Collecting Wishes

To welcome new life, a tradition exists in the northern part of China to make a Bai Jia Bei (100 good wishes quilt). Family and friends are invited to contribute a square of cloth along with a good wish for the baby. The squares of cloth are all sewn together into a quilt, and the good wishes are put into a scrapbook for the child. The quilt symbolizes wrapping the child in the good wishes of family and friends.

If you'd like to help me out, here’s what you need to do:

1.Choose a 100% cotton fabric that you like. It can come from a quilting or fabric store, fabric you already have, or something that is special to you like an old piece of significant clothing, etc.
2.Wash the material if it is new to let it shrink before it is cut.
3.Cut a square measuring about 8" by 8"
4.Write your wish for the baby. The wish can be your own words or thoughts, a favorite poem or quote, a blessing, a prayer, or a favorite scripture—whatever keepsake words you would like her to have from you. From these, I will compile a scrapbook for her. A picture of you or your family would be appreciated as well.

Thanks in advance for your participation! I cannot wait to introduce her to all of you and to explain how each of you helped to bring her home through your prayers and support.