100 Good Wishes Quilt

There is a tradition in the northern part of China to make a Bai Jia Bei, or 100 Good Wishes Quilt, to welcome and celebrate life. It is custom to invite family and friends to contribute a square of cloth along with a good wish for the baby. The quilt is said to contain the luck, energy and good wishes from everyone who contributed a piece of fabric. The quilt becomes an heirloom and is passed from generation to generation.

Typically this is something that is completed before the child is born (adopted, for us). In our case, we were not aware of this tradition until we returned from China, so we decided to go ahead and collect quilt squares to make Sarah a 100 Good Wishes Quilt of her own. We would love for you to participate, if you would like, please select a machine washable, 100% cotton fabric. The fabric can be new or "used and meaningful". Please pre-wash the fabric so it will not shrink or bleed when the quilt is laundered. Cut a 9"x9" square of fabric. In addition, glue a small patch of fabric on a 4"x6" or 5"x7" paper or cardstock with your good wish for Sarah. Your wish can be simple or elaborate-of your own words and thoughts, a favorite poem or quote. Please remember to sign your wish and include your address. The good wishes with the small patches of fabric will be put into a scrapbook for Sarah. When she is older, she will be able to match up the wishes and fabric to her quilt. The quilt will also give Sarah some history. If you would like to contribute and be a part of Sarah's quilt, please send us the wish and quilt square. Email me and we'll send you our address.

Thank you so much for helping us make this gift for our daughter possible. Your kindness and generosity means so much to us.