Saturday, April 11^th, 2026 Sneaker Ball Venue West Chicago: The Big Reveal of the Whitney Young High School 50^th Anniversary Yarn Bombing

When I woke up that morning, I couldn’t even believe we made it this far and I thanked God for every part of it. I had to get up super early because I started school at Northeastern Illinois University in their teacher certification program in January 2026. I had to meet with one of my graduate group members for a project that was due in a couple weeks. Two of my coworkers who were Whitney Young High School teachers wrote letters of recommendation for me mentioning the yarn bombing. I spent most of the late evening and early morning emailing, texting and making social media posts about the yarn bombing to family, friends, coworkers, quilting circles, knitting circles and anyone I knew.

I was told to get to Venue West in Chicago for the Whitney Young High School sneaker ball by 5 pm. I left early, but Chicago traffic is brutal. I arrived at 5:12 pm, but I did call and leave a voicemail message letting them know I was on my way. I had to park right outside the entrance to Venue West. The yarn bombing matched the front door entrance.  

I received help from a current schoolteacher who crocheted granny squares that went on the trunk. She also has her own long arm sewing machine business that she runs from her home. I am in numerous sewing and knitting circles. She and I are members of Needles and Threads Quilt Guild on the South Side of Chicago. A picture of our quilt guild is in the book, “Communion of the Spirits” by Roland L. Freeman who curated the “Quilts for Obama: An Exhibit Celebrating the Inauguration of Our 44th President” for the Smithsonian Museum.

“Try folding the yarn bombing like a quilt,” she offered. “It will make it easier to install.” And her suggestions proved to be invaluable.

Thank you.

We spread the yarn bombing across my car. People’s reactions were incredible:

“WHAT THE !*@#?”

“HA HA HA HA!!!!!”

“That’s nice!”

“OH MY GOD! My mother knits! She’s going to be so excited to see this!”

“That is hilarious!”

I walked around the car, channeling my inner “Wheel of Fortune” Vanna White persona (no pun intended), explaining the story behind the yarn bombing, showing people the design that was made and the art quilt I made on my iPhone, then pointing out who knitted, crocheted and/or weaved which section of the car. People took pictures, video, and mostly laughed hysterically, which, aside from fundraising for the school, was exactly the point. The food was great. The student jazz band was mesmerizing. Park and Ride Band, the band comprised of Whitney Young High School parents, was amazing. I loved the Frankie Beverly and Maze cover song. In the end,  learning is fun. Fundraising should be fun as well.

The kids are worth it.