Stitch by Stitch: Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly Sews Her Way to Freedom

"Stitch by Stitch: Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly Sews Her Way to Freedom" is a compelling picture book that chronicles the life of Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly, a remarkable African American woman who transformed her fate from a slave to a sought-after seamstress and free woman. Published on November 9, 2021, this biography uses a blend of vibrant oil paint, cut paper, fabric collage, and hand-embroidery illustrations by Elizabeth Zunon to vividly bring to life the exquisite gowns Keckly crafted. Through the hardships of slavery on a Virginian plantation to designing for the First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln, Keckly's journey is a testament to her resilience and talent. Author Connie Morrison integrates meticulous research, including Keckly's own journal entries, to depict the intersections of fashion, politics, and life during a transformative era in American history. Ideal for elementary school readers, this book not only sheds light on racial, economic, and gender justice but also inspires with the story of a woman who stitched her way to freedom.