For more that 150 years, Pendleton woollen mills have set the standard for quality American fabrics. Started by an adventurous Englishmen in search of new fortune in the heart of America. The blanket manufacturers have gone on to epitomise many strong values from family pride through to entrepreneurial spirit.
Starting his story in Salem in 1889, Thomas Kay opened his own woollen mill. Handing this down to his kin a new mill was opened in Pendleton, Oregon. The first iconic blankets started to come off of the looms of the namesake town in 1909.
Since then the company has gone on to grow its mills with the Washougal Mill alone housing 215 specialist employees. They are all in charge of creating the product we know and love today. It is the companies keen passion for their product that is helping keep the age old trade of wool milling alive in it's spiritual home of the USA. Such dedication to authenticity is demonstrated by the research of one designer, Joe Rawnsley. As the original designer of all Navajo Blankets, Rawnsley lived with local tribes in order to gain a greater understanding of the colours and patterns in use.
