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

Artist, craftswoman, businesswoman, author and philanthropist - Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly began her autobiography by stating that her life was an eventful one. And indeed it was.

Though born into slavery, she learned to read, write, and sew. Her talents as a designer, patternmaker and seamstress earned her the patronage of the most fashionable women of antebellum St Louis and enabled her to raise twelve hundred dollars to buy freedom for herself and her son.

After moving to Washington, D.C., Elizabeth sewed gowns for Varina Davis, whose husband would become the president of the Confederate States, and later for Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of the sixteenth president of the United States.

November 2021

Holiday House

Ages 7-10

ISBN: 978-0-8234-5033-6

Written by Connie Schofield-Morrison

"... The illustrations are a remarkable collage of painted scenes that are combined with decorative paper, fabric, lace, ribbon, braid trim, and intricate embroidery. This creates a three-dimensional presentation that brings to life the creativity and craftsmanship of Lizzy’s dresses... An essential purchase that will strengthen all biography collections."—School Library Journal, Starred Review

"Schofield-Morrison fashions a poignant tribute... Elizabeth Zunon’s breathtaking and masterful mixed-media illustrations—incorporating oil, paint, fabric, ribbon, paper, embroidery, and appliqué—beautifully capture the artistry of Keckly’s dresses. A dazzling picture book cut through with the thread and thrum of an inspiring but unsung life."—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

"This picture book biography centers the Black seamstress's indomitable spirit... Schofield-Morrison offers accessible, starkly rendered prose... Zunon embroiders Keckly's oft-difficult life story across lush, multilayered mixed-media spreads, featuring a beguiling tapestry of oil paint, paper, fabric, ribbon, embroidery, lace, and appliqué... "—Publishers Weekly

"A handsome introduction to a remarkable woman and her craft."—The Horn Book

"... Created with mixed media, including oil paint, paper, textured fabric, ribbon, appliqué, embroidery, and lace, Zunon’s handsome illustrations suggest the subject's times as well as her talents. A fitting introduction to a remarkable woman."—Booklist

"Every once in a while a book is published that is a game changer. This gorgeous book about the story of how Elizabeth Hobbs Keckly sewed her way to freedom is such a book... The content is historical, inspiring, and presents each page as though it was a work of art. The illustrations are truly stunning. . . . Highly recommended for every library."—School Library Connection