Hudson's Bay Company 90 By 100-inch Size Point Blanket

Okay, gather 'round, folks! Let's talk blankets. Not just any blanket, mind you. We're talking about the legendary Hudson's Bay Point Blanket. Specifically, the behemoth, the granddaddy of them all: the 90 by 100-inch model. Prepare to be amazed, amused, and maybe even a little overwhelmed by its sheer...blanket-ness.

First things first, imagine a blanket so big, it could probably double as a small yurt. Seriously. This thing is practically a portable dwelling. You could wrap your entire family in it, including your weird Uncle Barry who always brings a dish everyone politely avoids at Thanksgiving. And honestly, who wouldn't want to be enveloped in such warmth? It's like getting a hug from a very fuzzy, very large, and historically significant cloud.

Now, let's get down to brass tacks (or perhaps, more appropriately, woolly threads). Why 90 by 100 inches? Well, back in the day, when the Hudson's Bay Company was busy trading furs and generally being the OG kings of Canadian commerce, size mattered. And this size? It screamed, "I'm the boss blanket!" I'm just guessing that’s what it screamed, I wasn’t there.

Seriously though, the size was practical. It was big enough to be traded for a whole heap of beaver pelts, or… I dunno… a lifetime supply of maple syrup? Back then, you didn’t just pop down to Canadian Tire. (Though if they existed back then, I'm sure the HBC would have owned it!)

The Point System: Not About Rewards

And speaking of trade, let's talk about those iconic stripes and the even more mysterious "points." Now, you might think the points were some kind of rewards program. Like, "Collect 10 points and get a free canoe!" Nope. Sorry to burst your bubble.

The points, woven into the side of the blanket, actually indicated its size. One point, two points, up to, well, however many points it took to signify a truly monstrous blanket. It was a simple, yet brilliant system that allowed traders to easily assess the value of the blanket without having to break out a measuring tape (which, let's face it, would have been a pain in the derrière while trekking through the wilderness). Think of it as the original bar code. Just way more stylish and woolly.

And those vibrant stripes? Green, red, yellow, and indigo. They weren't just some random color scheme. They were carefully chosen because they were the easiest to produce with readily available dyes, and also because they were popular amongst the First Nations people they were trading with. It was all about supply and demand, my friends. Even back then, fashion was a cutthroat business, or… a cutthroat blanket business.

Here's a fun fact: the exact dimensions of the 90 by 100-inch blanket are actually closer to 72 by 90 inches today because the shrinkage during manufacturing became standardized into the sizing. So, you're not getting quite as much blanket as advertised. But hey, who's counting?

More Than Just Warmth

Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, it's a big blanket. So what?" But the Hudson's Bay Point Blanket is more than just a piece of wool. It's a piece of history. It's been around for centuries, witnessing everything from fur trading expeditions to cozy nights by the fire. It's practically a time capsule wrapped in fluff!

And its resilience? Oh my. This blanket can handle anything. Spilled coffee? No problem. Dog hair? Barely noticeable (unless you have a white blanket and a black Labrador, in which case, good luck!). It’s practically indestructible. It can probably survive a zombie apocalypse. I haven't tested that theory, mind you, but I wouldn't bet against it.

Owning a 90 by 100-inch Hudson's Bay Point Blanket is like owning a piece of art. A very practical, very warm, and very large piece of art. You could hang it on the wall, but then you wouldn’t be able to snuggle with it. Decisions, decisions.

Plus, let's be honest, it’s a conversation starter. Imagine having guests over and casually mentioning, "Oh, this old thing? It's just a 90 by 100-inch Hudson's Bay Point Blanket." Instant respect. Instant envy. Instant realization that you are the coolest person in the room.

So, there you have it. The 90 by 100-inch Hudson's Bay Point Blanket: A legend, a giant, and a must-have for anyone who wants to experience the ultimate in comfort and historical awesomeness. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go wrap myself in mine and contemplate the meaning of life (or maybe just take a nap).

But seriously, if you ever get the chance to own one, do it. You won't regret it. Unless, of course, you live in a tiny apartment. In that case, maybe opt for the smaller size. Unless you want to create a cozy little fort out of it. Then, by all means, go big or go home! Or… go big and stay home, wrapped in the warmest, most historically significant blanket known to humankind.