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.
If you wish to participate, 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 on 7"x7" 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 Ayden. 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 for into a scrapbook. When Ayden is older, she will be able to match up the wishes and fabric to her quilt. The quilt will also give Ayden some history. She will know that while she was in a Chinese orphanage, many people thought of her.
If you would like to contribute and be a part of Ayden's quilt, please
email me. I will send you our mailing address. Thank you so much for helping us make this gift for our daughter possible. Your kindness and generosity means so much to us.
If you are making a quilt for your child, let me know. I would love to contribute!
