100 wishes quilt.....90 more to go!!

Dear Family and Friends,

As many of you are aware, Chris and I began the process some time ago to adopt
a baby girl from China. I recently ran across the tradition of the “Bai Jia
Bei” or “100 Good Wishes Quilt.” To welcome and celebrate a new life, there is
a tradition in some parts of Northern China, to make a Bai Jia Bei. When a
baby was born, family and friends would donate to the child's mother fabric
scraps from old clothing with a wish for the baby. She would make a quilt for
the child from the scraps. It is said that the luck, energy and good wishes
from all of the families and friends who contributed the fabric surrounds the
child when she is wrapped in the quilt. The quilt is then passed down from
generation to generation.

There are so many good reasons to make this quilt for Sophie, tradition being
one of them. We are hoping to find many ways to keep Sophie connected to
Chinese culture. Another great reason is that our daughter will someday be
able to see how much she was wanted and thought about even before she came into
our family.

I am hoping you will be able to participate in my goal to make a Bai Jei Bei.
If possible, please send me a piece of fabric, at least 7”x7”, and on a
separate piece of paper your good wish with your name on it as well as a small piece
of your fabric. Most quilts are made with 100% cotton fabrics; however flannel,
decorator fabrics (tightly woven), silks, or pieces of old clothes are all good choices. Fabrics that
stretch, such as T-shirt cottons, are very difficult to work with and I ask
that you avoid these. I am hoping you will be able to find a piece of fabric
in your craft supplies, and old decorating projects. Or you can have fun
shopping for fabric, either works :)

Collecting 100 squares may be a challenge. If each friend and family member
would like to contribute that will help my effort. Just do not forget to add
your good wishes for each square. Some good wish examples (silly is okay):

May you go to college with a good football team.
May you have an abundance of hugs and kisses.
May you pass your driver’s test on the first try.
May your big brother and sister always watch out after you.

The good wishes will be incorporated into a wishes for Sophie memory
book. I will happily share pictures of the completed quilt.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for your wishes for Sophie.
We are hoping to travel by May of next year to complete our adoption. There
have been some indications that the process may speed up. We could travel as
early the end of January but more likely it will be early spring.

Love, Maryellen & Co