Patriotic Knitting Bags of World War I
Knitting bags have been long overlooked as one of the patriotic icons of World War I (1914–1918). The Navy League and American Red Cross sent a clear message to knitters: Do not waste a minute of your time when you could be knitting to support our troops. Knit at home, in parks, at social events, in darkened theaters (get out the radium-tipped knitting needles). Tote your oversized knitting bag everywhere with pride!
Popular magazines also urged Americans to knit for the war effort. The knitting bee and her enormous prove she is productive—and patriotic (in the lower left corner of the image opposite).
