NFL Team Blankets, Different Types and Styles

Northwest is the only company that holds the official NFL license to produce NFL team blankets. There are 2 main styles of NFL team blankets, Royal Plush Raschel Blankets, and woven tapestry throws. Every year, Northwest redesigns their plush team blankets to keep their look fresh and new, late last month, the newest designs of the blankets were released, and every line is ready to ship. There are 3 different styles of the Plush NFL Team Blankets:

The basic "Micro Raschel throw blankets ~ these blankets are a nice, soft, lightweight throw blanket that is 50" x 60" in size, all 32 teams are available and they retail in the $25 range.

The next step up is the medium sized "Tonal" series. The Tonal blankets are a heavier duty, fleece like blanket that comes in a size of 50" by 60". The Tonal blankets are known for their warmth, brilliant colors, and exceptional durability. Plush Raschel Tonal blankets retail at about $35.

The biggest and best plush NFL blanket is the "Diamond Plate" series, named for the cool diamond plate pattern in the background with your favorite teams logo printed in brilliant authentic team pantone colors. These blankets are a huge "60 x 80" size and will keep even the largest sports fan warm and cozy on the couch this football season. The cost of the Diamond Plate blankets ranges from $45 - $50.

Now, for the different types and styles of "Tapestry" blankets. The main difference in the plush blankets and the tapestries, is that the tapestry throws are woven and can be used for much more than just a blanket. The tapestry throws are extremely popular, they look great hanging over a couch or chair, or used as a wall hanging or a throw rug, or any other type of room accent. Tapestries are amazingly colorful, and extremely detailed. There are 2 types of tapestries ~ Woven Tapestries, and Triple Woven Jacquard Throws.

The Woven tapestries usually commemorate special events, when there is a new World Series Champion, or college football champion, you will find a special edition tapestry the next day, when there is a new Super Bowl Champ, of course you can get a special collectible tapestry all over the internet. The woven tapestries are amazingly detailed and colorful, they are 48 by 60 inches, and are fringed on all 4 sides woven tapestries are available in every NFL team in what is called the "Home Field Advantage" series. They are a beautifully crafted piece of artwork. Every tapestry is slightly different in style, there is the team name with the officially licensed logo and colors and a picture of the teams helmet, in the background, there is artwork relative to the city ~ like dolphins jumping out of the ocean and pictures of palm trees for the Miami Dolphins, there are also "Player Tapestries" Basically a woven tapestry with an image of your favorite football player, currently, the are 17 NFL players available.

The final series of NFL team tapestries, is the "Specialty Series" basically these are collectible items commemorating memorable events in the NFL. There are tapestries for every Super Bowl winning team, along with the official logo of the Super Bowl in which they won. There are also special limited edition tapestries produced in a very small quantity. The examples of these are the now famous "Helmet Catch" by David Tyree of the New York Giants in Super Bowl 42. The artisans at Northwest's factory actually produced a blanket with a picture of David Tyree with the football pinned to his helmet as he is getting mugged by The New England Patriots defender Rodney Harrison. There is also a Dallas Cowboys last season in Texas Stadium tapestry with an image of the famous stadium with the hole in the roof printed right on the blanket, this is the Cowboys last season in Texas Stadium before moving to their new digs next year.

The other version of woven tapestries is the "Triple Woven Jacquard Throw". These are more of a blanket, they feature loom woven high bulk acrylic for the look and feel of cotton. They are extremely soft and comfortable and come in 2 sizes ~ 48 x 60 inches and a 36 by 48 inch baby blanket series. The 48"x60" are available for every NFL team and show an image of the team helmet and team name with their official logo. The NFL baby blankets are one of the most popular pieces of NFL merchandise around, they are a great size, they are extremely soft, and best of all, they will get your little one on the right track to rooting for their favorite football team.

NFL Team Blankets are one of the most popular items this holiday season!

Kraig Cable is an expert in the field of Sports Merchandise and Memorabilia. He has been a memorabilia collector since 1983. Kraig owns and operates 2 memorabilia related websites. Pro Football Stuff.com and KHC Sports.com

From Low Rise to Regular Rise - Styles and Fits of Horse Riding Breeches For Every Equestrian Rider

Horse riding breeches and jodhpurs provide riders of every skill level the close contact with their horse that they need to ride safely and securely. In addition to being functional, horse riding breeches also create a stylish appearance that is crucial in the show ring. Riding horses is an athletic endeavor that deserves the highest quality riding apparel. The experience of riding can be made even better when the horse riding breeches worn are the correct cut and fit for your specific body type and riding style.

Casual riding, endurance riding, hunt seat, dressage: they all have different physical requirements and demands that result in the need for different styles of horse riding breeches. In addition to these issues, different body types, different weather, and other factors all combine to narrow down the best choice for your horse riding breeches and jodhpurs.

Brand Names Really Are Better

Sometimes shopping for discounts, seconds, and used equipment is fine, but not so with horses. Horses are big, heavy, and occasionally panicky animals. Riders can best protect themselves, and their horses, by wearing well-crafted, form-fitting horse riding breeches or jodhpurs and other riding apparel designed specifically for riding. This is not the place for baggy pants or raggedy shirts that can catch on something and cause a fall.

There are enough established, high quality manufacturers of elegant and fun riding breeches, show coats, ratcatchers, gloves, and other riding apparel to make shopping for equestrian apparel fun and rewarding. Three of the best-known names include The Tailored Sportsman, TuffRider, and Equine Couture. These fine businesses have withstood the test of time and demonstrated that they use only the finest materials and world-class craftsmanship, ensuring that every purchase is well worth the money.

What Is It About Waistbands?

The waistband on women's riding breeches can come with or without belt loops and most of them are made of stretchable material. They come in wide and regular widths. The width of the waistband is largely a matter of personal preference. So, too, is the height of the waistband. Waistband height is also a factor of riding style. Low-rise waistbands are ideal for endurance riders and hunters, providing an extra measure of flexibility and freedom of movement. On the other hand, the high-rise waistband looks far more sleek and elegant in the show ring, regardless of the class.

In Any Kind Of Weather

As anyone who has ever owned a horse knows, horses must be worked frequently and regularly, regardless of the weather. Luckily, there are now lined women's riding breeches to keep riders warm in winter and ultra-lightweight fabrics for summer riding. Most modern fabrics used in making high quality riding breeches and jodhpurs are made from cotton combined with stretchable Lycra or Spandex for form-fitting comfort and flexibility.

Moisture-wicking materials are useful year-round. Not only do they prevent chafing, they also keep the rider comfortable in any weather. Sweating from a tough training session in the summer heat is bad enough, but, in the middle of winter, it can lead to a bad case of pneumonia if the rider gets too chilled for too long. These high tech materials from The Tailored Sportsman and other fine retailers provide year-round comfort, style, and functionality for riders of every skill level.

Selecting Show Apparel

The appropriate show apparel will depend largely upon the style of riding. Dressage riders compete in entirely different equestrian apparel than pleasure riders. Riding apparel and equipment must be selected according to the sanctions set out by the show organizers. Once a rider knows specifically what those requirements are, they can go online and select the riding breeches, show coat, ratcatcher, gloves, and helmet they will need to look and feel their very best in the show ring. A new crop is always a nice touch.

Unlike generations past, riders today can enjoy the flexibility, style, and comfort provided by modern textiles. At the same time, riders are no longer limited to the classic colors of white, black, and beige. While not always appropriate for the show ring, the colors available in riding breeches extends all the way to sage, espresso, deep purple, charcoal, taupe, chocolate, and more!

The most important factor to consider when purchasing riding breeches is the ability to move freely, to maintain close contact with the horse, and to avoid injury. Of course, it's always nice to look your best, wherever the ride occurs!

Anne Coyle is a writer for The Equestrian Corner. They are proud to offer the latest product line from The Tailored Sportsman and other horse riding breeches for every body type and budget.