JJ Knox Quilt

Dear Readers,

In April I was asked to make a quilt for the JJ Knox Connection to use as a fund raiser.  JJ Knox was the name of the Black High School in Winona, MS before segregation ended.  Once schools were integrated,  my understanding is that, JJ Knox School was not in use as a school and burned at some point.  The graduates and the Winona community as a whole are working to beautify the grounds and commemorate the graduates, many who have gone on to make major contributions to the area and nation. 

I knew the big fund raiser would take place on Labor day weekend, which does not give too much time, given that most long-armers have a two month waiting list.   I was given the idea to use the JJ Knox school colors of royal blue and white.  I knew the design would have to be fairly simple or it would be too difficult to get it in on time.  About that time Missouri Star had a deal of the day on a Blue and White jelly roll.  I put my order in and then the next weekend took it to Main Street Fabrics in Ackerman to find a backing, solid royal blue and solid white fabric.  They had just what I needed and gave me a discount since I am a MQA member.  I dropped the top off the first week of June and crossed my fingers.

I used the left over strips to make a piano keys border.  Some of the lettering is paper pieced and some is pieced using half square triangles and strips.  The quilt is approximately 60 x 70 or 72...I can't remember the length and I did not write it down.  

I got the quilt back from the long armer the first week in August!!  Whew...just enough time to get the binding on and a hanging sleeve!!

The big fund raiser, where they will sell raffle tickets, will be Saturday, September 5, here in Winona, MS.  If you happen to be in the area and would like one, come on by and join in the celebration.  

UPDATE:

I got this update from a reader on FaceBook-

Thanks for the update...I do not remember who told me about J.J. Knox as it was 2015.  Was talking with another friend at church about JJ Knox and she said the fire was started by a bad electrical connection as the floors were the old kind with an oil finish, causing it spread very quickly.  She said no one was in the building when the fire started, as it burned at night.  Anyway I am not going to do anymore research on this topic.  

Terry