Anyone ever make their own blanket?

[coloradoclyde]

Anyone ever make their own blanket?

 

[Crewdawg445]

You guys must have some good sales, I honestly have never seen a good wool blanket at a sale in my area. We even have the 127 garage sale that runs North to South and even when cruising that for treasures I've never found one. For the $70.00, I'm extremely happy, especially for a four point.

My grandmother used to make blankets among many other things, my mom has a few that she made that are packaged up and protected. When little, I remember having one of her blankets on my bed during the winter.

 

[satx78247]

Folks, a Question: WHEN was the HB blanket fist sold in the USA??
(We hardly ever see them at any price here, as there's not enough Winter to need one.)

yours, satx

 

[Black Hand]

Available on this continent through the Hudson Bay Company (established 1670).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson's_Bay_point_blanket
http://www.hbcheritage.ca/hbcheritage/history/blanket/history/

 

[coloradoclyde]

The company started selling blankets in 1670 but the "point " blankets debuted in 1780....

 

[Black Hand]

Anyone ever make their own blanket?

I had one hand-woven several years ago by a local craftsperson. Two panels 45-48" wide and 95-100" long which I sewed together at the center.

 

[satx78247]

THANKS Gents.

yours, satx

 

[BullRunBear]

Has anyone compared the Hudson Bay blankets under discussion with the ones from Pendleton? Both are 100 percent wool but the Pendletons sell for less than half what new Hudson Bays cost and are made in the USA.

I wondered if part of the cost of a new Hudson Bay is name recognition. I've never handled either company's blankets so I'm curious.

Jeff

 

[Black Hand]

Has anyone compared the Hudson Bay blankets under discussion with the ones from Pendleton? Both are 100 percent wool but the Pendletons sell for less than half what new Hudson Bays cost and are made in the USA.

I wondered if part of the cost of a new Hudson Bay is name recognition. I've never handled either company's blankets so I'm curious.

Jeff

I have handled both and the HBC appears to have greater loft. Also, all the Pendelton blankets I've seen are garishly-colored and of modern patterns. One can still purchase a traditional HBC point blanket, though the points now indicate size and go as high as 8 points (if I remember correctly), though 3 or 3 1/2 point blankets were the most common sold in the period. Single and Double blankets of a historical pattern can also be purchased at: http://www.woolsoftmontana.com/Order.htm

 

[coloradoclyde]

I have a lot of Pendleton's....many are lighter but very high quality.....JC Penny Polar Star were heavier than Pendleton but the wool is coarser....

Pendleton's have a tight weave when you hold them up to the light....

 

[Crewdawg445]

I've handled both as well, my observations are in line with what the others have mentioned. However, I favor the HB due to my personal preference of a heavier blanket... Obviously that doesn't make one better than the other!

Now I cannot comment on the ability of a Pendletons insulation properties, but for me I'm a fan of HB blankets, needles to say they have a track record that needs no justification.

 

[BullRunBear]

Guys, Thanks for all the comparisons. I'm too cheap to spend 200 or more bucks on a blanket but I can keep an eye open at second hand shops and estate sales. Don't especially need such a blanket but the idea of quality and longevity (with care) is always appealing. :grin:

Jeff

 

[Black Hand]

We also have a few slightly irregular blankets (seconds) with minor defects that won't effect the warmth nor comfort of the blankets in any way. They are available in Natural (non-dyed) only.

Single three point: $130

Double three point: $250
http://www.woolsoftmontana.com/Order.htm

 

[Crewdawg445]

Ebay or etsy are also good places to look. HB blankets are certainly worth the price, but I myself wouldn't spend the money either for a brand new one as It's to deep for my pockets. However if you can snag one for $100 or so. A good quality HB or another quality wool blanket is worth every single penny. I wouldn't trust my comfort on anything less.

 

[Nativearizonan]

On the Pendleton blankets, one needs to be aware they also make an 80% wool blanket, which sells for considerably less than their 100% wool blankets.

I have a 3 1/2 point HBC, as well as one of the JC Penney's copies, and a Pendleton wool copy of an early Navajo style. I don't find HBC blankets around here, but I do find Mexican wool blankets at real cheap prices sometimes. I like the ones that are thick and all natural wool.

 

[Einsiedler]

Found a 3 1/2 point candy stripe Whitney on side of the highway one day at work. ( Old highway hand) Went straight to dry cleaners. Good blanket!

 

[BillinOregon]

Liking those Montana blankets.
Here's a link to the Witney point blanket story:
http://www.witneyblanketstory.org.uk/WBP.asp?navigationPage=North%20America

 

[Black Hand]

Liking those Montana blankets.

I've been looking at a double myself for some time.

 

[Crewdawg445]

It's a splendid thing being able to wrap one's self up in a warm woolen blanket... My main reason for snagging this four point. My 3.5 was just a tad to small for me and I am by no means a large individual.

Still with this larger blanket I will continue to sleep in a different shirt than I wear durring the day, my wool frock and woolen socks. Coupled with a toasty fire I'm looking forward to the colder nights!

I'm often asked how I stay warm in with one blanket. Easy, it's about proper attire/ layering and a bit of knowledge.

 

[Black Hand]

It's a splendid thing being able to wrap one's self up in a warm woolen blanket... My main reason for snagging this four point. My 3.5 was just a tad to small for me and I am by no means a large individual.

This is why I had a custom-woven blanket made. At 90"+ wide, I can fold it in thirds and pin it together which keeps everything inside. In winter, this goes inside a commercial $20 blanket folded lengthwise for additional insulation and protection from sparks from the fire (softwood spits). I also carry a half-blanket which gets thrown over the foot of my blankets or pulled up to my torso.

My Hudson Bay blanket stays at home unless at an event where I bring a tent.