The Kentucky Coverlet Connection: Lou Tate, Little Loomhouse, and Berea

Mrs. Franklin D. (Eleanor) Roosevelt, when she visited the Loom Room of Lou Tate, was attracted by the drafts and coverlets of early Kentucky women. Her keen interest centered on the overshot weave — typical weave of the coverlets woven by women on their four-harness handlooms. She was photographed with Lou Tate while admiring this particular Double Bowknot coverlet. Mrs. Roosevelt was very interested in the early textiles research being done by Lou Tate, and corresponded with Lou Tate about her extensive teaching activities with weavers. Mrs. Roosevelt ordered custom weaving from Lou Tate for the White House, as had Mrs. Herbert Hoover before her.