Among the flagship product collections offered at Indian Traders is our range of premium quality blankets and throws from Oregon’s Pendleton Woolen Mills.
Renowned worldwide for their quality, craftsmanship, and beauty, Pendleton textiles are made by a sixth-generation, family-owned company in Oregon, where more than a century and a half of weaving expertise blends with modern innovation.
Pendleton Woolen Mills: A Timeline
In 1863, English master weaver Thomas Lister Kay moved his family to Oregon, where he soon established himself in the emerging woolen industry. In 1876, Kay’s daughter Fannie married C.P. Bishop, a retailer. They had three sons who, in 1902, attended The Philadelphia Textile School.
In 1909, and financially supported by the local community, the Bishop family rebuilt the existing old woolen mill in Pendleton, Oregon. A second mill was acquired in 1912 in Washougal, Washington.
The Pendleton Glacier National Park Blanket (pictured above) was produced for the first time in 1916 and was the original offering in the ongoing collection that celebrates the US National Park Service.
Clothing was first produced by the company in 1924, with colorful men’s wool shirts for work. The first women’s collection came in 1949 (The 49er® Jacket). The Beach Boys (did you know that they originally called themselves “The Pendletones”?) wore the Pendleton Original Surf Plaid Shirt on the cover of their 1961 Surfer Girl album. Pendleton further became responsible for a cult classic when The Dude (played by Jeff Bridges) wore the Original Westerly Sweater in 1998’s The Big Lebowski.
In 1976, the company debuted The Pendleton Legendary Blanket Collection. This collection was designed to honor and celebrate the stories and symbols of Native American culture (and Indian Traders carries several modern pieces from this collection).
(Source: Pendleton)
The Appeal of Woolen Blankets
Naturally renewable and biodegradable, wool is a resilient, sustainable textile choice that performs better and is more durable than synthetic materials and most other natural fibers. It can be repurposed or recycled, and, unlike synthetics and some other natural materials, producing it requires the use of no harmful chemicals.
Wool is ideal for making premium blankets due to its:
· Longevity and resilience
· Breathability
· Stain-resistance
· Odor-resistance
· Tear-resistance
· Insulation properties against heat, cold, moisture and UV rays
· Natural beauty and permanent luster
Modern Innovation: The Pendleton Easy Care Washable Wool Collection
Indian Traders is thrilled to offer a selection of Pendleton Easy-Care, Washable Wool Blankets to suit any discerning buyer. Perhaps not as well-known as the iconic patterned Native American blankets and throws Pendleton is so renowned for, these top-quality products combine the brand’s time-honored craftsmanship with ease of care.
These blankets are made with Pendleton’s Eco Wise Wool® – a soft, washable wool that doesn’t force a choice between beauty and function. It is innovatively produced using 100% pure virgin Umatilla wool. Unlike many other types of wool, these blankets become softer every time they are washed, and their color vibrancy lasts a lifetime.
Pendleton’s Eco Wise Wool® passes strict sustainability standards and is MBDC (McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry) Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certified©. MBDC is a respected product/process design company that’s dedicated to sustainable production and promotion.
Anything but an average blanket, these pieces have been designed with Pendleton’s signature style for everyday use and will stand up to the rigors of modern living. Expertly woven to provide the cozy warmth and softness of wool along with machine-washable durability, they are warm yet lightweight.
Honoring the Pendleton legacy of “weaving with purpose”, they deliver the peace of mind to easily launder each blanket or throw at home. They are perfect for use on everything from your bed to your sofa; throw one in the back of your car for picnics, festivals, camping, or the drive-in; or give one as a wonderful, thoughtful gift. Choose between Pendleton Eco Wise Blanket plain color options like Grey Heather, plaids like the Red Jasper or Rob Roy Red, or stripes like the Sienna Stripe Blanket.
Here at Indian Traders, we are exceedingly proud of our large collection of Native American throws and blankets, as well as other merchandise from Pendleton Woolen Mills. We are delighted to offer free shipping on Pendleton blankets and, with the exception of Arizona, sales on these products do not elicit sales tax.
Why not browse our collection? Shop today.