Hudson Bay Blankets

Winter has arrived.  Some places get more winter than others.  Flagstaff, home of our alma matter, had it's first blizzard in years this month.  It's raining here in Northern California and snowing in the Sierra's.  Hot chocolate is going quickly in our house and the coats, extra blankets, knitted caps and cashmere scarfs are out.

This weather has reminded me of an item that I believe is a must have yet strangely I don't have.  That item is a Hudson Bay blanket.

Image courtesy of LL Bean.

These blankets are the standard for all other blankets.  Available and used for over 200 years, the history of a Hudson Bay blanket is fascinating.  From the Hudson Bay Company website:

Each blanket was graded as to weight and size using a point system. Points were identified by the indigo lines woven into the side of each blanket. A full point measured 4 - 5.5 in.; a half point measured half that length. The standard measurements for a pair of 1 point blankets was: 2 ft. 8 in. wide by 8 ft. in length; with a weight of 3 lb. 1 oz. each. Points ranged from 1 to 6, increasing by halves depending upon the size and weight of the blanket. The number of points represented the overall finished size of the blanket, not its value in terms of beaver pelts as is sometimes believed.

Wool, heavy, warm with the iconic striping and a rich history...no other blanket is like a Hudson Bay.