By Her Own Design

Over the next two years, Ann and Cora grow closer. Ann understands when Cora starts dating again, however. Ann’s granddaughter, Audrey, will soon be married, and Ruth is pregnant.

In 1953, John F. Kennedy is elected president. Ann writes Jacqueline a note about making her inauguration dress, but she never hears back.

At the doctor, Ann finds out that her glaucoma has worsened. The doctor tells her to stop reading and working; her eyes need rest. Ann doesn’t tell him this, but she can’t quit her life’s calling. Arthur wouldn’t want her to quit. She soon gets a huge commission for a festival in Nebraska, and they’ll need 33 dresses in total. Ann feels excited and hopeful about this job.

In February 1962, white men from the IRS confiscate Ann’s shop. They barge in and seize everything in the shop because she owes too many back taxes. Arthur was the mathematical bookkeeper, so without him, Ann didn’t do the taxes correctly.

Ann goes berserk, crying and screaming. She clings to the shop’s door frame, but Sallie pulls her away since the men will harm Ann and her precious hands if she doesn’t cooperate.

Sallie and Ann try to think of ways to continue their business.