Testimonials and raves from our supporters

"This is a groundbreaking introduction to an often-ignored, but vital and fascinating part of African-American and women’s history—absorbing, informative and completely original. I wanted it to go on and on. Diana McLellan, author, "The Girls: Sappho Goes to Hollywood" (Diana writes for the Washington Times, and for the Washington Magazine.)
"I can't remember when I met Zelda Wynn, but she did my wedding suit in 1948! I sew a little, so I really appreciated her fine detail and tailoring work. I still have two of her wonderful dresses. I can't bear to give them up. I donated another dress to Lois Alexander, when she was starting the Black Fashion Museum. I am pleased that Zelda is being featured with the other fabulous ladies in THE THREADS OF TIME, THE FABRIC OF HISTORY."  Ruby Dee
Elizabeth Keckley
The Threads of Time, the Fabric of History deserves the attention of everyone interested in celebrating the struggles and accomplishments of African American dressmakers and designers of 19th and 20th Century America. Not only do we read about their lives, but also the people and places they touched. I was most pleased to see that Ms. Reed Miller highlighted Bordentown Training Institute, where my father, William Hastie taught before going on to Harvard Law School , to the deanship at Howard Law School and to service as the first African-American Federal judge in the United States. Bordentown attracted talented students and dedicated teachers. The students were taught academic subjects while learning trades such as barbering, shoe making and dressmaking. Also, and maybe most importantly, the Bordentown students were exposed to teachers , who helped them to think logically and strategically and who were called 'race leaders' in those days ,leading the fight for economic and legal rights for African Americans. I recommend this significant book which adds to our shared vision of strong women entrepreneurs in dress designing and health care-- new area s of contributions to American history by African-Americans. Adele Logan Alexander
Rosemary Reed's "Threads of Time, The Fabric of History" reveals the colorful and intricately woven dramas of African American women dressmakers. Her expertly told story moves from Mary Todd Lincoln's tempestuous person and professional relationship with one-time slave Elizabeth Keckley, to Jackie Kennedy's cherished designer, Anne Cole Lowe, to Rosa Parks, legendary instigator of the Montgomery bus boycott-as well as a skilled modiste. The women in Reed's narrative, who so effectively rose above the socially imposed limitations of race and gender, were wonderfully gifted in their craft. But more than that, they were significant players in the complex drama of United States history. Adele Logan Alexander is professor of history at George Washington University. She is the author "Ambiguous Lives: Free Women of Color in Rural Georgia, 1789-1879 [1991], and "Homelands and Waterways: The American Journey of the Bond Family," 1846-1926 [1999]
Those of us who live in Washington, D.C. have enjoyed Rosemary E. Reed Miller's store, Toast and Strawberries, for more than three decades. It seems fitting, therefore, that she has put her experience, knowledge, and interest in history and fashion on display in this book. Just as Washingtonians appreciate the store, readers will value the tales of how these dressmakers and designers of the past and present have touched history through their lives and work. Dorothy Gilliam Washington Post
The selected profiles of African-American dressmakers and designers from the 1850’s to the present time is a specialized and much need publication for individuals to know the struggles and challenges African-Americans endured as well as the truth of our history. Rosemary Reed Miller has a passion for history and fashions. She has introduced a splendid fusion of historic seamstresses of African ancestry who contributed much to American history. Her entire approach was a nonstop journey through African American history, culture and traditions. It was fascinating and has provided me an enormous appreciation of my own mother’s talent in designing and sewing clothing for her three children. This book is certain to enthrall readers—because it tells the truth. Irena L. Webster, Executive Director The Association for the Study of African American Life and History, Inc.
"I thank you very much for inviting me to the book signing and for so graciously autographing your book. Please know that I began reading it the very next day and found your book so fascinating that I was unable to stop until I had finished it. Your book provided new information to me about a part of African American history that I had no knowledge. Thank you for your contribution. Sincerely, James A. Donaldson Dean College of Arts and Sciences Howard University"
The books is very informative and of immense value historically, as well as socially. I especially enjoyed reading about people (historical) that I was familiar with and their accomplishments, as well as seeing names of friends of today. I know Jeannine S. Clark - in fact her youngest sister - Lorena S. Cabinass worked under me as a student years ago at Howard University (Library) in the Moorland Spingarn Room (now the MS Research Center). I worked there under Dr. Dorothy B. Porter and later when it became a research center under Dr. Michael Winston. Others - Nora Gregory, Adele Logan Alexander (a friend of my sister-in-law - Ruthie Leffall). I was already familiar with ELIZABETH KECKLEY, ROSA PARKS, and Frances. Book is so enlightening bringing the accomplishments of these great women to the forefront of American history. Book is very timely. Dolores C. Leffall
I thoroughly enjoyed talking with you at the time of your book signing at the Howard University Bookstore earlier this month. The book was a pleasure to read....I read most of it before leaving school that evening. My brother and sister were thrilled to see the pictures of Joyce Bryant. Charlene's pictures were wonderful. I telephoned her as soon as I returned to school. You have done a wondrous job and I particularly enjoyed the '"family shots and history". Thanks so much for a much needed tome. Sincerely, Grace Robinson, DDS, Howard University colleage of Charlene Johnston, daughter of Rose Batson
As the only daughter of a textile artist and seamstress, I grew up wearing "handmade" clothes that included everything from some of my slips to a black silk wool suit my mother made me while I was in high school. She relished the challenges that came with cutting a suit from a Vogue designer pattern, smocking a dress or making a silk blouse with dolman sleeves completely by hand. While history is filled with mothers who made clothes for their children, little is known about women who crafted cloth into formidable fashion statements like Zelda Wynn Valdes who designed for cultural icons and entertainers including Marian Anderson, Dorothy Dandridge, Ruby Dee and Sarah Vaughan. In The Threads of Time, The Fabric of History, Profiles of African American Dressmakers and Designers from 1860 to the Present, Rosemary E. Reed-Miller also chronicles some of the contributions made by women like Elizabeth Keckley whose designs were worn by Mary Todd Lincoln, wife of 16th President Abraham Lincoln. Keckeley, a former slave from Virginia, designed exquisite velvet, silk and satin dresses and gowns for Mary Todd Lincoln. Keckley’s work is now part of the Smithsonian’s holdings and scholars remain indebted for her long-term access to the family. "It’s so wonderful to see the unheralded talent of 19th and 20th century African American designers and seamstresses acknowledged," notes Gwen Mazer, Lecturer at the Academy of Art in San Francisco and President of Total Image Management. Mazer was the first Black editor at Harper’s Bazaar. "It’s so important to know of this great legacy." During the 50s and 60s, high society designer Ann Cole Lowe created over 2,000 wedding and debutante dresses. The legendary designer created one of the most photographed wedding gowns in history—the one Jacqueline Bouvier (Kennedy) wore when she married John F. Kennedy. Long before she was being dressed by Givenchy, Kennedy’s body was draped with the elegant designs of this black fashion maven. Lowe excelled in the use of "trapunto," a technique wherein the fabric is raised with, stitching around the sides to create a three dimensional effect. Five of Lowe’s gowns are in the New York City Metropolitan Museum of Art and a small collection is housed in Washington, D.C.’s Black Fashion Museum. In Reed-Miller’s Threads of Time, the Fabric of History, along with documenting the contributions of women like Keckley and Lowe, she also focuses on wearable arts designers like Viola Burley Leak and Joyce Scott. Reed-Miller, the owner of Toast and Strawberries an almost four decades old boutique in Washington, introduces us to some of the earlier black designers and seamstresses, as well as contemporary dressmakers, textile artists and designers. Along with clothing, wearable art and gift designs of other artists, Toast and Strawberries features many of the unique pieces of Reed-Miller. The boutique continues to cater to a very savvy clientele including singer Roberta Flack, women affiliated with the diplomatic corps and other women seeking very special attire for the ultimate DC occasion. I’ll always cherish a Wednesday morning in 1981, when Rosa Parks, who was a guest in our home for a week, pulled out a needle and thread to replace the button on a dress my mother made for my then seven-year-old daughter Anyania. During the time Mrs. Parks spent with us, we talked as much about the world of textiles and dressmaking as we did the movement. Though an activist by desire and commitment, she was a seamstress by profession. I got to show off some of my mother’s work, while she spoke proudly of the numerous men’s suits and women’s dresses she’d altered back into new life. The Threads of Time, the Fabric of History is an important addition to the small body of works celebrating the struggles and achievements of African-American dressmakers and designers, and their connection to American history. But the book also begs for development into a more comprehensive volume that includes hundreds of other Black women who have contributed to designing for and dressing some of the world’s most sophisticated and style savvy women and men. Daphne Muse is a writer who still cherishes wearing clothes made by her mother’s 80 year-old hands. Ms. Muse, teaches at UC at Berkley   Rosemary,I cannot thank you enough for coming to speak to my African American Dress class. Your presentation was a comfortable chat full of valu able information about African Americans and their contributions to the fashion industry, which is exactly what I wanted. The students wilI realize just how valuable your talk was once they get into our next assignment covering contributions of African Americans to the fashion industry. I also leafed through your book last night and found it full of the kind of information our students need. Once again, thanks. Dr. Lucy Josey, Howard University October 17, 2006 10:07 PM   MS REED, I AM MOST GRAFTEUL FOR YOUR RESEARCH WHICH YOU DIDIN ORDER TO WRITE AND PUBLISH YOUR BOOK. BEFORE MIRIAM SHOWCASED YOU IN THE PIPELINE; A FRIEND OFMINE WHO NOW LIVES OUTSIDE OF TAMPA TOLD ME ABOUT YOURPRESENTATION WHICH YOU WERE ABOUT TO PRESENT AT THAT AT THE UNIVERSITY. ALL OF US SHOULD READ YOUR BOOK. I KNOW THAT IT IS TOO LATE TO PLAN FOR YOU TO DO A PRESENATION FOR BLACK HISTORY FOR '07, BUT I HAVE SHARED YOUR INFORMATION WITH SOME OF MY FRIENDS IN DAYTON FOR THEM TO CONSIDER YOU FOR NEXT YEAR.  SOME OF ACTIVE LINKS,GREEKS AND THEY ALL BELONG TO BLACK CHURCHES. BLESSINGS,LILLIE ROBINSON DAVIS 330 405 6672 - Dayton, Ohio   Dear Rosemary, I was so delighted to run across your article on Black America Web.  I truly agree with that article in that you are a pioneer.  This is a picture I took with my camera cell phone (I don't have a scanner) of an article from The Washington Post in 1967, taken at a fashion show at the Precola Devore Modeling Agency, in Washington, D.C., showing your fashions, from your shop, Toast and Strawberries.  I am the model pictured fourth from the left.  My name is Patricia Richards.  I now reside in California.  I apologize for the lack of clarity.  If you like, I can ask my Son to scan it into his computer and send it to me to resend to you for your viewing.  You may have kept this article.  I was just so excited to see that you are still there that I wanted to contact you right away.  I think we called it Rosemary Reed's Toast and Strawberries Shop.  (Smile). Rosemary, I plan to visit your boutique the next time I am in the D.C. area, which may be sometime this summer.   I would also like to invite you to visit our website www.sugarlandethnohistoryproject.org  This Website is designed to preserve the heritage of our black community called Sugarland, founded by freed slaves, my ancestors.  This is my family and I grew up in Sugarland Community, in Montgomery County, Poolesville, Maryland.  I moved to D.C. in 1966, at which time,  I attended the Precola DeVore School of Charm.  I remember frequenting your shop on a regular basis.  As models for your clothes you gave us a 20% discount on all items in your store.  I remember feeling that was a very nice gesture.   I remember how excited we all were that a Black American had opened up a boutique.  You are indeed a Pioneer, Rosemary, and I am one of your many, many witnesses.  I loved your boutique.  I have often talked about it down through the years.  You can imagine my surprise when I saw the article on BAW's website today. Please feel free to contact me. It's been 40 years (smile).  Smiles. Love & Peace, Patricia Richards
202-723-1707 | Tel 202-723-2246 | Fax	E-mail: toaststrawberries@hotmail.com

Book signings and related events...

March 24, 2007 - Miami, Florida, 2 locations: Coral Reef Library 11:00AM South County Regional Library 3:00PM [ Press Kit ] 2007 Booksignings Download Flyer - Panel Discussion at Museum of NYC, Mar 18, 2PM Brooklyn Library, Grand Army Plaza, Mar 27, Tues. 6-9pm, Trustee Room Miami Dade Libraries; Regional and Coral Reef branches, Mar 24, Sat, 11 am and 2pm. Middleburg Library and Foxcroft School, Virgnina, March 10, Sat. 11 and 2pm. Cape Cod community college, Mar 29, Tilden Arts Center, 3-7pm. Speaking around the country: Cleveland Park Library, City of New York Museum, 103 and Fifth Avenue, Unitarian Church, Keyser, West Virginia... DC Historcial Society, 9th & K StsNW; book talk and program , Thurs, May 3rd. Call for details... Tel 202-723- 9007 Previous engagements... March, 2004, TALK and Informal showing of fashions by Rosemary Reed, author, THE THREADS OF TIME, THE FABRIC OF HISOTRY, 22 Profiles of African American Designers and Dressmakers from 1850 to 1950, 182 pp, index, black and white photographs, $19.99. March 3-5, NAFEO Conference, Wardman Marriott Hotel, Conn. & Calvert Sts.,NW, WDC.; exhibit hall. March 11, Govans Library, Baltimore, Md. March 13, Caravan Book Store, Mall, Tel. 301-567-8234, contact: Malia Mar.14, Dance Theatre of Harlem, 1-5pm, Performance & Salute to Zelda Wynn, c/o Susan Breland, tel.212690-2800x137 Mar. 16, Am. Business Women Luncheon, Woodmoor Country Club; Mitchelville, Md., c/o G. Motta, Tel. 301-390-4445 Mar. 20, Lecture and Workshop at Toast and Strawberries by Kay Pierson, Financial Choices.; tel. 202- 234-1212 Mar. 21, Sun, 2-5pm, Woman in History Program, Salute to Councilwomen Carol Schwartz and Book Signing at Toast by Betty Savoy, author, CALLED, BUT NOT TO PREACH. Mar. 22,Mon; Monthly Business Card Exchange at Taost&Strawberries$20; March 27, Fri., Noon, Author Panel, Business Woman of Frederick, Md; Holiday Inn. c/o C. Harper, Tel. 703-661-6033 Mar. 26,Fri. Noon, Friendship Village, 4433 S. Park Ave.; Chevy Chase, Md., c/o J. Fogarty, Tel. 301-656-2797 March 26. Fri., Wadsworth Friends Library, 1500 Wadsworth Ave.; Phila. Tel. 215-685-9293 Mar. 27. Sat., Noon, Book Corner, 331 N. 20th St., Phila., Pa., Tel. 215-567-4562 March, 28,Sun; NAFAD Fashion Show, Wash. Times Bldg, New York Ave.NW; $50.00; c/o Jackson, 301-572-0048 March 28, Sunday, 1pm, The Women Association, The Plymouth United Congregation Church, 5301 N. Capitol St.NE; |WDC 20011, tel, 202- 723-5330. Book talk. For further details: website: toastandstrawberries.com Tel. 202-723-1707 Contact: Sabrina Miller., or Monica Parker

202-723-1707 | Tel 202-723-2246 | Fax

E-mail: toaststrawberries@hotmail.com

News about the author, new editions, and more...

The author Rosemary E Reed, is availble for your libraries, social groups, conferences, and conventions, for book signing, and speaking engagements, for this exciting and valuable historic African American resource. Send requests and comments by E-mail or call - 202.723.9007 [ Press Kit ] 3rd Edition, newly released, 2007, 38 Profiles, 288 pages...
202-723-1707 | Tel 202-723-2246 | Fax	E-mail: toaststrawberries@hotmail.com