Pendleton Woolen Mills bows new designs

Blanket Vies for World Record

-- Home Textiles Today, 3/3/2010 1:59:00 PM

Portland, Ore. -- In the midst of unveiling its new collections for fall, Pendleton Woolen Mills made history by unfurling the world’s largest seamless wool blanket.

The blanket, measuring 453 feet, 7 ¼ inches, made its debut in Portland in late February. Bob Christnacht, division manager, home, reports the paperwork is in to have the blanket, designed in a traditional Geronimo pattern, certified in the Guinness Book of World Records. “It takes a few months to get official certification, but we’re confident no one’s come close to having this size blanket,” he noted.

On a more human scale, Pendleton unveiled a collection of new designs and offerings for fall. The company has expanded its Eco-wise wool collection. Available in blankets, fashion bedding, throws and children’s novelty designs, the Eco-wise designation is part of Pendleton’s on going green efforts. According to Christnacht, the company was awarded Cradle to Cradle Silver certification for its efforts by McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC).

Beginning in the fall, most of its products will be packaged in ‘greener’ PEVA materials, Pendleton noted.

The company is also introducing four new jacquard towels in bath sheet or spa sizes, measuring a generous 30 x 70. Using its jacquard technology, Pendleton also has nine new bedding collections.

In a nod to tradition, Pendleton -- which is the only remaining company that provides trade blankets to Native American communities -- is paying tribute to four other historic blanket companies of old. Though these firms are long out of business, Pendleton is taking designs from their archives and revisiting them. In each case, old logos from the now-defunct company will be featured on the new labels.

“Trade blankets are uniquely American, and they are truly an art form. This is a great tribute and a way to keep these designs alive,” said Christnacht.