Eleanor Roosevelt

Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady from 1933-1945.  On September 30, 1941 she rallied women to knit 1 million sleeveless sweaters for soldiers and sailors by Christmas of that year.  Before Christmas of that year, Pearl Harbor was bombed and Eleanor continued her cause for knitting, gloves, socks, and caps for helmets for American troops.  The handmade items were stronger than machine wear; it also helped calm the fears and relieved the anxiety of loved ones waiting for word of their armed forces.  Eleanor knitted in meetings, informal gatherings and while traveling.  Although she did not write much about her knitting, she was always carrying her knitting.   Her knitting was simple and utilitarian; several of her patterns remain at Hyde Park where she lived.  I like to think that this photo was her thinking about the United Nations and her humanitarian work there. 

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