Eleanor Roosevelt, Victory Gardener, Free Embroidery Pattern

I was recently invited to an annual fundraiser for the Saugus Garden Club. The evening's main speaker reenacted a garden party held by Eleanor Roosevelt at her cottage in Upstate New York.

When most people think of Eleanor Roosevelt, they think of human rights, diplomacy, and her status as one of the most influential First Ladies in American history. What they may not know is that she was also a champion of Victory Gardens during World War II.

In 1943, despite concerns from government officials who worried home gardening might distract from large-scale food production, Eleanor planted a Victory Garden on the White House grounds. Her support helped inspire millions of Americans to grow their own vegetables, easing pressure on the food supply and boosting morale during the war. By the end of the war, Victory Gardens were producing an estimated 40% of the nation's fresh vegetables.

Eleanor also had a wonderful sense of humor. A rose was named in her honor, the hybrid tea rose "Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt," introduced in 1933.

Her reaction to the honor became a gardening legend:

"I once had a rose named after me, and I was very flattered. But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: 'No good in a bed, but fine up against a wall.'"

Frankly, that's the kind of self-deprecating garden humor we can get behind.

Whether she was encouraging Americans to grow tomatoes or laughing at her own namesake rose, Eleanor Roosevelt proved that resilience, practicality, and a little wit can help anything bloom.

Inspired by Eleanor's grit and gumption, I created a free embroidery pattern for others to enjoy. I used two strands of floss for everything except Eleanor's portrait. (Where I just used a single strand to keep it light.) I hope you enjoy stitching her as much as I did. Tag me on social media @hooplethreads and let me know if you'd like more historically significant ladies to celebrate in stitches. 

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