's Bay Company in western British North America and the United States during the 18th century and 19th century. The capote was particularly popular with trappers as the wrap style made it easy to move and hunt in, while keeping them warm. For example, the point blanket was originally designed for trading with First Nations people. Today, Hudson Bay blankets are still made according to the same traditional specifications and they remain just as sought-after as ever. Firstly, they are made with high quality materials like wool and cotton which makes them very durable. Religion and Spirituality of Indigenous Peoples. Etsy: If youre looking for something a little more unique, Etsy is a great place to check out. 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. 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. You can still get authentic Hudsons Bay blankets, and theyre just as cozy and attractive as ever. Hudsons 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. (See alsoChilkat Blanket.). Wool is typically used in the production of blankets, which contributes to their cuddly and comfortable nature. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets So Expensive? 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. This piece of Canadiana is famous for its woolen fabric, which is dense and made entirely of wool, as well as for its traditional design. "Hudsons Bay Point Blanket". The high price is due to their durability. We're on the lookout for one to make our sofa cozier this winter. This type of weave is extremely strong and resistant to wear and tear. Firstly, they are made with high quality materials like wool and cotton which makes them very durable. Today, the design from the blanket is used on a variety of clothing, accessories and household items sold by the HBC. (2002). or Best Offer. If you want a HB blanket, you probably either have to buy second hand or buy direct from HBC - which means importing from Canada. Then, I tumble dried it under "Air Dry" setting . First, check the label. They are dry clean only, so keep that in mind. Point blankets were also sometimes used in the potlatch, a gift-giving feast practiced by various First Nations communities in the Pacific Northwest, including the Haida, Tlingit, Nuu-chah-nulth, Kwakwakawakw and Coast Salish. The reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive is because of the superior construction and materials that go into making them. The origins of the iconic blanket began with fur trading in the New World. This wool is then spun into a thick yarn that is very durable. The blankets are usually made out of wool, which makes them soft and cozy. These new colours were not favored by the tribes at first but quickly became popular. But for many people, the quality and uniqueness of these blankets is worth the price tag. Theyre also available in new designs, and can be ordered through the Hudsons Bay Companys website. The answer is yes! Proudly powered by WordPress 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. 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. For example, many Inuit liked plain white blankets that provided camouflage, while the Tsimshian and Tlingit typically preferred deep blue designs. British Columbia, Macleans (2017). 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. 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. 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. Hudson Bay blankets are expensive due to their exquisite quality and craftsmanship. Sylvia Olsen, Working This is because they are made from some of the finest materials available. The blankets were usually large, insulating, and thick. They are dyed with natural dyes that can be expensive, and they are hand-woven. Hudson Bay Blanket is a blanket that has been used for centuries by Native Americans. Even today, Hudson Bay blankets are seen as a symbol of success and prosperity. The Bay Blanket. Last Edited. 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 mill is located in Leeds, England, and it employs a team of skilled craftsmen who use traditional methods to produce the blankets. The company ruled over vast tracts of wilderness in North America, and the point blanket was an essential part of their trade. Since 1779, Hudson Bay blankets have become a staple in every high society Canadian home with a rich heritage of producing quality blankets. The iconic Hudson's Bay point blanket has a complicated history with Indigenous people in Canada. 13 watching. During the fur trade, the value of trade goods, including blankets, was compared to made beaver pelts (finished and processed pelts), not to blankets. Thanks for contributing to The Canadian Encyclopedia. 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