January 26, 2007
Dear Family and Friends,
As many of you are aware I began the process at Christmas 2005 to adopt a baby girl from China. To welcome and celebrate a new life, there is a tradition in some parts of China, to make a Bai Jia Bei, “100 Good Wishes Quilt.” When a baby is born, family and friends donate to the child's mother fabric scraps from old clothing with a written wish for the new baby. A quilt for the child would be made 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 her, tradition being one of them. I am hoping to find many ways to keep her connected to the Chinese culture. Another great reason is that she 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 two pieces of the same fabric, at least 7”x7”, and on a separate piece of paper your written good wish with your name. Most quilts are made with 100% cotton fabrics; however, pieces of old clothes/blankets that have a special meaning 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, old decorating projects or among old clothes you no longer wear. Please do not go to a lot of trouble. If you do not have a piece of fabric suitable, just send back your good wish.
Collecting 100 squares may be a challenge, if each friend and family member is able to contribute that will help me accomplish this quilt. Just do not forget to add your good wishes. The wish should be short and sweet. Please write a short wish on the paper I’ve provided. Good wishes may include a short poem, Bible verse, favorite saying or quote, advice, memory, etc.
Good wish examples (silly is okay):
May you dance under the stars..
May you always have shelter..
May you have an abundance of hugs and kisses..
May you pass your driver’s test on the first try..
May your big cousins always watch out after you..
May you smile….
May you laugh ….
The good wishes and a swatch of your fabric will be incorporated into a special “Good Wishes” memory book. I plan to use a photo of her completed 100 Good Wishes Quilt as part of her adoption announcement when she comes home.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and your wishes for my future child. Jo, my sister, and I are hoping to travel to China in the late fall of 2007 to complete my adoption. I was DTC (dossier/paperwork to China) in April 2006!!! Very exciting milestone!!! My referral for my beautiful child should arrive about 6 weeks before we travel. I’m very delighted to be adding to my family. I feel blessed to share my journey with you.
Love,
Jacqueline
Dear Family and Friends,
As many of you are aware I began the process at Christmas 2005 to adopt a baby girl from China. To welcome and celebrate a new life, there is a tradition in some parts of China, to make a Bai Jia Bei, “100 Good Wishes Quilt.” When a baby is born, family and friends donate to the child's mother fabric scraps from old clothing with a written wish for the new baby. A quilt for the child would be made 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 her, tradition being one of them. I am hoping to find many ways to keep her connected to the Chinese culture. Another great reason is that she 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 two pieces of the same fabric, at least 7”x7”, and on a separate piece of paper your written good wish with your name. Most quilts are made with 100% cotton fabrics; however, pieces of old clothes/blankets that have a special meaning 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, old decorating projects or among old clothes you no longer wear. Please do not go to a lot of trouble. If you do not have a piece of fabric suitable, just send back your good wish.
Collecting 100 squares may be a challenge, if each friend and family member is able to contribute that will help me accomplish this quilt. Just do not forget to add your good wishes. The wish should be short and sweet. Please write a short wish on the paper I’ve provided. Good wishes may include a short poem, Bible verse, favorite saying or quote, advice, memory, etc.
Good wish examples (silly is okay):
May you dance under the stars..
May you always have shelter..
May you have an abundance of hugs and kisses..
May you pass your driver’s test on the first try..
May your big cousins always watch out after you..
May you smile….
May you laugh ….
The good wishes and a swatch of your fabric will be incorporated into a special “Good Wishes” memory book. I plan to use a photo of her completed 100 Good Wishes Quilt as part of her adoption announcement when she comes home.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and your wishes for my future child. Jo, my sister, and I are hoping to travel to China in the late fall of 2007 to complete my adoption. I was DTC (dossier/paperwork to China) in April 2006!!! Very exciting milestone!!! My referral for my beautiful child should arrive about 6 weeks before we travel. I’m very delighted to be adding to my family. I feel blessed to share my journey with you.
Love,
Jacqueline
