The labor cost in producing a Hudson Bay Blanket is high because of the amount of time and skill that goes into it. The blankets can be used as bedding, clothing, or just something to cuddle up with on a cold night. Hudson Bay Blankets are among the most iconic and recognizable blankets in the world. The blankets are also machine-washable and dryer-safe, which means that they will last for many years. Third, feel the fabric. Hudson Bay blankets are typically made from wool or cotton. Your email address will not be published. 9. Hudson Bay blankets are so expensive because they are made with high-quality materials and construction. 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 how good are Hudson Bay blankets, really? In other Indigenous communities, the preferred design of point blankets differed. For one, theyre incredibly durable. Switch to the dark mode that's kinder on your eyes at night time. In this blog post, well take a closer look at Hudson Bay blankets to see what sets them apart from other options. The high price tag reflects this luxury status, and makes Hudson Bay blankets an excellent gift for someone special in your life. about the HBCs history of the point blanket, an FAQ page and personal stories $140.00. 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 A blanket thats been well-cared for and is in excellent condition will obviously be worth more than one thats been abused or is in poor condition. For starters, Hudson Bay Blankets are incredibly well-made. 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, these blankets are highly prized for their historical value and their unique design. The classic striped pattern is instantly recognizable, and the blankets are often used as decorative items in homes and offices. (See alsoChilkat 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. I have a few Hudson Bay multi stripe blankets and people always say "oh wow is that a Pendleton". Trade blankets were made for exchange with Native Americans and are the most common type of Hudson Bay blanket. They are dyed with natural dyes that can be expensive, and they are hand-woven. The fact is that wool is warm even when wet, dries quickly and is easy to sew. The thick wool is durable and incredibly warm, and the colorful stripes add flair. 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. A few years ago you could buy a new Earlys of Whitney 4 point blanket for around 160.00. Wool blankets in general, and especially Pendleton's, are very warm and durable. Additionally, the blankets provenance is also an important factor. However, by taking into account all of these factors, it is possible to identify a Hudson Bay blanket with relative ease. Occasionally, therefore, the wool used in the Hudsons Bay Point Blanket mixed with traditionally-sourced wool to form a new creation. 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. Theres nothing like snuggling up in a Hudson Bay blanket on a cold winters night. 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. Dating a Hudson Bay blanket can be easy if you know what to look for. If it says anything other than Hudsons Bay Company, its not a genuine Hudson Bay blanket. The yarn is also dyed using natural dyes, which can be costly. Hudson Bay Blankets were originally created for use by the British Royal Navy. Many people have old Hudson Bay blankets that have been passed down through the generations. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets So Expensive? His expertise lives on in Pendleton's tweed, flannel and worsted wool apparel. Over the years, the popularity of Pendleton blankets has increased due to the warmth and coziness of these blankets. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets So Expensive? For more than two centuries, the blanket has been a staple of the Hudsons Bay Company, and it remains one of the most popular items in the companys inventory. Theyre also incredibly expensive, with prices ranging from $200 to $400. Yup! From $24.99 $50.00. The condition of your blanket also matters when determining its value; if there are any tears or holes in it then it wont fetch as much money as one that is still intact. This means that the company can charge a higher price for these blankets, and still find willing buyers. First, theyre made with high-quality materials. You wont be let down in any way! If youd like to wash them, make sure to follow the instructions on the Hudsons Bay website. The answer is that it depends on your personal preferences. The mill is located in Leeds, England, and it employs a team of skilled craftsmen who use traditional methods to produce the blankets. Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. However, the reason for their expensive price is that there is a high demand for them. Thinner, skin-friendly sheets were made . Due to their high quality, durability, and luxury status, Hudson Bay blankets have a high market demand. Blanket from this educational YouTube video. Each line serves a distinct function, and when taken as a whole, they produce a pattern that conveys information about its subject. In addition to being water-resistant, the blankets are versatile enough to be utilized in any climate. 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. They are warm, thick, and cozy. Blanket: An Illustrated History of the Hudsons Bay Blanket (2002). Check out our hudson bay blanket selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our blankets & throws shops. All Rights Reserved. For centuries, theyve been synonymous with quality, durability, and comfort. be careful with the foreign wool blankets. Hick Industries Save Reply Quote grandma Registered Each blanket is made from 100% wool and requires extensive hand-stitching. But how good are Hudson Bay blankets, really? Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive. However, there are a few things to consider before selling an old Hudson Bay blanket. However, you shouldnt let that deter you from purchasing one of these blankets because they are well worth the money. Quality of the Material The high quality of the material used to make Hudson Bay blankets makes them expensive. 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. -The blanket should have a woven selvedge along both sides. Marie, Ontario, too cold, and commissioned settler and Mtis women to create 40 coats for his men out of 3.5 point blankets. So if youre looking for a cozy way to invest in Canadian history, a Hudson Bay blanket is a great option! By 1929, the HBC expanded their variety of colours in order to make the blankets an essential part of home dcor. The colors should be evenly spaced and there should be six of them: two green, two indigo, and two yellow. People from all over the world love Hudson Bay Blankets because they are warm, comfortable, and stylish. This means that each blanket is unique, and takes a great deal of time and skill to create. Second, the age of the blanket is also a factor. Her works have been featured on Good Housekeeping,Next Luxury,Wanderlog,NurseJournal,NewsBreak,ThaiWare,and Yahoo. In addition, they are available in a wide range of hues and designs, making sure that there is something suitable for everyone. But they quickly became popular among European settlers as well. Eventually, it would become known simply as the Hudson's Bay Company. why are hudson bay blankets so expensive When a classmate in my doctoral program showed up wearing one of his grandfather's plaid wool shirts one day, I totally made him check the tag to see if it was a Pendleton. But for many people, the quality and uniqueness of these blankets is worth the price tag. As a result, it can take up to two days to produce a single blanket. By 1929, the HBC launched a full line of blanket coats for women, men and children. In fact, the blanket had become so synonymous with the standard measure for trade that in the HBC records, the term blanket was used to convey a collection of smaller trade goods. information about the Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. Etsy: If youre looking for something a little more unique, Etsy is a great place to check out. These new colours were not favored by the tribes at first but quickly became popular. The yarns are twisted tightly together to form a thick, durable blanket. Early's of Whitney blankets are getting somewhat hard (not impossible) to find. 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. Originally, they were made for barter with Indians, and today they are a national symbol of Canada. These blankets quickly became popular among Native Americans and settlers alike, and theyve been revered ever since. Later, traders introduced lighter blankets to suit coastal climates. Watch this YouTube video of artist Rebecca History. Zelda Robb is someone you will always enjoy spending time with. The wool is sourced from New Zealand sheep and the dyes are all natural, which makes the blanket more costly to produce. They were also used as robes by the tribes. The Prorsum Poncho is a luxurious cashmere blanket that comes with a hefty price tag of $1500. You can still get authentic Hudsons Bay blankets, and theyre just as cozy and attractive as ever. The reason for this is that the Hudson Bay Blanket is produced in a limited quantity, which makes them more rare and sought-after. Chiefs blankets were made for high-ranking Native American chiefs and are much rarer. This short video provides more Theyre also highly collectible. They are made under licence for the Hudson Bay Company and I would think strictly controlled. The HBC did not commission its very own point blanket until 1779. That being said, they have gone on record stating that they had nothing to do with, nor would ever condone, the practice of distributing contaminated blankets to the indigenous people of North America (w. These colors are now considered Queen Annes colors, and are found on many HBC products. Well also explore why they might be a good investment for your home. 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