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Never in my 25 years on this earth would I have considered buying a blanket. We have Mothers for that sort of shopping. But once I learn of this iconic piece of wool blanket, I felt like I needed to get one. I’ve been in homes where the owner collects bits and pieces from his years of travel that makes up a masterpiece of his life. The Hudson’s Bay Point Blanket will fit nicely into such a setting given its history and status.
In the 18th and 19th century, the Hudson Bay point blanket were typically traded to First Nations and Native Americans in exchange for beaver pelts in western British North America (now Canada) and the United States. It’s called the “point blanket” because of the point system—small lines are stitched onto the blanket’s side to denote its size (rather than unfolding and measuring). Canada’s Hudson’s Bay Company continued selling these point blanket into an iconic status. So iconic, there’s even a book on the company and their blanket. As expected, such status made way for interested outerwear made from the point blanket like a special order of 100 units a hooded swing coat for sale at the 2010 Winter Olympic Superstore (pictured left) in Vancouver.
The four striking colours on the blanket were simply chosen due to its popularity at that time. The blankets are made in England, dyed before they get spun, and then airved in the sun to brighten the colours. A piece with such heritage and quality won’t come cheap, but is bound to warm you and your guests on the coldest night, like it has for the past generations of trappers, hunters, fur traders, and Native Americans. Get it here