Pendleton Kicks Off Centenary Celebration

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 2/23/2009 12:00:00 AM

Portland, Ore. —

In recognition of reaching its 100th year in business, six-generation family owned and operated domestic blanket and fabric weavers Pendleton Woolen Mills is creating commemorative home and apparel collections for launch this fall.

Under its "Weaving America's Spirit Since 1909" yearlong celebration, which started Feb. 16, Pendleton is celebrating this milestone with new product collections and special events. The kick-off came with a re-dedication of the original mill site here.

"This is a time of both reflection of the many stories, successes and challenges over the decades, as well as our Pacific Northwest company's influence on American fashion and home products. It is also a time to look ahead as we enter a new century for our company," said Mort Bishop III, president.

"Our challenge in the sixth generation is to engage a new generation of consumers...We are positioned well for the next 100 years and look forward to continuing to design and weave not only the American icon and treasure -- the Indian trade blanket -- but our full collection of Pendleton womenswear, menswear and home products," said Bishop.

New to the exhibit here are additions to the Heritage Collection to honor CMB Jr. — a fourth generation family member. It features his personal collection of authentic American Indian artifacts.

Pendleton's new product launches for the fall include a collection of home and apparel goods that feature the special "Spirit of the Peoples" pattern created for the anniversary, including a commemorative Indian Trade blanket.

The company will also release a Holiday 2009 collection by NBC's Today Show Animal Welfare Reporter Jill Rappaport. Titled the "Pendleton by Jill Rappaport Collection," it will include coats, status bags, and other dog products that features designs inspired by three antique Indian trade blanket patterns. Proceeds will benefit the American Indian College Fund and the Jack & Jill Foundation, an affiliation with Tails of Home for educating pet owners on medical advancements, the company said.

Pendleton's commemorative collections will be sold at specialty stores, department stores and through Pendleton own retail stores, catalog and online stores beginning in July.