Tuesday 24 June 2008

SPT: Stripes Forever

The Bay Point Blanket is a cultural icon in Canada. The navy (cut off by this picture), green, red and yellow stripes would be recognizable to any Canadian.
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Anyone up for a short Social Studies lesson?
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Wool 'Point' Blankets were first brought to Canada from England to trade for beaver pelts in 1668, two years before The Hudon's Bay Company was formally incorporated.

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The First Nations People used the blankets as they were, or made them into coats. The beaver pelts were sent to England for the manufacturing of top hats. Isn't that bizarre? Don't tell me you knew that!

11 comments:

Marie said...

I love the history of the Hudson's Bay Company. I rarely shop there, but when I do, I feel a surge of Canadian History that ALMOST makes the prices worth it.

I didn't know you had the Bay's blanket. I totally want one.

Tiffany said...

I love your Canadian stripes! (Actually, I had read or learned at some point about the beaver/top hat connection!) :)

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you found a stripe twist that suited this SPT for you!

I did somehow know that about the beaver pelts. Maybe I learned it in the same class as Tiffany. :)

Alisa said...

Thanks for the little lesson- I will tuck that away for some random moment. I will surely impress someone!

April said...

I was wondering when I was blow drying my hair this morning, what you would do for "stars and stripes forever." Your Canadian twist couldn't be better.

oh, and your new dress is spectacular!

Katie A. said...

I did not know that. Good history lesson. You look very cozy!

The dress looks very cute. I love the fabric you used. I cannot imagine sewing my own dress. I have read Ann of Green Gables, and watched the movie over and over as a child. Love it.

Bond Girl 007 said...

i had no idea. but it does look really snuggly. thanks for the info. now i will be able to spot any Canadian!

Unknown said...

thanks for the social studies lesson.

but really... THANK YOU for the lesson in picasa web albums! phew!!

Jill said...

That's definitely bizarre, and oh so informative.

Courtney said...

That is a very interesting little known history! I love your wool blanket and I love you found a canadian twist for this post!

Lucy said...

I love your blanket! We adore ours too. I may just try to get another one on my trip to Canada this summer (hint hint...would love to meet you again).