Pendleton Blankets- What's behind this famous functional art
Pendleton blankets are top quality in every way and oh so soft
and beautiful. When you snuggle under a Pendleton product, you
can see and feel the quality. Using 100% pure virgin wool, these
blankets are lightweight yet soft and warm.
For over 140 years this family-owned business has been producing
products in the Northwest; for the past 96 years, Pendleton has
been known for weaving world class wool. The Pendleton blanket
comes from a long tradition.
In 1863, Thomas Kay, a young English weaver made a four-month
trip down the Atlantic seaboard, through the Isthmus of Panama
by burro and up the Pacific coast by sailing vessel. He was
headed to a place where the conditions for raising the best
wool-producing sheep were just right ? Oregon. The moderate
weather and ready supply of water were perfect for obtaining the
best wool available in the emerging Northwest of America.
Thomas Kay organized a second woolen mill in the Oregon town of
Brownsville, where he supervised the weaving operation and later
became supervisor of the company. In 1889, he chose Salem,
Oregon to open a mill of his own. His story is truly a story of
the American dream come true.
Thomas Kay's oldest daughter, Fannie, assisted her father and
learned every aspect of the mill operation. She married C.P.
Bishop who was an expert with merchandising and manufacturing,
firming a solid foundation for what was to become Pendleton
Woolen Mills. Their three sons grew into this heritage and, in
1909, with the support of the family and town, the Bishop sons
restarted an idle mill in Pendleton, Oregon. Located at a major
railhead, the town was a wool center for the sheep growers in
the region. The Bishops constructed a more efficient mill
building and in September of 1909, the first products left the
finishing department. This is the saga of the tradition of
quality that is available only from Pendleton.
Pendleton produced quality Indian blankets using the distinctive
designs and colors of the Southwest Native Americans. These
vivid colors and intricate patterns included in the blankets
made by Pendleton became sought after. Trade included the Nez
Perce nation, expanding to include the Navajo, Hopi and Zuni
nations.
Used as wearing apparel, the Pendleton made blankets became the
standard for trading among the Native Americans and they were
highly prized for tribal ceremonial use. Today, these ceremonial
blankets by Pendleton are highly coveted collector's items.
Pendleton thrives today and the Bishop family still directs the
operations. There are now eight facilities and many Pendleton
stores. Even today, Native American designs are created in
blankets woven by Pendleton but many other beautiful, soft and
cozy blankets are also part of the Pendleton line. Anyone who
owns a Pendleton made blanket is proud of their fine blanket,
whether it be a vintage collector's item or a new blanket with
modern styling. Let's look at some of a blankets made today by
the renowned Pendleton factories more closely.
Pendleton's Textured Weave Summer Dreams Blanket is made of
Merino wool, the finest wool available. This wool has the most
loft and creates a blanket that is cool enough for spring and
summer use. The 100% virgin Merino wool feels soft, smooth and
silky against your skin when you need a light blanket. The
Pendleton selection is available in awning stripe, plaid and
eight colors. This blanket by Pendleton must be dry cleaned;
you'll only want the best treatment for your fine blanket.
Pendleton Solid Easy Care Blanket is a great choice because it
is made of 100% virgin wool that is machine washable! Yes,
laundering this blanket by Pendleton is simple and easy. The
hand of this blanket is particularly lush and with six solid
colors to choose from, you'll find one just right to blend with
your bedding.
The All Season Blanket is Pendleton's mid-weight 100% virgin
wool blanket woven in basket weave to add texture. The small
waffled pockets resulting from the basket weave causes air to be
trapped in winter, keeping you toasty warm. You'll find yourself
pulling this Pendleton wool blanket out as soon as the crispy
fall air begins to cool. Available colors are green, white and
tan and this blanket must be dry cleaned.
>From the Native American collection, Pendleton presents the
Courting Robe blanket. Designed by Laurie Jacobie and based on
an original drawing made by a Kiowa warrior, this blanket
captures the courting custom of the Plains Indians. A young
brave would wrap a young woman in a blanket and spend hours
talking together are their courting ritual. Red, yellow, green,
black, brown and camel make this 82% virgin wool / 18% cotton
blanket beautiful. The blanket measures 80 X 64 inches and
should be dry cleaned.
There are many other blankets in the Pendleton collection.
Blankets for your bed in classic styles, novelty throws and many
Native American designs are produced today, using the same top
quality that began with Thomas Kay's daughter and her husband
back in 1909. You'll love these blankets so much, you'll want to
be the proud owner of several, both vintage and modern.
Patricia Bowlin helps you choose just the right bedding for your home. Find hundreds of
great Free tips, advice and information on finding your next
favorite pillows, bedding collections, blankets, bed linen and
comforters by visiting here now.