Wool blankets, throws, baby blankets, mink and down blanketsBlankets |
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In many areas of the
world, blankets aren’t just an extra layer of warmth on your bed
– they’re part of history and culture.
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The Woollen Mills The Hudson Bay Company blankets were thick, striped and made in England. In 1896 Pendleton Woolen Mills in Oregon, USA became the only mill founded to produce woollen blankets that were solely for trade. These were very intricately detailed, featuring stripes, blocks, rectangles and crosses. In 1901, the Jacquard Loom began production and this allowed the mills to create much more intricate designs, including zig-zags. Witney Blankets in the UK Witney in Oxfordshire, England was recorded in the Doomesday Book of 1086 (a form of ‘census’) as having two mills – both used for corn. By 1277, there was a cloth mill established. By the end of the Middle Ages (late 1400’s) Witney was a thriving market town with a blanket and glove making industry. By 1677 Witney blankets were highly esteemed and in 1711 the Blanket makers formed a Guild which was granted a charter by Queen Anne. In 1721 the Blanket Hall was built, which still stands today. Witney sadly closed the doors of its’ last blanket mill in 2002. |
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How to Choose a Blanket
The main choice is between fabrics. Blankets are either natural or synthetic. Both have their pro’s and cons’ and it’s really up to personal choice. Let’s take a look at what’s available:
It’s Only Natural…
Natural fibers are able to ‘breathe’. This means that moisture from the body is able to evaporate, which stops the blanket becoming damp – and eventually ‘musty’. They are also very durable which makes them an economical, long-lasting purchase.
Cotton blankets are soft, breathe well and can stand up well to repeated washing. This makes them a good choice for baby blankets. The most gentle for babies is 100% organic cotton, which is hypoallergenic, free from pesticides and chemicals and machine washable.
Most cotton blankets can be washed in the washing machine and dried in a dryer, which helps to fluff them up.
Before storing, wash them and make sure they are completely dry. Moths can be kept away by putting cedar wood blocks inside the storage closet.
Wool is a great insulator and so it gives maximum warmth. Wool blankets both absorb and evaporate moisture quickly. This means that they can offer dry warmth as well as keeping body heat in. Two other big advantages of wool are that it is naturally flame retardant and repels dirt – so less cleaning is required. If your blanket does need cleaning, only machine wash it if the label advises it. Otherwise, get it dry cleaned. Once a blanket is shrunk it won’t ever go back to its’ original size. Store in the same way as cotton.
Synthetic fibers
Man-made materials are cheaper than natural
fibers and offer good value for money. Easily washable in a machine
– you may wish to use a dryer sheet to stop static cling building
up.
Acrylic is soft, hypoallergenic and warm. However, it can’t breathe like natural fibres. A popular blanket (and clothing) material made from acrylic is called Fleece.
Vellux is thick, soft and a good insulator. It’s made by bonding nylon fibres onto foam. Again, the drawback is the lack of breathability.