In 1917, the American Red Cross determined there was not enough warm clothing for soldiers in Europe to make it through the winter during WW1. Knitting clubs popped up and became a national effort by men, women and children. Many lended a helping hand and began knitting to show their patriotism.
One of our founders, Beman Dawes, was taught to knit by his mother at a young age and urgently jumped in to knit a sweater for his brother, Charles Dawes (C.Dawes), serving in WW1. Another brother, Rufus Dawes, also showed his patriotism and love for his brother C. Dawes by knitting him a scarf.
Between 1914 and 1917, local American Red Cross chapters grew from 107 to 3,864. The Women’s Bureau of the Red Cross established needs and standards requested by the military. The four pieces needed the most were an aviator’s helmet (covered head, neck and chest), hot water bottle cover, wash rag and bed socks. The Red Cross supplied much of the yarn, patterns, needles and instructions.
On Sunday, February 4, 2024, The Arboretum will be hosting a beginner knitting workshop from 1-3pm. For this workshop, those who join will be making a scarf and will need to supply their own worsted weight yarn as well as size 9 needles. For more information and to register, please click here!