May '26 YOTM: Bread and Roses

This month’s color is called BREAD AND ROSES, which we thought was a fitting color way to follow May Day! 

The phrase “bread and roses” comes from a 1910-1911 speech by by American women’s suffrage and labor activist Helen Todd. It is meant to advocate that workers not only deserve basic survival needs (bread) but also cultural/aesthetic joy (roses), too. This phrase was turned into a poem by James Oppenheimer, and is also associated with the Lawrence textile strike of 1912 (prompted by a two hour pay cut, when they decided to cut the working week for women). 

But why bread and roses? That would have to do with the miracle of roses in the legend of Elisabeth of Hungary. She is a saint of charity/healing, but the legend of her miracle tells of Elisabeth smuggling bread to the poor, against her husband’s will. When caught, she had to uncover her basket, but only roses were found. This historical legend seems to advocate for either bread OR roses for the poor, but Helen Todd (and those after her) put forth that we are to have both! Workers are to demand not only basic needs to be met, but dignity, respect, and rights! You deserve to have your basic needs met, but also to enjoy the beauty of being a human! 

Please note that yarn colors may vary per base as each type of fiber dyes differently. You can learn more on our Yarn Base FAQ page.

BASES:

Chester Sock: 100g, 437 yards, blend of 75% superwash merino/25% nylon
Minnie DK: 100g, 246 yards, 100% superwash merino wool 
Genny Worsted: 100g, 191 yards, 80% superwash merino/20% alpaca
Gladys Fiber: 80% Shaniko Wool/20% Tussah Silk, approximately 4oz braid of fiber for spinning, felting, etc