A Stitch Through Time

by Lauren Burke, Katie Crumpton (Illustrations)

Ava and her Aunt Jo take a magical journey back in time to visit Elizabeth Keckley, Ann Cole Lowe, and Mildred Blount, three daring, gifted, and visionary Black fashion designers. The bold achievements of these inspiring women of history are celebrated in this fashion fairy tale that spotlights iconic style moments...and sparks a child's imagination.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Nonfiction, Biography

40 pages, Hardcover

Published January 4, 2022

Reviews

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 4 out of 5]

More people need to be made aware of this book. It is an absolute delight for readers (at least for me) who adore fashion. It is an excellent way to bring light, awareness, and appreciation for Black fashion designers who have made impacts.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 3 out of 5]

12/20/2022 ~ A biography of 3 notable Black dressmakers & hat makers masquerading as a story of Aunt Jo and Ada.

[J. Robinson-Readersgottoread · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up

[Maryam Ghaderi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short biography that celebrates three influential black designers who helped shape the fashion industry as we know it today.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Follow along as Ava and her Aunt Jo (outlined in blue on the cover) travel through time to see the work of famous Black designers. Their trip begins when Aunt Jo shows Ava a quilt made from fabrics that were in Elizabeth Keckley gowns. They see her as she works to save up enough money to buy her freedom from enslavement, then follow her to DC and see the gown she created for Mary Todd Lincoln. Next they visit Ann Cole Lowe as passion for design takes her from Montgomery to New York to the runways of Paris. Fannie Criss and Zelda Wynn Valdes are also included, and the trip ends with a visit to Hollywood to see Mildred Blount creating hats for movie costumes.

This would be fun to build a text set around such as:
- Fancy Party Gowns by Deborah Blumenthal features Ann Cole Lowe.
- Stitch by Stitch by Connie Schofield-Morrison features Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly.
- Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Lynda Jones also tells Keckley's story.
- Tiara's Hat Parade by Kelly Lyons would match up well with the millinery talents of Mildred Blount.

Students could also research these and other fashion firsts online. Ava's visit to Aunt Jo's attic could be the start of a unit on fashion and artistic careers, perhaps even collaborating with the art teacher to showcase student designs and sketches. Whether it leads to further exploration or not, the book is sure to be enjoyed by those who appreciate creativity and strong Black women.