Hudson Bay blankets are expensive due to their exquisite quality and craftsmanship. And today, it's roughly 1 in 8 million. People from all over the world love Hudson Bay Blankets because they are warm, comfortable, and stylish. 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 blankets are usually made out of wool, which makes them soft and cozy. 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 blankets got their name from the number of thin indigo lines woven into one edge, indicating the size: twin, 3.5 points; double, four points; queen, six points, and king, eight points. HUDSON'S BAY CO. VINTAGE ORANGE/PINK 4 POINT WOOL BLANKET 72" X 83.5". The bold stripes were meant to make the tents more visible from a distance, and they also helped to camouflage any dirt or stains. To show their wealth during potlatches, participants cut blankets into many small pieces so that everyone at the potlatch would receive a gift. First, the condition of the blanket is important. By the 1990s, that number was 1 death for every 1.3 million passengers. Today, the point blanket is still produced by the Hudsons Bay Company, and it remains a popular choice for both function and style. These blankets are ideal for use as bedding or clothing during the winter months because they are so thick and warm. 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. They are made of high-quality wool, usually sourced from New Zealand. A Hudson Bay blanket is highly collectible. Hudson's Bay Company, corporation that occupies a prominent place in both the economic and the political history of Canada. Hudson Bay blankets have long been associated with luxury and status. Exploring the most expensive and luxuary in the world. 2. These iconic blankets are a true Canadian classic, and theyre sure to keep you warm for many years to come. But they had a darker history, too. The wool is sourced from New Zealand sheep and the dyes are all natural, which makes the blanket more costly to produce. You wont be let down in any way! Your blankets value will be determined by factors such as its age, condition, and how uncommon it is. 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. British Columbia, Macleans (2017). Last Edited. Theyre also available in new designs, and can be ordered through the Hudsons Bay Companys website. The Hudsons Bay Company (HBC) had been trading blankets since the company incorporated in 1670. If its much cheaper than that, its probably not the real thing. All Hudson Bay blankets must undergo a rigorous inspection process before they are sold. Well, it turns out, I was wrong. Firstly, they are made with high quality materials like wool and cotton which makes them very durable. In addition, they are available in a wide range of hues and designs, making sure that there is something suitable for everyone. These blankets are marketed as luxury items, and the company spends a great deal of money on advertising and promotion. And because theyre made with high-quality materials, you can be sure that your Hudsons Bay blanket will last for years to come. The blankets are then woven on looms that create a tight, dense weave. These blankets are still manufactured today, despite the fact that the manufacturing process has unquestionably evolved over the course of the years. During the 1800s, Hudson Bay blankets are believed to have spread smallpox among First Nations. 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. Fold a wool blanket and use it as a chair . Thanks for contributing to The Canadian Encyclopedia. The high price tag reflects this luxury status, and makes Hudson Bay blankets an excellent gift for someone special in your life. 10 Most Expensive Restaurants in Chicago 2023, Why Is Washington DC So Expensive in 2023. Northwest: History and Symbolism of a Unique North American Tradition, Columbia: The Magazine of Northwest History ". The Point Blanket Site Researcher and consultant Harold Tichenor provides Step #3. 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. Among the most valuable were plain wool blankets, called Hudson Bay blankets, which were introduced in the late 1700s. Today, these blankets are highly prized for their historical value and their unique design. It has come to our attention that the quality of production of these blankets is actually quite high. The 10 Most Expensive Soccer Balls on the Market, Why Are Patek Philippe so Expensive? Explore presents the Hudson's Bay Company - Part 4 (3): Treasures of the fur trade. A genuine Hudson Bay blanket will cost around $300-$400 USD. Both brands are known for their high-quality woolen products, but they each have their own unique style. Sadly they no longer make blankets. (See alsoChilkat Blanket.). The cost of marketing of Hudson Bay blankets is also a factor in their high price tag. For some Indigenous peoples, the point blanket represents the forces of colonization. These colors are now considered Queen Annes colors, and are found on many HBC products. 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 . The yarns are twisted tightly together to form a thick, durable blanket. The HBC did not commission its very own point blanket until 1779. This means that each blanket takes a great deal of time and skill to create. The company is also responsible for introducing the now-famous Hudson Bay blanket to the world. The fact is that wool is warm even when wet, dries quickly and is easy to sew. Here is a layout pattern to make a Capote coat from a Hudson's Bay blanket. Eventually, it would become known simply as the Hudson's Bay Company. During the fur trade, the value of trade goods, including blankets, was compared to made beaver pelts (finished and processed pelts), not to blankets. Your email address will not be published. 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. But for many people, the quality and uniqueness of these blankets is worth the price tag. Many people have old Hudson Bay blankets that have been passed down through the generations. British weaver Thomas Kay laid the foundation when he arrived in Oregon in 1863. 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 high price is due to their durability. 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. Yes, you can wash your blanket. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets so Expensive:Newshub360.net, Please share to 3 GROUPS on Facebook or WhatsApp, 13 Most Expensive Cities to Live in California 2023, 10 Richest Cities in Michigan Based on Median Income 2023, 10 Best Places to Live on East Coast of Florida 2023, 15 Top Fox News Anchors Female to Watch 2023, 20 CNN Female Anchors You Need to Watch in 2023, 11 Dr Pepper Commercial Actors and Actresses 2023, 15 Funny Numbers to Prank Call and Prank Hotlines 2023, 20 Scary Numbers to Call: You Should Never Call Them, 14 Actors and Actress in GEICO Commercials 2023, 10 Liberty Mutual Commercial Actors and Actresses 2023, 10 Best Slavery Movies on Netflix for Black History Month 2023, Your email address will not be published. They were first created in the 1700s by British traders working for the Hudsons Bay Company. . The short answer is yes. Although Hackett has found no proof of this, she has heard oral stories about the blankets being used to spread the disease. (See alsoWeaving.) The 6-point Hudsons Bay wool blanket is sure to keep you warm and cozy all winter long! Bay Company Explore this page to learn more Buying a Hudson Bay blanket is a great way to own a piece of Canadian history. The wool used is of a very high quality, and it is often sourced from New Zealand. Theres nothing like snuggling up in a Hudson Bay blanket on a cold winters night. Hudson Bay blankets, or points, have a complicated history with Indigenous people in Canada. -The blanket should have a woven selvedge along both sides. You wont be disappointed! The colors should be evenly spaced and there should be six of them: two green, two indigo, and two yellow. The Hudson's Bay Company, a fur-trading enterprise headquartered in London, began operations on the shores of Hudson Bay in 1670. They are made from 100% wool and are incredibly warm. With a little patience, youll be able to snag one of these cozy classics at a fraction of the price. why are hudson bay blankets so expensive . Well, it turns out that these blankets are actually quite well-made. Hudsons Bay Point Blanket. The Hudson's Bay Foundation and the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund have announced that from now on, 100 per cent of the net proceeds from the sale of HBC's famed striped wool blankets will. 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. But they have a dark history as well. Just be sure to read the reviews before purchasing anything, as not all sellers on Amazon are created equal! They were also crafted by various woolen mills. Currently, these blankets are still made and available in a wide array of colors and quality. However, by taking into account all of these factors, it is possible to identify a Hudson Bay blanket with relative ease. Older blankets are usually worth more than newer ones. 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. A good alternative for a little bit more money would be a Hudson's Bay Point blanket . These warm blankets are as iconic as Mariah Carey's lip-syncing, but some people believe they were used to spread smallpox and decimate entire Indigenous communities. Blankets played an important role in many Indigenous communities as all-purpose clothes and household items, as well as status symbols. At that time they were highly sought after for being very warm in the brutal Canadian winters. 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. Theyre also incredibly expensive, with prices ranging from $200 to $400. However, their high price is due to their high demand. 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. Hudson Bay blankets were originally made by a contract manufacturer, but todays blankets are made in a factory owned by the company. they are excellent blankets in cold climates, as are Pendleton, and a couple other brands. Prior to the European blanket trade, many Indigenous nations wore hand-woven blankets made of animal hides and furs. If youre looking for a blanket that will add a pop of color to your home, Hudson Bay is the way to go. 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. Canada This short video provides more The answer is that it depends on your personal preferences. When it comes to finding the perfect Hudson Bay Blanket, there are a few different places you can look. 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. The capote was particularly popular with trappers as the wrap style made it easy to move and hunt in, while keeping them warm. 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. Flavian Johnny is the founder of Mostexpensively.com - a blog that serves as an invaluable resource for expatriates and travelers looking for something special and unique. 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. The blankets are also water-resistant and can be used in all weather conditions. First, check the label. In 1811, a new style of coat was created using the point blanket: the Mackinaw, a shorter coat with a double-breasted style. There are a few reasons why Hudson Bay blankets cost so much. The narrative that is conveyed by the lines on a Hudson Bay blanket is one-of-a-kind for each individual blanket and can change depending on the location at which the blanket was manufactured. Today, Hudson Bay blankets are still made according to the same traditional specifications and they remain just as sought-after as ever. So if youre in the market for a new blanket, be sure to check out the Hudson Bay line. In 1821, it merged with its prime rival, the North West Company out of Montreal, thus acquiring several posts . 13 watching. The Prorsum Poncho is a luxurious cashmere blanket that comes with a hefty price tag of $1500. The blankets were originally traded for beaver pelts. Despite the high price tag, the Hudson Bay Blanket remains popular among consumers. Finally, Hudson Bay blankets are also cherished for their history. There are a few reasons that Hudson Bay blankets are more expensive than other types of blankets. In 1779, the first blanket was produced for the Hudsons Bay Company. The history of these blankets stretches back more than 200 years, and an early one can cost more than . 10 Reasons Why. They come in a variety of styles and colors that allow you to find one that suits your tastes. Why Are Hudson Bay Blankets So Expensive? Theyre also highly collectible. The blankets were originally created by the Hudsons Bay Company in the late 1700s. Later, traders introduced lighter blankets to suit coastal climates. Occasionally, Coast Salish women would sew in folds and add borders to adjust the size and form of the point blankets for ease of use. At first, a one-point blanket was worth one beaver pelt. Switch to the light mode that's kinder on your eyes at day time. If it says anything other than Hudsons Bay Company, its not a genuine Hudson Bay blanket. They are constructed using high-quality components, which results in their high retail price. 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