When buying a Hudson Bay Blanket at Costco, it is important to make sure that you check the return policy so that you can be sure that you will be able to return it if it is not what you wanted. 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. Chiefs blankets were made for high-ranking Native American chiefs and are much rarer. Hudson Bay blankets are known to be very well-made and can last for decades. You can also take the blanket to a dry cleaner, but keep in mind that wool blankets are delicate and should not be washed with automatic machines. So, here are some observations: *The Hudson Bay blanket is definitely thicker and "fluffier". Textile Museum of One of his recommendations included regular stock and trade of pointed blankets. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. Hudson Bay blankets are known for their rich history and timeless design. Hudson Bay blankets were originally solid colors with a distinct indigo band. There are a few reasons that Hudson Bay blankets are more expensive than other types of blankets. They were also used as robes by the tribes. Occasionally, therefore, the wool used in the Hudsons Bay Point Blanket mixed with traditionally-sourced wool to form a new creation. There are three main types of Hudson Bay blankets: trade, chiefs, and voyageur. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. Each blanket is woven by hand, using a centuries-old technique. The simple answer is that it is. Firstly, they are made with high quality materials like wool and cotton which makes them very durable. Compared to wool blankets, Hudson Bay blankets tend to be warmer. This is a big misconception here in the US unfortunately. The modern version is made from a variety of materials, including wool, cotton, and polyester. The history, quality, and process of production, the cost of labor, and exclusivity all contribute to the high cost of these blankets. The blankets are also machine-washable and dryer-safe, which means that they will last for many years. D There are a few things you can look for when trying to determine if a Hudson Bay blanket is real. This means that each blanket is a one-of-a-kind work of art. Rebecca Belmore Watch this YouTube video of artist Rebecca The mill is located in Leeds, England, and it employs a team of skilled craftsmen who use traditional methods to produce the blankets. The Hudsons Bay Company (HBC) had been trading blankets since the company incorporated in 1670. Find fleece prints & solid colors, no sew fleece blanket kits, sherpa & minky at JOANN. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. Voyageur blankets were made for French Canadian fur traders and are the least common type of Hudson Bay blanket. A full point measured 4 - 5.5 in. A good way to identify a real Hudson Bay blanket is by checking its label. Our team will be reviewing your submission and get back to you with any further questions. 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. 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? 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. By 1929, the HBC expanded their variety of colours in order to make the blankets an essential part of home dcor. Now, Hudson's Bay Co. is redirecting the profits from the sale of those blankets toward Indigenous-led initiatives. If youre looking for a cozy blanket that will make a statement, Hudson Bay is the way to go. In conclusion, Hudson Bay blankets are expensive for several reasons. So, what makes these blankets so special? 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. 10 Most Expensive Restaurants in Chicago 2023, Why Is Washington DC So Expensive in 2023. Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive because they are made with high-quality materials and construction. 2. The reason for this is that the Hudson Bay Blanket is produced in a limited quantity, which makes them more rare and sought-after. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets So Expensive? The first step is to identify the type of blanket. Vintage Hudson Bay blankets are highly sought after by collectors and history buffs alike. With these factors in mind, an old Hudson Bay blanket can be a valuable addition to any collection. about the HBCs history of the point blanket, an FAQ page and personal stories 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 . However, there are some claims that these blankets helped spread smallpox among the First Nations during the 1700s and 1800s. For starters, Hudson Bay Blankets are incredibly well-made. Finally, the provenance of the blanket is also important. You wont be let down in any way! First, the condition of the blanket is important. The Bay has a great selection of Hudson Bay Blankets in all sorts of colors and sizes. They are made from 100% wool and are incredibly warm. However, they are worth every penny. Hudson Bay blankets were originally made by a contract manufacturer, but todays blankets are made in a factory owned by the company. Even if they did not intend to use the blankets to spread smallpox, trading blankets easily allowed for the transferring of European diseases to Indigenous people. by Eddie Bauer. The British and early North American citizens used them to warm themselves and protect their belongings. The labor cost in producing a Hudson Bay Blanket is high because of the amount of time and skill that goes into it. 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. They are warm, thick, and cozy. Exploring the most expensive and luxuary in the world. Their origins date back to the 1670s. 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 marketing cost is passed on to the consumer, making Hudson Bay blankets more expensive than other brands. The iconic Hudson's Bay point blanket has a complicated history with Indigenous people in Canada. Even though it comes with a hefty price tag, the Hudson Bay Blanket continues to be a customer favorite. 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. One of the reasons is that theyre not mass-produced. Wool blankets in general, and especially Pendleton's, are very warm and durable. This iconic piece of Canadiana is known for its thick, 100% wool woolen fabric and classic design. Shop fleece fabrics by the yard in anti-pill and plush fleece materials. 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. 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. To show their wealth during potlatches, participants cut blankets into many small pieces so that everyone at the potlatch would receive a gift. 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. Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. The reason why Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive is because of the superior construction and materials that go into making them. The blankets were originally traded for beaver pelts. During the 1800s, Hudson Bay blankets are believed to have spread smallpox among First Nations. The high cost of labor makes Hudson Bay blankets some of the most expensive on the market. The Point Blanket Site Researcher and consultant Harold Tichenor provides Fold a wool blanket and use it as a chair . Belmore is referring here to the history of Europeans intentionally giving blankets contaminated with smallpox and other infectious diseases to Indigenous peoples. And while they may not be as popular as they once were, theres still a demand for Hudson Bay blankets among collectors and enthusiasts. Vintage Hudson Bay Wool 4 Point Multi Color Striped Blanket. HUDSON'S BAY CO. VINTAGE ORANGE/PINK 4 POINT WOOL BLANKET 72" X 83.5". Yes, you can wash your blanket. Originally produced in British North America, Hudson Bay blankets are now shipped worldwide. They can be machine washed and dried, making them easy to care for. However, by taking into account all of these factors, it is possible to identify a Hudson Bay blanket with relative ease. As a result, Hudson Bay blankets are some of the most expensive on the market. The blankets can be utilized in a variety of ways, including as clothing, as bedding, or simply as something to wrap oneself in on a chilly evening. 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For many people, owning a Hudson Bay blanket is a way of connecting with their roots and paying tribute to Canadas rich history. Yup! Eddie Bauer 100% Cotton Flannel- Soft Faux Shearling Reverse- Throw Blanket- Oversized 50x60. The blankets originally appeared in early Canadian trading posts, where they were used as currency and fashioned into robes. In 1779, the first blanket was produced for the Hudsons Bay Company. ), 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. The blankets were originally created by the Hudsons Bay Company in the late 1700s. Over the years of fur trading, the design of point blankets grew to accommodate the preferences of various Indigenous nations. Theyre also incredibly expensive, with prices ranging from $200 to $400. Hudson Bay blankets are prized for their colorful stripes, which are inspired by the traditional blankets of the First Nations people. These Canadian-made blankets are known for their quality craftsmanship and durability. Hudsons Each blanket line is named for an Aboriginal tribe and has a particular meaning. Hudsons Bay Company (HBC) is a Canadian retail company that sells a wide range of products, including blankets. As a result, it can take up to two days to produce a single blanket. Blankets are collectible too, and none more so than the famous Hudson Bay blankets of Canada. The yarns are twisted tightly together to form a thick, durable blanket. In fact, a real one can cost more than an entire bedroom set. Researcher and consultant Harold Tichenor provides 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. 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. There are a few reasons why Hudson Bay blankets cost so much. (See alsoWeaving.) 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. But why are they so expensive, and what makes them worth the investment? This is because they are made from some of the finest materials available. Therefore, if you are looking for a genuine relic from the history of the United States, Hudson Bay blankets might be the perfect thing for you. They are dyed with natural dyes that can be expensive, and they are hand-woven. They are crafted from wool that has been carefully selected for its quality and softness. This Canadian-made blanket is made of the finest wool, and often comes from New Zealand. The blankets are made in a number of different sizes, colors, and patterns, and they can be found in both new and antique condition. Because they use natural dyes, these blankets are expensive. If youre looking for a truly unique and luxurious blanket, the Burberry Prorsum Poncho is a perfect choice. The blanket is made of 100% wool and is machine washable for easy care. Points were identified by the indigo lines woven into the side of each blanket. 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 blankets were usually large, insulating, and thick. They are made with high-quality materials, so they are very expensive. The wool is sourced from New Zealand sheep and the dyes are all natural, which makes the blanket more costly to produce. This means that your Hudson Bay blanket will look just as good as the day you bought it, even after years of use. The Stripes blanket, on the other hand, was designed for use in military tents. The answer is that it depends on your personal preferences. Theyre also among the most expensive, with prices typically starting at around $500. Lastly, the company has a long history dating back to the 1600s, which gives them a lot of brand recognition and prestige. Amazon: Amazon also has a great selection of Hudson Bay Blankets, and they often have them at very reasonable prices. The capote was particularly popular with trappers as the wrap style made it easy to move and hunt in, while keeping them warm. Just be prepared to pay a bit more for the privilege. But they have a dark history as well. Though the points on the blankets did not have an inherent value, merchants during the fur trade often priced point blankets according to the number of points on the blanket, with one point assigned for small blankets and four points designated for very large blankets. These blankets are handmade, using a centuries-old technique. $140.00. These iconic woolen blankets have been keeping people warm for centuries, and their popularity shows no signs of waning. First, theyre made with high-quality materials. 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. Tribe and has a particular meaning been carefully selected for its thick, 100 cotton. To accommodate the preferences of various Indigenous Nations not mass-produced and what makes them worth the?! 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