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DIY Idea: Blanket Upholstered Ottomans

We've been on a bit of a blanket kick lately (anyone else anxious for fall?). This ottoman was made from this Hudson Bay wool blanket from L.L.Bean, and we love the concept: reupholster an old ottoman with a cozy wool blanket. We're partial to plaid wool personally, and here are some of our favorite options:

 
 

Of course, if you already have a wool blanket that you could spare to warm your bottom rather than your body, by all means! But here are a few other contenders should you be looking to buy:

From left to right, above the jump:

Hudson Blankets from L.L. Bean: crisp, modern and timeless stripes make for a great look.

Plaid blankets from UK-company Toast : it looks like currently they still are only stocking summer throws, but we suspect a new batch of wool blankets will be coming soon.

Embellished Dutch blankets from LADAK: so, technically these aren't made of 100% wool, but rather a mash-up of materials including recycled sweaters, jeans, even parts of mattresses. But they're stunning, and would look terrific turned into an ottoman.

Balcazar throw from Sundance: made of boiled wool and silk. So pretty.

Herringbone Throw from Sierra Trading Post: made of a cashmere/wool blend. Simple and luxurious.

And if the DIY way isn't your way, you can purchase the Hudson Bay ottoman shown above here.

This Curbly tutorial shows an ottoman that was reupholstered with a vintage wool plaid skirt! So, there's another option.

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How To: Make Your Own Knitted Pouf

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Comments (10)

I like the idea of this and it's surprisingly easy to do -- you don't need any special training. I saw another collection of blanket-inspired furniture here (http://bit.ly/N38Y6) that offers a bit more creative food for thought since every piece is woven with color-themed blankets. Very cool stuff.

posted by lindalucille on September 3rd 2009 at 2:39pm
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Interesting, and very simple idea.
Especially using an iconic Canadian trademark... the famous Hudson's Bay Company point blanket traded by British North America (Canada) during 18th and 19th century. Looks great in the classic pattern.

posted by IslandSavvy on September 3rd 2009 at 7:14pm
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Those blankets make for pricy upholstery.

I wonder if these LL Bean blankets are made in China as they just say "Imported".

I am fortunate enough to have an English Early's of Witney blanket in the red and black from my parents (these were the original blankets brought for trading by the Hudson Bay Co.). The points on these blankets indicate how many beaver pelts would be taken in trade for a blanket. It is light as air and incredibly warm.

I think a Witney blanket would be the perfect wedding gift!

posted by Charlotte on September 3rd 2009 at 8:22pm
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"I wonder if these LL Bean blankets are made in China as they just say "Imported"."

Hudson Bay Point Blankets are made in England - as they have been for decades.

"The points on these blankets indicate how many beaver pelts would be taken in trade for a blanket."

Incorrect - They indicated the size and weight/quality only.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson's_Bay_point_blanket

posted by bepsf on September 3rd 2009 at 11:35pm
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For more information on the Hudson's Bay Point Blanket, check out these pages on the (Hudson's) Bay (co.) site -- still in operation, and still making the point blanket since 1780 (umm, not "decades", but centuries):

http://www.hbc.com/hbcheritage/history/blanket/

Have no fear, the L.L. Bean Hudson's Bay Blanket is authentic, one of only 3 sources in the U.S. (the other 2 being Woolrich, and Getz Department Store -- available on their internet sites too).

Oh -- and the blankets are not made by Woolrich, but rather, sold by Woolrich in the States. They are made in England by John Atkinson & Sons, a division of A. W. Hainsworth & Sons Ltd.

posted by mschatelaine on September 4th 2009 at 3:19am
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Sorry, typo -- the HBC is not still "making" the point blanket, but "selling" the point blanket.

posted by mschatelaine on September 4th 2009 at 3:20am
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I recommend reading about point blankets, made by Early's of Witney here:

http://witneyblanketstory.org.uk/WBP.asp?navigationPage=North%20America

My point about the LL Bean blankets was whether they are the real thing, made in England, vs. an imitation, made in China. It doesn't give country of origin. That's all I was trying to point out and see if anyone knew where their blankets are made these days.

posted by Charlotte on September 4th 2009 at 12:19pm
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I meant to add that the reason I happen to have one of these lovely blankets is that my parents lived in Witney in the 1950s and won it at Bingo on the American air base where my father was stationed at the time (Brize Norton).

posted by Charlotte on September 4th 2009 at 12:21pm
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I contacted LL Bean about the origin of their Hudson Bay blankets today and they are indeed made in England!

posted by Charlotte on September 4th 2009 at 1:27pm
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Honestly, I never would have believed that a striped blanket would work so well. It looks great. Thanks for the idea!

posted by suby on September 4th 2009 at 10:26pm
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